Sometimes the signs that your asphalt roof needs to be replaced are obvious, like a tree falling through it or a windstorm blowing off a large section of your shingles. However, there are more subtle signs that your roof is in need of replacement. Check out this guide to see some of the signs you may have missed!
Missing/Damaged Granules:
The first sign that you may need a new roof is granule loss. Shingles come with granules because they serve a couple of key purposes for the shingles themselves. The first is that they help reflect UV rays off of your roof, which in turn cools your home. They also offer an extra layer of fire resistance, which makes them particularly important in dry, arid climates. The last benefit is simply their aesthetic appeal, although this isn’t as important as the first two. While a moderate amount of granule loss is normal and nothing to be concerned about, if your shingles are mostly bare, you should seriously consider a roof replacement.
Curled Shingles
If you noticed that your shingles are curling up around their edges, this is a sign that you need to replace your roof. There are two potential issues with shingles that are curling away from your roof deck. The first is that water will seep underneath the shingles and damage the structural integrity of your roof. The second is that if there is a particularly bad windstorm, it could end up ripping the shingle off of your roof, and if they begin to lift off of your roof, it likely won’t be just a shingle or two.
Cracked Shingles
Cracked shingles are an issue for a similar reason as curled shingles. A cracked shingle will allow moisture into your roof deck, where it can create much more damage, such as rot or mold. If you notice that you have cracked shingles on your roof, they should be replaced as soon as possible, as they are even more likely to cause damage to your structure than curled shingles. If you ignore a few cracked shingles, you might turn what could have been a simple fix into a major problem.
Moss
Another issue your roof could face in a cooler climate like Massachusetts is moss growth. If your roof doesn’t get a lot of sunlight, you may find that moss grows on your roof, especially in between your shingles. This can be an issue because the moss will hold moisture against your roof, which could cause damage either to your roof deck, or to your shingles themselves if it freezes. While moss isn’t quite as pressing of an issue as cracked or curled shingles, it is still worth contacting your roofing professional about.
Have more questions about whether you need to replace your roof? Interested in getting a professional opinion? Call our team at (877) 289-6596 or fill out our online contact form for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!
