San Marcos – 512.312.7060
San Antonio – 210.714.0040
Victoria – 361.238.4255
Signs Your Shingle Roof Needs Replacing
Depending on the material used, high-quality shingle roofs should last between 12-20 years at a minimum and 50-75 years if you’re using metal shingles. However, whether there’s storm damage, mold, or other risk factors involved, the longevity of your shingles can be compromised. Here, we’re going to look at five of the most common signs that your roof needs to be replaced. Faulty or worn shingles are going to be a prime opportunity for leaks, as well as sky-high heating and air conditioner bills, so the sooner you get them fixed, the better.
Missing shingles
The most obvious sign that you are in need of a replacement is when your shingles are missing from the roof entirely or broken and missing segments. This is one of the most common forms of roof storm damage. Even one shingle can be a significant liability as far as the safety of the home is concerned. One missing or partially missing shingle can allow in a lot of rainwater and cause significant interior leaks that may force you to replace ceilings and HVAC components that can be easily damaged by moisture. Missing shingles in the roof valley can be especially bad for the home and should be acted on immediately. This is where snow and rain flow through into gutters, so missing shingles here maximizes the risk of leaks to the inside.
Bald spots and granules in the gutter
Missing granules are often a sign of either poorly designed valley drainage and badly placed downspouts or of heavy roof storm damage. One way to spot missing granules is that patches of your roof or individual shingles have started to discolor. However, this can be a sign of other issues like mold. The best way to confirm is to check your gutters instead. Shingle granules in your gutters are a sure sign that you’re in need of a replacement unless it’s a brand-new roof (in which case it’s natural there will be some in there). The granules will have an appearance much like the shingles themselves, and they tend to line the bottom of the guttering fairly evenly.
Curling shingles
There are two ways that shingles can curl. Cupping is the term used to describe shingles that are starting to curl up at the corners. Clawing happens when the edges stay flat, but the middle of the shingles are starting to rise. Both are signs of wear, most often due to heat damage, and both leave your home susceptible. Wind and rain can get in under the raised segments. Besides allowing for leaks, it can make it much easier for a storm to cause roof damage, ripping shingles away. It also serves as another sign that your roof is simply past its best days and naturally due for a replacement.
Damaged flashings
Flashings are a core component of the roof. They are a thin metal sheeting that provides a water membrane to protect the roof from any moisture that seeps through. They also a great deal to protect flat roofs from storm damage, stopping the wind from driving the rain through the gaps and underneath the surface. They can be found around skylights, chimneys, valleys, eaves, wall details, and stacks. They are, however, susceptible to lifting and losing their caulking, allowing water to seep into the open space underneath. They expose the very elements of the roof that they are supposed to protect. If you have damaged flashings, you are even more likely to have more unseen damage.
Your decking is compromised
If you notice any of the signs above, then you should also check your decking to see how far any leaks have managed to penetrate. Even if you don’t notice those signs, however, you should climb up onto the roof or into the attic and check. Some roof issues are hard to spot, especially on larger roofs. If the decking is compromised, that’s a sure-fire sign that you have a leak. If you get a spongy feel or a slight bounciness from the roof, whether outside or inside, then there’s a good chance that decking within has been weakened by moisture. This moisture is most likely from compromised shingles. You can check the insulation for moisture to double-check and confirm.
If you’ve spotted any of the signs above, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a roofing contractor sooner rather than later. ARP Roofing & Remodeling provides roofing services throughout Texas, providing you with the peace of mind you need, and making your home safe and secure again.
SAN MARCOS
Address: 120 East Hopkins Street Ste 204, San Marcos Texas 78666
San Marcos Information ->
San Marcos – 512.312.7060
Helotes / San Antonio
Address: 12030 Bandera Rd Ste 108K, Helotes, TX 78023
Helotes / San Antonio Information
San Antonio – 210.714.0040
VICTORIA
Address: 5606 N Navarro St #200, Victoria, TX 77904
Victoria Information ->
Victoria – 361.238.4255
