Your roof is one of the main components of your home that keeps your interior comfortable and protects you from the elements. Without a properly functioning roof, you and your home can become exposed to inclement weather and structural damage. Everyone needs a solid roof over their head. When you notice leaks and damages, you may start to feel some dread thinking about the money you have to spend on a replacement.
Fortunately, you may not have to replace your roof entirely. It may just need some simple repairs. The earlier you catch these minor issues, the less likely you are to need a full repair in the future. To help you determine what your next step should be, let’s review how to tell if you need to repair or replace your roof.
Signs You Need To Replace Your Roof
Most Shingles Are Missing or Damaged
No matter what kind of shingles you have, these tiles are meant to protect your roof from water, snow, and heat. Think of shingles like a shield but for your roof. Over time, it’s natural for a few shingles to fall off here and there, especially if you live in an area where stormy conditions are common. However, if a large number of shingles are missing or damaged, simply replacing them may be putting a bandage over a bigger problem. This is especially true if you notice your shingles are starting to cup or claw, as this is likely a sign of poor ventilation or improper installation.
Your Roof Is Old
Unfortunately, no matter how well you take care of your roof, it has an expiration date. The lifespan of your roof may vary depending on what kind of shingles you have, but most roofs need to be completely replaced every two to three decades. On the other hand, the lifespan of shingles can drastically decrease depending on your area’s climate. For example, most asphalt roofs can last up to 25 years, but in hot, rainy climates, this life expectancy can drop as low as 10 years. If your roof is past its prime, it’s best to get it replaced before serious structural damages start to crop up.
There Are Pieces of Shingles in the Yard
Finding a few shingles in your yard isn’t an immediate cause for concern, especially after a heavy storm. While you should replace these shingles as soon as possible, this type of damage doesn’t automatically mean you need to replace the entire roof. The problem comes about when you start to notice that more and more shingles are falling off, and pieces are regularly strewn about the roof and your yard. This could be a serious sign that your roofing base is damaged and may not have the strength required to keep your shingles in place. If a contractor determines that the roofing base is damaged, you’ll likely need a full replacement.
There’s Grit in the Gutters
The tiny granules on your roof shingles are mineral granules that help protect your shingles from excessive sun exposure that causes damage over time. It’s perfectly natural for this grit to fall off and collect in your gutters—you may even find some in your yard. If you start to notice an accumulation of grit, this is indicative of an eroded roof that needs repairs. You may be able to replace a few bald tiles, but excess grit likely means an old roof, and replacing only a few shingles won’t fix the overarching issue.
Signs You Need To Repair Your Roof
You Notice Leaks Around Pipes and Vents
You may notice that most modern roofs use materials like plastic, rubber, and tar to seal pipes and vents and make them waterproof. Your roof takes a beating from the sun, wind, rain, and snow it encounters every day. Over time, these elements are bound to degrade your roof, which can cause water to leak into cracks and seep under shingles. Fortunately, replacing things like pipe boots and rubber seals is relatively cheap and easy. It’s helpful to keep track of when you replace these parts so that you can always switch them out before water leaks through and damage occurs.
Some Shingles Are Damaged or Missing
Again, your roof is bound to see some wear and tear over its lifetime. If you notice a few shingles have flown off after a storm or a handful have started to blister or curl, this doesn’t automatically mean you need an entire roof replacement. Replacing a few missing shingles is relatively cheap, fast, and easy. However, keep in mind that your shingles are your roof’s first line of defense. A handful of missing shingles can lead to further damage if left unchecked, so don’t put off repairs just because you don’t believe the damages are an immediate problem.
You Want To Improve the Aesthetics of Your Roof
If you’re just looking to improve the overall aesthetics of your roof, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to do so. If some shingles look old or have dark algae streaks on them, you may just need to hire a cleaning service and replace a few shingles. However, in these instances, we recommend that you have a contractor assess the situation to ensure that any moss or plants growing between the shingles aren’t indicative of a more serious problem.
Your Roof Is Damaged but Still Relatively New
A relatively new roof can handle more of a beating than an older one, even if you have damaged flashing, leaks, cracked shingles, or dents. It’s also less likely that the damage is indicative of an underlying problem. For example, say you start to notice some grit in your gutters—as mentioned, this grit will fall off naturally over time. On an old roof, copious amounts of grit in your gutter is a serious indicator that you need a new roof. On a newer roof, noticing some grit is just a sign that these granules are doing their job and protecting your shingles against UV rays.
Work with a New Hampshire Roofing Company
Now that you know how to tell whether your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, let the professionals at Conde Roofing & Construction handle the rest. We offer a wide array of roof repair services, including gutter installation, snow and ice removal, replacement, and more. As a fully insured company, we can offer your peace of mind, high-quality craftsmanship, and competitive pricing—all under one roof!
