The bulk majority of homes in the United States have asphalt-shingled roofs. If this is the type of roof your home has on it, would you know when it needs to be replaced? Do you know what to look for? Most homeowners do not. Keep reading to learn a few signs that will alert you that your roof requires replacement.
Hail Damage
If you live in an area that receives a lot of storms, then hail damage is likely a primary reason why your roof may need to be replaced. The extent of the damage will determine whether repairs can take care of the problem or if a full replacement is necessary. Keep in mind that insurance companies will want to do whatever is cheapest for them instead of what is best for you and your home, so it is important to have a roofing contractor at your home when the adjuster comes out. In many cases, this can help ensure that all damages are uncovered and paid for with minimal hassle.
Cracked and Brittle Shingles
When a roofing contractor inspects a roof, he or she will consider how brittle a shingle is. When shingles are excessively brittle and are severely cracked, they are often unable to be repaired, and here's why. In many cases, once the repair process begins, other shingles will become damages as well. When this happens, what started out as a small patch grows into a much larger area that must be repaired. This is why a replacement is generally necessary.
Curled Shingles
As shingles age, especially the three-tab shingles, they can start to curl. This tends to be a sign of inadequate ventilation in the attic. When excess heat and moisture becomes trapped in the attic due to insufficient ventilation, the shingles fail prematurely due to the undue stress from the constant wet/dry cycle.
Discolored or Streaked Shingles
If you notice that your shingles are heavily streaked or significantly discolored in any way, then this is a sign that your roof requires replacement. Generally, this unsightly problem is caused by blue-green algae. If the issue is not taken care of in a timely manner, the algae will gradually take over the limestone in the shingles, causing the shingles to deteriorate. As a result, the shingles will need to be replaced. Luckily, if the problem is caught and treated early on, the algae can be removed effectively.
To learn more about what you should be looking for or to schedule an inspection, roof repairs, roof replacement, or roof installation, get in touch with a residential roofing installation company near you.