How Do You Know When To Replace Your Roof?

Is your home 15-25 years old or older?  Do you know what type of shingles you have?  Do you know if the roof has ever been look at or inspected for wear? Do you know if it was ever replaced?  15 – 20 years was generally the lifespan of most roofing materials that were put on homes throughout the 80′s and 90′s and many of those homes are now well within the danger zone of their roof failing.

Your roof will give you many warning signs usually before it begins leaking and causing damage to your structure and the contents inside.  But it’s up to you, or a professional roofing contractor to be able to recognize those signs before it’s too late.

Buckling Of Your Roof Decking

If your roof doesn’t look very flat and even then we have a serious problem.  You shouldn’t see dips or areas that appear to be “dented” or “buckled” in.  If you see large areas affected then you may have a problem with not only the roof, but the decking below as well, often this is the result of a leak that has gone unchecked for a long time and caused rot and structural damage to the decking below.

Missing or Damaged Flashing

This is a common problem with roofing contractors who try and save time by cutting corners.  The flashing on your roof works to prevent water intrusion near joints and valleys in your roof, like around your chimney for example or along the outside of a dormer or a skylight.  If flashing is improperly installed or missing entirely water can easily get inside your structure and cause damage that will go unnoticed for months, perhaps years resulting in roof rot.

The flashing reinforces weak areas on your roof like where the chimney sticks out or where two parts of the roof meet in a valley. These areas are notorious for causing leaks especially if they were not properly installed. Check that the flashing on your roof looks even and lays flat. Any areas where there is a tear or buckle can allow water to enter your house.

Stains and Algae Growth

Algae growth is common on roofs throughout Minnesota, especially if it’s in a shaded area.  Moss and algae is not always the danger sign some roofers make it out to be.  Is it good?  No.  Does it eat your roof?   Not for a long time.  It eats the organic material in your roofing materials and this process takes many, many, many years.  If the algae and moss on your roof is a foot thick then you probably need a new one, unless the moss is working just fine.  If you have a new home (say 3-5 years old) and you notice algae growth on your roof, and dark stains, don’t panic.  You can hire someone local to do what is called a “softwash” on your roof.  It will look pretty much brand new again.

Missing Shingles From Your Roof

First off… A roof in Minnesota that is missing shingles was most likely poorly installed to begin with.  With an experienced installer and a hurricane nail pattern (6 nails vs 4 per shingle) there isn’t a windstorm in Minnesota that should be able to lift those shingles.  If you are missing a few shingles it’s not an immediate sign that your roof needs replacement but you do need to fix those shingles and we offer roof repair services if you want to do that.

Water Damage On Your Ceiling

This is generally an obvious sign your roof is leaking.  In order to find the source of the leak someone will need to climb into your attic and inspect the underside of the roof, including all of the beams.  The wood that has been affected will usually be darker stained than the rest of the wood.  If the damage isn’t severe you might be able to easily locate the leak and have it repaired.  If the damage is extensive, or you find several areas that are leaking then it’s time for a roofing inspection and likely a replacement.

Asphalt Shingle Granule Loss

Considering most homes have an asphalt shingle roof, this a very common roofing issue and an early warning sign you might have a problem.  If you see a large buildup of roofing granules (looks like sand) in your gutter and drainage system then it’s a sign that your roof is wearing down.  A small amount (like a handful) of granule loss over a season is normal, but a bucket full or the need to constantly scoop sand out of your gutters is not.  You need to have that looked at.

Roofing Experts in Ham Lake, Minnesota

ThunderStruck Restorations LLC, based out of Ham Lake, Minnesota is a licensed and insured roofing contractor specializing in all aspects of residential roofing.  From roofing inspections, to roofing repairs, to complete roof replacement the team at ThunderStruck Restorations can help you.  If you think the roof on your Minnesota home needs a little help then give us a call today.