Signs You Need A New Roof
Is your roof starting to get a little worn, but still not sure if you need a new roof? Most people only start to think about getting a new roof when it starts to spring a leak, but you could save yourself a lot of money and headache if you act proactively, instead of reactively, about getting a new roof. All the best roofing companies in Nova Scotia will know how to spot the various signs of a damaged and deteriorating roof, but it can be tricky for homeowners to identify potential problems themselves. That is why we put together a list of things to look out for if you are wondering if you need a new roof in Nova Scotia.
- Curling
- One of the most commonly known indicators of when to get a new roof is when the shingles on the roof begin to curl. Look at the parts of the roof that receives the most sunlight and see if the shingles are starting to curl up at the corners, or warp out of shape in the middle of the shingle. There is a common misconception that curling is the only thing to look to see if your roof is at the end of its life. There are many other indicators to take into account when deciding if you need a new roof.
- Cracking
- Cracking shingles is another tell-tale sign that you may need a new roof. Cracking can happen from either wind damage or from improper roof ventilation. With some roofing products, cracking is much more likely to occur before the roof ever starts to curl. If the shingles are cracking in a single isolated area (maybe an area of the roof that is more exposed to the elements), then your roof might be fine with just a repair (and using proper ventilation) however if the cracking is occurring in random areas all over the roof, that could be a sign you need a new roof.
- Moss
- Often when homeowners see moss or algae starting to appear on a roof, they want to get it replaced for cosmetic reasons.Plants aren’t supposed to be on the roof, right? But in fact, moss on the roof can indicate a deeper problem than just cosmetic. If there is moss, that may mean that there is moisture being trapped against the roof, which can be very damaging. However, whatever you do, do not try to remove moss yourself, as you may end up chipping off granules from the shingles, and causing more damage to your roof.
- Missing shingles
- Another clear sign that your roof may be at the end of its life is when you start to notice missing shingles. It will often occur after a large storm, or heavy winds. If your roof is just missing one or two shingles, you may be able to get by with just a repair (although, it may be difficult to get shingle in the exact same colour). If your roof is continuously losing shingles then it may be time to get the whole roof replaced as the previous roofing company likely used the wrong setting on their compression nail guns, or did not nail according to the manufacturers\’ instructions.
- Shingle granules in the gutters
- If your roof is 5-10 years old or older, and you start to notice granules in your gutters, then it might be the right time to start considering a new roof. Granules are the graded particles of crushed rock, slate, slag, porcelain, or tile, used as surfacing on asphalt roofing shingles. They are there to protect the asphalt from the sun, so once they start to fall off, your shingles will start to heat up and deteriorate.
- Age of Roof
- Even if your roof is still looking great from the ground, there still may some hidden problems with your roof if it is approaching it’s 20th birthday. Most asphalt shingles only last 15-20 years (depending on the product), so when it approaching that age, it is best to have a certified roofing company to come by and do an inspection.
- The entire roof is sagging
- This is when you should start to worry. If you notice that your roof is sagging in the middle, that could be an indication of a structural issue. Although your roof may not be in immediate danger, it will be much easier to fix if it is dealt with early on. If you notice any sagging in your roof immediately call a roofing company to come for an inspection.
Now you know the signs to watch out for if you need a roofing company in Halifax to come repair your roof or for when you need a new roof. The best way to know if you need a new roof however, is by calling a roofing company to come by and do an inspection. Most roofing companies in Halifax will offer a free quote, and will let you know roughly how much life your roof still has, so if you notice any of these signs on your roof, call a roofing company today!
