5 Easy-To-See Indicators To Help You Determine If You Need A Roof Replacement Or A Simple Roof Repair

5 Easy-To-See Indicators To Help You Determine If You Need A Roof Replacement Or A Simple Roof Repair

When roof problems arise, it’s not always easy to know whether a simple repair is adequate or if a full roof replacement is more appropriate. The trick is knowing what to look for and working with a trusted roofing contractor who can help you decide which route to take.

Signs Your Roof May Need to be Replaced

Roof replacement is necessary when the following problems are evident.

  1. A Sagging Roofline

A sagging roofline is one of the telltale signs that you need a new roof. If you notice curving, drooping, or visible sagging, there’s likely a structural issue below the shingles. While a broken rafter could cause sagging, it can also be caused by a buildup of moisture in the roof deck and potential wood rot. 

It’s essential to fix the problem before it gets worse. Left alone, a sagging roof can lead to a partial or complete cave-in as it continues to get weaker. Your roofing contractor will need to replace the shingles and the roof deck.

A good way to spot a sagging roof is to stand back from your house and look at the roofline from different angles. Your roofline should be straight and strong, so signs of sagging should be easily noticeable when it occurs.

  1. Curling or Buckling of Shingles

Another easy-to-see indicator for replacement is the condition of the shingles. Asphalt roofing shingles show various signs when they’re seriously damaged, deteriorating, or beyond their sell-by date. You can observe obvious signs of shingle damage from the ground if you have a sloped roof.

Some of the common forms of shingle damage include curling and buckling shingles. Curling is when the edges of the shingle peel away from the courses below them and “curl” up, making the center of the shingles look like it is sinking. This can be caused by poor-quality material, improper installation, or normal wear and tear. 

Buckling occurs when a shingle is raised in the middle. It can be the result of poor attic ventilation, lack of insulation, or improper installation.

When shingles start to curl or buckle, they no longer perform well and can cause further damage. A full roof replacement may be required for extensive curling or buckling.

  1. Significant Areas of Moss or Algae Growth

Moss and algae are plantlike organisms that will appear in areas of high moisture content. Roof shingles with dark stains and streaks may appear to be covered in dirt, mold, or debris, but this is actually blue-green algae. Moss can be identified by its green color and the fact that it grows on areas of the roof that don’t get much sunlight.

Moss and algae growth can be more than a cosmetic concern. When it rains, they absorb moisture like a sponge and hold it against the surface of your roof. This can cause the shingles to break down and eventually rot completely. It can also lead to water seeping into the layers under the shingles, causing leaks, water damage, and mold growth.

Your roof may need to be replaced if the shingles have deteriorated or the structures are moisture-sodden.

  1. Large Areas of Wet Surfaces in the Attic

Using a flashlight, inspect your attic for signs of water damage. A leak can go undetected until it appears on the ceiling or walls. However, the damage might be more severe at that point than superficial drywall damage. Several structural elements, such as wood framing, roofing insulation, roof decking, and trusses, might be damaged by moisture infiltration. 

Any signs of leaks, water stains, or damp rafters could indicate a possible underlayment problem. The solution may be a new roof.

  1. Deterioration Around the Edges

The corners and edges of the roof are susceptible to damage from high winds and ice dams. 

Over time, repetitive blowing causes the shingles to lift, curl, and pull away from the roof. The process can continue until the underlayment is exposed and the edges of your shingles allow water through. 

What’s more, rain, wind, and ice dams can erode the edges of the shingles away, causing them to deteriorate. Extensive damage to the perimeter and corners of your roof might necessitate roof replacement. 

When to Get a Roof Repair

If your roof is in relatively good shape and has experienced only minor damage, a full roof replacement might be a costly, unnecessary expense. A shingle roof is designed to last for 15 to 20 years and withstand inclement weather. 

When roof damage is localized, a roofing contractor can usually fix it. If, for instance, a leak is confined to a small area and hasn’t caused damage to the rafters and joists, a simple repair may suffice. Damaged, missing, or torn shingles can also be replaced with new ones easily. 

Roof repair can be an economical way to address minor problems.

Schedule Your Roof Inspection Today!

Still not sure whether you should replace your roof or repair it? You can rely on the Boise roofing experts at Point Roofing to inspect your roof, identify its true condition, and determine the best course of action. We do our job right the first time so you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection.

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