5 Signs You Need A New Roof
This page is meant to help you get a feel for when you'll need a new roof. Make sure if you decide to go onto a roof to be extremely careful and do so at your own risk. Keep in mind that you should have a professional take a look at your roof to determine if you need a new one. Professionals can't predict exactly when it will start leaking but he or she can tell you is if your roof is due for replacement. A residential roofing contractor like Divergent Roofing in Medford, OR will use experience and methods similar to what are described here to determine if it is time to replace your roof.
1) Worn Out Shingles
Worn out shingles can be hard for an untrained eye to spot. Here are some tips that can help: Look for little spots that are missing the gravel. Many times it looks like there are veins of missing gravel. Another thing to look for is places where the fiberglass is showing - it tends to look sparkly in the sun. New shingles may have a tiny bit of fiberglass showing at the edges but old ones can have more obvious areas where the shingles are worn "to the bone".
Worn out shingle on a residential roof - severe gravel loss and exposed fiberglass
Cracked shingles on a roof near Medford, OR
Three tab shingles showing advanced aging near Medford, OR. This is something a residential roofing contractor can easily spot.
Worn out shingle on a residential roof - severe gravel loss and exposed fiberglass
2) Obvious Damages
This is common sense. If there are many obvious damages to your roof then you need a new roof. Minor obvious damages or leaks may just indicate you need a repair. Divergent Roofing can help with that.
This is an example of obvious damage that doesn't take experience to spot easily.
Wind damage like this doesn't happen without the shingles loosing their seal. The shingles we use with our "Standard Plus" option should never experience this type of damage.
3) Soft Roof Deck
Stepping on the roof is the best way to find out if the plywood or OSB roof deck (sheathing) is rotten. Be very careful because you could fall through! Check this at your own risk. Check under things that have flashing such as skylights and pipes. Sometimes you can see rotten areas from the ground by looking to see if the roof is wavy. Although waviness doesn't always mean there are leaks, it is a good indication that leaks may be present.
4) Age
Age is probably the single best way for home owners to know if it is about time to get a new roof. Shingle life varies but averages about 17 years. Most shingles have a warranty for longer than they will last. Manufacturer warranties cover manufacturer defects - not age. It is a good idea to have your roof checked out by a local residential roofing contractor when it is about 15 years old or if you notice any problems.
Rotten Rain Collar
5) Selling The House
If you are selling a house, even if the roof isn't very old, it might be a good idea to replace the roof. Some buyers will demand it. Even a buyer doesn't insist on it, a new roof could significantly raise the value of your home. Keep in mind that you may need to schedule a roof replacement a year or two in advance. Our "Seller's Choice" option may be available if you need one fast and you are willing to get it done at a premium.
A new roof can help sell your house