5 Warning Signs Your Roof Needs Replacement 

Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home’s structure, protecting you and your family from the elements. Over time, even the best roofs can wear down. Identifying when your roof needs replacement is essential to avoid costly repairs and maintain the safety of your home.

We’ve compiled a list of the top five warning signs that indicate it’s time to consider a roof replacement.

1. Curling or Missing Shingles  

If you notice shingles that are curling, cracked, or completely missing, it’s a clear sign that your roof is nearing the end of its life. Damaged shingles can leave your roof vulnerable to water infiltration, leading to leaks, mold, inefficient insulation, and structural damage.

2. Leaks or Water Stains  

Important:

In Minnesota, we often get calls for roof leaks in the spring. This is usually due to improper ventilation and insulation in the attic. Condensation forms on the underside of the decking and freezes during the cold winters. Once spring hits, the ice starts to un-thaw and drip. This can happen to partial sections of the attic (especially near bath vent pipes) or the whole attic.

3. Granule Loss  

Shingles are coated with granules to protect them from the sun and improve durability. If you find excessive granules in your gutters or notice bare spots on your shingles, it’s a sign that your roof is wearing out and may need replacement soon. This can happen after a hail storm as well. Hail impacts the shingles, breaking apart the granules. Depending on how big the hail is, the granule loss can be right away or over a long period of time with rain washing away the affected granules. Large hail can break the fiberglass matting of the shingle. This severely compromises the shingle and is why an insurance claim should be filed.

4. Algae or Moss Growth  

Moss, mold, and algae growth can indicate trapped moisture on your roof. While some growth can be cleaned off, extensive moss or mold may signify deeper issues, such as poor drainage or deteriorating shingles. Algae feed off the limestone granules of the asphalt shingles. Over time, this will expose more of the matting of the shingle and dry out, making the shingle brittle and prone to cracking. Moss can grow and move in between shingles, lifting them from the roof surface. This will eventually lead to water intrusion.

5. Roof Age  

Most asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of 20-30 years. If your roof is approaching or has exceeded this age, it’s time to start planning for a replacement. Older roofs are more susceptible to damage and may no longer provide adequate protection. With the high cost of materials and labor, it is a good idea to start saving for the replacement of the roof before you actually need one. Average roof replacement can cost anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 dollars. There are financing options available.

Repair vs. Replacement: What’s the Next Step?  

Deciding whether to repair or replace your roof depends on the extent of the damage and the age of your roof. Minor issues may be fixable, but if multiple warning signs are present or your roof is past its prime, replacement is often the best choice. Typically a repair is recommended when one or two small locations are damaged. If the damage is widespread then a replacement should be done.

Financing

The Kingdom Builders doesn’t offer a financing option. We’ve looked into different credit companies that work with roofing companies, but we haven’t been comfortable with their options or their high interest rates. We advise our customers to do a home equity loan or some loan through a bank. We are not financial advisors, but we’ve learned customers can usually get a lower rate this way.

Here to help

At The Kingdom Builders, we’re here to help you assess your roof’s condition and determine the best course of action. We won’t pressure you into replacing your roof if it’s not needed, and we can give you a rough estimate of how many years you have left. Contact us today for a professional roof inspection and a personalized plan to keep your home safe and secure.