11 Signs That You Need a New Roof

You might think that if you have had no issues with your roof for many years, it doesn't need to be replaced. But that's not true. Depending on the type of roof you have, you may be coming up at the end of your roof life span.

A metal roof is one of the types of roofs with the most longevity. It can last for up to 50 years.

But, that doesn't mean that there aren't other problems with metal roofs that may trigger an earlier replacement. Metal roofs are more prone to rusting, which is both aesthetically displeasing and can end up causing you major issues.

If your roof is concrete or clay, it could hold up for between fifty and one hundred years. Slate roofs have the longest lifespan since they can last up to 175 years. But, not all roofs have such longevity. 

Roofs with wood shingles usually last for around 30 years, although depending on where you live and how well they're maintained, they can hold on for up to 50. Asphalt shingles will last a similar amount of time.

If you see other people in your neighborhood getting their roofs replaced, it might be time for you to jump on board. In some places, houses will be built in groups. So, if you're in one of those subdivisions, your neighbors making the investment in a roof replacement might be a sign that you should follow suit.

If you're planning on selling your home or may want to in the near future, replacing your roof can help your home's value.



This is a great way of making your home more competitive in the housing market. If you do plan to sell, you should always ask your real estate agent what they recommend to make your home as appealing as possible to buyers. Roof replacements might be one of those things, but there are many other possibilities.

Keep a close eye on your shingles to make sure there aren't any issues. Regularly look to ensure that your shingles are flat across your roof. If they're not, that's a red flag.

Cracked shingles in one particular area may be a sign that you need to keep a closer eye on conditions, but you will also likely need to replace that part of the roof. If the edges of your shingles begin curling, they might not be doing their job protecting your home anymore. They may also claw, where the edges stay intact, but the middle of the shingle begins to lift away from the roof.

You may also see dark marks on your Shingles. Sometimes this might be a sign of dust in your area, but it could also be an indicator of algae. You should also regularly inspect your gutters to see if your shingles are dropping granules. This is another red flag indicating that your roof should be replaced ASAP.

And, of course, if you have missing shingles on your roof, you at least need a roof repair. Once you find that shingles are disappearing more and more often, you might need an overall renovation of your roof.

Depending on where you live, the weather may be a major factor when it comes to your roof maintenance needs.

The harder the weather in your area is on your roof, the more likely a replacement will be necessary. When you're inspecting your roof, keep a particular eye on places where the roof terrain changes - for example, around your chimney.

It's easier for cracks to form in these areas when the weather gets bad, and you don't want water to leak into your home. 

If you see actual changes to the shape of your roof, either from the inside or outside, you'll want to call in the professionals ASAP. Drooping could be a sign that your roof is on the verge of collapse. Some of the internal structures of your roof may be rotting away.



If your entire roof is sagging, your problem might not be limited to that area. Your whole home could be affected. It could even be a foundation issue.

If you have a new home, it may be the case that the roof was installed poorly. Your shingles may be placed in a manner that puts more pressure on your roof, for example. 



This could also be true if you've recently gotten a roof replacement. The roofers may not have completed it properly. That's why it's always important to look for well-reviewed, experienced roofing companies who can answer any questions that you have and ensure that your roof is replaced successfully.

Roofs really do need to be properly maintained. Make sure that you clear out your Gutters and have them maintained every so often.

Gutters are important for redirecting water to areas that can handle it rather than to the interior of your home.

If at any point, you see gaps in your roof, you need to call in the professionals as soon as possible. Gaps mean that your roof no longer has structural integrity.



If you have an attic, turn the lights off and check for light coming through regularly.

Your roof might just not look its best anymore. It may look old and worn. Or, it may be patchy or uneven from years of repairs.

There's no shame in wanting your home to look its best.



You could also have moss or algae form on your roof. This is unlikely to cause problems for your home's physical integrity. But you might just not like how it looks.

You can clean it off, but it's likely to grow back quickly if you don't replace your roof with something less prone to plant growth. 

You may also see damage in the interior of your home. Your ceiling may begin to sag, for example. This can be an indication of a leak in your roof.



You won't want to touch the sagging area directly to find out, however. Instead, try using the end of a broomstick to poke the sagging area and see what the structural integrity is like.

You may also see dark streaks or other stains on your ceiling. This could also signal a leak, which could be coming from your roof.

Your roof could be missing parts that keep it structurally intact, even if you've owned your home for many years.

If you have a wide chimney, your roof needs to have a chimney wicket. A wide chimney will allow moisture puddles to form on your roof, which can eventually lead rot to form on your roof.

That's why you need a chimney wicket, to reroute the water and moisture so that it safely pours off your roof.

When your roof has areas where it intersects with a sidewall, your roof needs to have kick-out flashing to prevent any water from leaking into the wall and therefore into your home.

If you have sections of your gutters that are falling apart or missing, you'll need to get them replaced ASAP. You may need to get your roof replaced along with your gutters, depending on how bad the damage has been so far. 

You also need a gutter apron, if your roof has shingles. This prevents moisture from getting on the underside of your shingles, which can also cause parts of your roof to rot and break. 

Your roof has vents that need to be carefully maintained. If the housing on these vents is broken or missing, it can quickly lead to damage that will lead to you needing to replace your roof entirely.

If you need a new roof, there's no time to waste. Start putting together your budget and call for professional roofers in your area.

If you're looking for quality roofing services, TruChoice Roofing is your best bet. Contact us today to get a quote.