Signs You Need A New Roof

Shingles Are Visibly Worn

This applies specifically to asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are covered in tiny granules that work to keep the moisture out of your roofing structure and therefore your house. They also keep excess heat out of your home. Without these granules, your roof is at risk of becoming damaged and the extra heat being let into your home will cause the interior temperature to rise, costing you more money in cooling your home. If you look up at your roof and notice what appears to be bald spots where the granules are missing or completely gone, you likely need some kind of roofing repair. Without the granules, the asphalt of the shingles will soon dry out and crack, which could cause more issues.

Shingles Are Cupped Or Curled

As unpleasant as cupped or curled shingles are to the eye, more importantly is the resulting damage they can allow to happen to your home. As the shingles cup and curl, they will allow wind-driven moisture to easily find its way under the shingles and onto the roof deck which can quickly lead to leaks and rot, ultimately causing water damage to other parts of your home.

Shingles Are Cracked

Similar to how cupped and curled shingles allow moisture to reach the roof deck, shingles that are cracked will also me much less of a barrier. Because your roof deck is made of wood, even a little moisture trapped there can cause serious damages.

Your Neighbor Is Getting A New Roof

No, you shouldn’t get a new roof just to be trendy. Especially in modern subdivisions and suburbs, houses in the same neighborhood, especially if they are right next to each other, were likely built around the same time. That means the roofs have had the same climate, weather events, and general wear. There are other variables, but if you see your neighbor getting a new roof, it’s time to start checking yours.

You’re Experiencing Leaks

This should fall in that “obvious” category. A leak means moisture is getting, which it shouldn’t if your roof is intact and in good condition. While a leak can definitely indicate a problem, it won’t tell you which component of the roofing structure is damaged or how extensive the damage is. But it’s definitely time for an inspection.

You’re Roof Has Experienced Major Damage

This is another one of those obvious signs your roof needs repairs. If you can see the sky through your ceiling or there’s a tree making its way into your home through the roof, clearly repairs are needed. A good rule of thumb is that if more than 35% of your roof needs repairs and the roofing is more than 12 years old, you should invest in completely re-roofing your home, rather than just patching the damaged area.

Your Roof Looks Bad

It’s okay to admit that you want your house to look good from the outside. That’s the goal of every homeowner – to have a house they are proud of and that reflects them. A huge part of your house’s aesthetic is the roof. If the roof is looking to be in bad shape or the overall appearance of your home would be improved with a little face lift, you can increase the equity of your home by investing in a new roof. You will also get the added benefit of knowing your roof shouldn’t have any problems for several years.

New Layer Of Shingles

One of the first things many homeowners think of when they know their roof needs work is replacing the roofing material or shingles. The first thing to note is that universal building code only allows for two layers of shingles. This allows homeowners to simply shingle over the one existing layer, should then need to. So, if you know your roof already has the two layers of shingles, you will likely need to start fresh. Along with that, if there’s damage to the roof deck, you’ll have to have more significant repairs done. This will be indicated by soft spots, sagging, or significant leaks. Another reason a new layer of shingles wouldn’t be a possibility is if the flashing around the chimney, dormers, or upper story is loose. This loose flashing would allow in leaks so adding a new layer of shingles won’t be the right long-term solution.

Another reason to avoid shingling over an existing layer is if that first layer consists of dimensional shingles that have a high profile. In this case, adding a layer on top of it will just look lumpy and unappealing. You also have to take into account the combined weight of a second layer of shingles with the first. If the combined weight will be too heavy for the roofing structure, an additional layer of shingles is out of the question. As you consider the combined weight, keep in mind the weight of precipitation in your area and the slope of your roof. A flat roof will allow any precipitation to build up and anywhere with heavy snowfall has to deal with the added seasonal weight.

Roof Deck Repair

To start out with, you need to know what the roof deck is and the purpose it serves in the roofing structure. The roof deck is a layer of plywood or OSB that’s nailed directly to the trusses or rafters of your home. Typically these sheets of plywood are approximately 7/16” thick and measure 4’x8’. Your roof deck is what shingles and roofing material is directly attached to.

