As a Nashville homeowner you probably spend a lot of time thinking about the appearance and maintenance of the parts of your home that are within easy reach, but when was the last time you had a look at your roof? It’s easy to take this area of your home for granted when it’s giving you proper shelter, but don’t wait for it to fail before you pay attention to it!
Watch for these seven signs that it’s time to get a new roof so you can act before it’s too late.
#1: Your Roof is Old
Most roofs are meant to last 20-30 years. If your roof is old enough to graduate college, it’s time to consider replacing it before major issues arise. Start by looking for signs of wear and tear and call a professional if you see anything amiss.
#2: Moss or Algae Are Taking Over
Moss, algae, and lichen can all be found growing on shingles, and while they don’t threaten your roof’s integrity in any way, many homeowners dislike their appearance on their home. But while it might seem that a good power washing will take care of the problem, this method can actually damage your shingles more than the moss ever will. Replacing your roof with algae-resistant shingles is the best way to get and keep a clean-looking roof for years to come.
#3: Shingles Are Curled or Cracked
Shingles are meant to take a beating from the elements, but they do break down eventually. You may see shingles whose edges curl up on the sides or shingles that are buckling and drawn up in the middle. Worn out shingles may also have large cracks due to weather damage. All of these are signs that your roof needs some repairs before leaks begin to form. You may just need a few shingles replaced here and there, or there could be a structural issue requiring a whole new roof. A professional roofer can help you determine your roofing needs.
#4: Shingles Are Missing
An occasional missing shingle is an easy fix, but if you have large empty spots it’s probably best to replace the whole roof. This prevents further repairs and gives your roof a brand new, uniformed look you won’t get by pairing new shingles with old, discolored ones.
#5: Gutters Are Collecting Granules
The next time you clean out your gutters, check for large amounts of shingle granules. Even new shingles lose some granules, but if you’re seeing a lot more than usual and your roof is more than a decade old, it’s a sign that your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan. Losing those granules exposes the shingles to more sun and weather and accelerates deterioration. This is a sign to start considering a new roof.
#6: Light Comes Through Your Roof
If you can see sunlight coming through your roof slats, it’s time to call the professionals. If light is getting in, then so is rain, cold air, and snow. Check the inside of your roof and its insulation for moisture and water stains. Look for changes in these spots during or after rainfall, as this will indicate an active leak. Luckily small leaks can be patched, but there could be more extensive damage also. Either way, you’ll want a professional roofer to look at it.
#7: Your Roof Sags
If you have any visible signs of sagging–large or small–you have an immediate structural problem with your roof. There are multiple causes of sagging, none of which should wait long to be addressed. The last thing you want is a major leak or even a roof collapse. Call your local Siding King roofers today if you have any concerns about the state of your roof.
Time for a new roof on your Nashville home? Need a patch or repair? Contact Siding King today for a free quote and information about our selection of CertainTeed Roofing products.
