Do I Need A New Roof?

How do I know I need a new roof? is a question most home owners ask us. Here are some basic signs of an aging roof in need of replacement.

Ceiling Spots
Caused by leaks in roof. Check attic or crawl space for leaks in deck. Check chimney and vents for cracks in flashing. Check rafters for leaks that travel away from original source. Check eaves for water backing up from ice dams. Check roof for damaged shingles.

Damaged Flashing
Caused by improper installation (on the roof). Caused by drying and cracking (on old roof).

Missing Shingles
Caused by improper fastening. Caused by exposure to high winds. Can usually be replaced individually.

Buckling & Curling
Caused by improperly applied felt (buckling). Caused by movement in deck (buckling). Caused by under saturation of asphalt felt (curling).

Blistering
Caused by application over wet deck. Caused by moisture in shingle.

Algae Growth
Caused by growth of air-borne algae deposited on roof. Appearance problem that does not affect the service life of the roofing material. Occurs most often in warm, humid climates such as the southeast (where algae-resistant shingles are available).

Missing Granules
Normally a certain number of granules will be loose, especially after application. On aging shingles, this indicates a need for replacement.

Rotting
Caused by absorption of moisture by mat at core of the shingle. Common problem with organic-based shingles.