Protecting everything underneath it, your roof might be the most under-appreciated part of your home!
Here are 5 signs you may need a new roof:
1) Daylight Through the Roof Boards
One of the first places to check if you need a new roof is your attic. On a bright sunny day go into your attic and climb up under the eaves to look for beams of light coming through the roof boards. At most, there should be subtle glows of light at the eaves, the end of rafters near the floor. If you have a ridge vent, there could be a ray of light at the ridge, but nothing more.
Keep a flashlight handy and at the same time, check for stains or streaks that may be evidence of a leaky roof, bringing us to the next sign it’s time for a new roof…
2) Evidence of Moisture
Visible signs of moss, mold and/or fungi can indicate that moisture may be trapped in your roof. If you notice a spongy feel or bounciness when walking on the roof, the underlying decking may be weakened from moisture. Also check for moisture in the insulation in your attic.
Once water seeps beneath your roof’s shingles, it can quickly end up inside your home causing property damage and even health problems. If you see signs of moisture inside your home, including water damage on the ceiling, peeling paint or molding, or rotted framing, you should contact an expert right away to discuss options for repair or replacement of your roof.
3) Shingles Worn & Torn
Worn shingles not only detract from the aesthetic of your home, but they may be a sign that your roof is no longer doing its job.
While shingles still may be keeping moisture out, a lack of reflective granules on the shingles allows excess heat into your home, raising the temperature inside your house and increasing your air conditioning costs. Inconsistent or darker color on some parts of the roof is another sign that reflective granules have worn away. If you’re continually finding shingle granules in your gutter, that’s further evidence your roof is declining. Roofs tend to lose more granules toward the end of their life cycle.
Shingles should lie flat against the roof. Shingles that are curled or buckling are another sign that you may need a new roof.
Once the underlying asphalt is exposed, it will soon dry out and crack, making your roof susceptible to rain.
4) Your Roof is Aging
If your roof is over the age of 20 years, your roof likely is approaching the last stages of its life. This assumes the old roof was removed and you only have one layer of shingles, and that it was properly ventilated.
If your existing roof was installed over another layer or several layers of roofing and it’s older than 15 years, chances are you need a new roof.
5) Your Curb Appeal is Suffering
Are several of your neighbors getting new roofs? This is another sign it may be time for a roof replacement as typically, your neighbors’ roofs were installed around the same time as yours. They also experience similar weather patterns and there’s a good chance the same installers have worked on your homes. This isn’t just about keeping up with The Jones’s; cosmetics matter when it comes time to put your house on the market or just being able to enjoy your home for years to come.
Your roofing project is far too important to trust to anyone who is not committed to and experienced in residential design services. A high-quality roofing replacement will enhance your quality of life and save you money over the lifetime of your home!
With over 30 years of experience in residential remodeling, our team is expert at helping clients choose the right roofing systems to fit their aesthetic, functional, and budget needs. We use high quality roofing materials, including CertainTeed® architectural shingles, which are composed of a heavy fiber glass mat base and ceramic-coated mineral granules tightly embedded in water-resistant asphalt.
Call us today at 703-255-9861 to learn more about our Roofing and Home Remodeling Services in Northern Virginia.
