8 Signs You Need a New Roof for Your Raleigh Home

Discover the 8 Most Important Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Roof

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your house. It protects the rest of the home from water damage and exposure to the elements outside. Over time, however, your roof will begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear. It is easy to take your roof for granted until there is a major problem.

Sometimes you know from specific events that you need a new roof. Maybe some shingles have fallen off. Maybe you have a leaky roof. Maybe your roof is sagging. These are all telltale indications that your roof is compromised. But, it isn’t always this easy to determine if the roof on your Raleigh home needs a roof replacement or simply a roof repair. 

Many times your roof can naturally come to the end of its useful life without ever experiencing a roof failure or major damage from a storm. You may notice that the roof just looks old and worn even when you are routinely maintaining it. At Emerald Roofing, our business is nothing but roofs so we know when a roof needs to be replaced or repaired. In this article, to help you know whether you have a serious roof issue or not, we present 8 warning signs that your roof may need to be replaced.

1. The Roof is More than 20 Years Old

If your shingles roof is more than 20 years old, it is likely that you have gotten the use out of it and need to start thinking about a roof replacement. Typical asphalt shingles have lifespans of 20 to 25 years. If the shingles were installed on top of an existing layer of shingles, then they may not last as long. Twenty years is about the typical lifespan for these kinds of applications. Most of the time, you can start planning for a new roof anywhere from 20 to 25 years.

2. Shingles are Curling and Buckling

When you notice that shingles are curling or buckling, this is a clear sign that you need a new roof. Curling and buckling shingles mean that they are not properly attached and have more than likely already sustained damage. The curved surface of a shingle can be caught by a strong wind and cause further damage in the next storm. Sometimes a qualified roof repair company, like Emerald Roofing, can replace specific shingles, but it may indicate a larger problem with the roof.

3. Water Damage in the Upstairs or Attic 

If you see signs of moisture or water coming into the house from the roof, you probably have a damaged, leaking roof. You are the first line of defense when spotting roof damage but this repair requires a professional roofer. Contact a reputable roofing company to provide a roof inspection and assessment of the damage to determine whether you need a replacement or repair.

4. The Roof is Sagging

If you see that the roof on your Raleigh home is sagging, it is a sure sign that the structure of the roof is compromised and the roof needs to be replaced. Sagging usually occurs because trapped moisture has rotted away boards under the roof. There is no question that a drooping roof needs to be replaced to prevent further and extensive damage from occurring in your home. To see a sagging roof, stand back from the house and look at it from different angles. A home’s roof should appear straight along the lines so, if yours doesn’t, you have a problem.

5. Moss, Mold, or Fungi Cover the Roof

Moss can be a cosmetic issue, but it can hold moisture against the roof surface and can cause damage to the granules on top of the shingles over time. Roof surfaces that don’t get much sunlight, in particular in cool and moist climates, can grow moss and mold. Even if you brush it off it will grow back. Dark streaks on the roof indicate algae growth that may be compromising the roof so that it isn’t protecting your home properly. You should contact a professional roof contractor to suggest remedying a moss, mold, or fungi problem.

6. Pieces of Shingles in the Yard

After heavy rain, look for storm damage on your roof and pay attention to broken shingles. Instead of full shingles, you may find pieces of shingles that have broken off and fallen in your yard. For a roof that is deteriorating, it is typical to see chunks of shingles in the yard. If you notice small pieces of shingles in your yard after a windstorm, you should contact a professional roofer to take a closer look.

7. The Flashing Around the Chimney or Vents is Damaged or Missing

Flashing is the metal that is used to seal your roof around chimneys and vents. If the flashing is damaged or missing, it can cause water to leak into your house, making it very important to get the damaged flashing repaired as soon as possible by a professional roofing company. If the flashing cannot be repaired, it will be necessary to replace the roof.

8.  Missing Shingles or Granules

When you can see shingles or granules in your yard or just missing from the roof shingles, you have a compromised roof that isn’t protecting your house. You may be able to replace a few shingles; however, if the damage is widespread or the locations are significant, you may need a roof replacement.

Contact Our Professional Roofing Experts at Emerald Roofing Today

If you see any of the 8 signs in this article on your residential roof, contact our professional and experienced team at Emerald Roofing. We can look closely at the shape of your roof and recommend whether a roof repair or a roof replacement is needed and provide a free estimate. We provide roofing services in Apex, Cary, Wake Forest, Chapel Hill, Garner, Knightdale, Fuquay-Varina, Wendell, Zebulon, and Morrisville. Call us at 919-746-4771 or complete the contact form below to get the ball rolling today.