Before it’s decided that your roof deck or a portion of your roof deck needs repairs or replacement, a roof inspector should walk your roof to feel for any areas that are spongy or flexing. This would indicate rot and damage to the roof deck. During the roof walk, they should also look for areas where nails are pulling out. This tells them the wooden deck is soft, likely from water damage, and won’t hold the nails required to attach the roofing materials.

Finally, the roof inspector should check the underside of the deck from your attic. They will be looking for areas with damage and staining, along with checking for mold and areas that have rotted. If any of this is found, it’s likely caused by an issue with improper ventilation in your attic. Without the right roofing ventilation, heat and moisture can’t escape and will cause damages eventually.

With the underlayment comes the option of adding a moisture and ice barrier known as Ice and Water. Because a great deal of water moves through and over the valleys where roof sections come together, these should be lined to protect the structure from that moisture. An Ice and Water barrier will cover the valleys by 12 to 16 inches. If you live in a climate that regularly reaches freezing temperatures, many roofers will include a layer of Ice and Water at the eaves to help prevent ice dams.

As an added protection in the underlayment layer, a starter strip of shingles to defend against wind-blown moisture and ice dams. This layer will depend on your contractor whether it’s installed or not. You should communicate with your roofing contractor whether or not this will be included in your roofing repairs and replacement.

Roofing Material Options Overview

Asphalt Shingles

These are shingles made of fiberglass-reinforced asphalt. There are tons of varieties in style and the price also ranges, though it’s typically the least expensive option. These are the most commonly used and we’ll touch on them later.

Metal Roofing

Prized for their durability and the modern aesthetic, metal roofing is the second most popular choice for roofing materials. Because it’s so widely used, second only to asphalt shingles, we’ll also touch on these
further.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

These are a classic roofing material. They provide a timeless aesthetic, yet are becoming more and more unique. They are often beloved for their natural beauty, though we start to see the price per square foot rise as we move away from asphalt and metal.

Clay, Cement, and Fiber Cement Tiles

If you’ve ever visited Las Vegas, you have seen miles of tiles. They are exceptionally popular in warmer

climates, although their cost sits comfortably higher than asphalt. Both lightweight and durable, these can provide you with a fun, Spanish Mediterranean aesthetic while also being a good choice for the long-term.

Single-Ply and Built-Up Roofing

If you have a home with a low-slope or flat roof, you know it comes with a few challenges, namely that water can sit on top and weight can quickly build up. Along with the added weight, the sitting water can cause water damage quickly. So, for those low-slope and flat-roofed houses, a single-ply or built-up roofing option is the best choice.

Plastic and Composite Shingles

While these mimic the look of wood shingles and shakes, they are far more durable and longer-lasting than the traditional wooden variety. However, they cost more per square foot, coming in as the second most expensive option. The cost is counterbalanced with their longevity, however, making them a more luxurious option and a stronger investment. They are also less of a fire hazard.

Natural Slate

If you want to only ever have to repair your roof once and also have the money to spend, natural slate is your best bet. These are estimated to last at least 100 years but can cost thousands of dollars for even small sections. It is the Rolls Royce of roofing material, and because of that, only holds about 1% of the market.

Metal Roofing

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Of your metal options, this is the more expensive. It has an iconic look that can be easily identified and is typically made from either steel or aluminum. It looks like a sheet of metal plus a standing seam that allows any precipitation to fall off the roofing panel easily.

Metal Shingles, Shakes, and Tiles

These days, metal can be and is stamped to look more like traditional shingles, shakes, and tiles. It provides the aesthetic, while also giving your home the protection and durability of metal. It’s also a longer-lasting material than asphalt shingles.

Hiring A Roofing Contractor

Minimum Qualifications

As with any industry, there are certain minimum requirements that a roofing contractor should meet. First, they should have the proper business licensing, bonds, and insurance. This assures you they have the minimal knowledge required to roof your home. The insurance also protects you from liability if they have a fall during the roofing process.

Experience is next. Having at least a little experience is better than nothing, but the more experience a roof has, the more assurance you have that the job will be done well and in a way that will last.