Having a solid roof over your head is crucial to a warm, cozy, and leak-free house. Even if you aren’t experiencing problems right now, it could be time for you to evaluate if you need to replace a few shingles or your whole roof. Over the years and through ever-changing changing weather, especially in Minnesota, your roof can age and even become damaged without you realizing it.
If you find yourself wondering “Do I need to replace my roof?” or “Is my roof damaged?” after a particularly snowy winter, you may want to have a quality roofing contractor come out and take a look; such as Honey-Doers. While it is imperative to have a professional examine your roof if you notice any areas that might need attention, taking preventative steps to ensure that you have a lasting roof can help protect you from future roofing difficulties.
Signs Roof is Damaged
There are several things that could be a sign your roof is damaged, whether that be old age, issues from a recent snow or hail storm, or just cosmetic issues. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top indicators you might want to consider replacing your roof.
Your Roof is 20 or More Years Old
A typical roof will last between 20 to 25 years, with a reasonable amount of wear and tear. Although, the age of your roof will also depend on the quality of your roof when it was first built. If your roof is approaching its 20th birthday, have a professional come to determine whether or not your roof is still in good condition.
The Shingles are Curling
A good sign that it’s time to replace your roof is if your shingles are curling or buckling. Shingles can curl in two ways: cupping or clawing. Cupping is when the edges curl upward and clawing is when the edges lay flat and the middle comes up. Both are signs of weathering and could lead to potential issues down the road.
Shingles are Missing
Replacing a few shingles here and there isn’t a hard task. Functionally, it is able to be safely done, as long as there isn’t significant deterioration of the whole roof. Aesthetically, it can be hard to find the exact matching shingle and you could end up with a checkerboard roof. While it isn’t necessary to have a perfectly matching roof, most homeowners opt to replace the whole thing, rather than just a few at a time. Not only will you have a matching roof, but its likely to last longer, and you won’t have to worry about replacing it again in the next few years.
Shingle Granules in Gutter
Be sure to check your gutters for shingle granules. Shingles tend to lose more granules when they are at the end of their life cycle. Granules help keep the sun off the asphalt, so if it’s been 10 to 15 years and you’re noticing a higher amount of granules in your gutters, it could be a sign that your roof is nearing the end of its life.
Shingles Covered in Moss or Algae
Having moss or algae covered shingles is more of a cosmetic issue. Although, in some cases, it can progress the deterioration of your roof. Moss holds moisture against the roof’s surface, so overtime in freezing climates it can impair to your roof after eating through your shingles or leaking down between the cracks in your roof.
You Can See Daylight Through the Roof
A significant way to tell if your roof needs to be replaced is if you are able to see sunlight through the attic. If you can see light, chances are that snow, rain, and cold air are also able to sneak in. You should also check for soft, spongy spots which can indicate underlying damage to the structure from moisture build-up over time.
Ways to Maintain Your Roof
To avoid having to replace your roof a lot sooner than normal, you need to have the proper knowledge and tools to be prepared.
Here are some of our tips for keeping your roof in tip-top shape:
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- Keep your gutters clean. Gutters can cause a lot of problems if not properly taken care of. Make sure they are clear of leaves and attached properly to your house.
- Keep the roof clean. Moss and algae can grow in certain humid, moisture-heavy climates, so cleaning with an appropriate solution of water and bleach can help keep it clear of build-up. Make sure to be aware of run-off from bleach, though, as it can kill plants.
- Replace missing or damaged shingles. If you only have a few missing or damaged shingles, then replacing these shingles right away is critical. If you leave these spots as is, it can create trouble in the future. Taking care of them right away can ward off any unforeseen issues.
Replace Your Roof with Honey-Doers
If you are on the fence about whether or not your roof needs some areas fixed or the entire thing replaced, having it inspected is a good first step. Honey-Doers is a full-service roofing contractor, specializing in everything from new roof installations, roof repairs, and maintenance, to total roof replacements. We always ensure quality workmanship, excellent customer service and a long-lasting, durable roof over your head. We’re a fully insured, BBB A+ rated, Minneapolis-based roofing company that takes customer satisfaction seriously. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today for a free roofing estimate!
