Estimating Roof Age: Signs You Need a New Roof

March 13, 2020

Pinpointing roof age can be tricky. Every roof ages differently and at a different pace, depending on the shingle material and installation. The easiest and most definitive way to figure out roof age is by determining the last time the roof was replaced, which may mean contacting the previous homeowner or roof manufacturer.

However, there are other ways to determine that your roof is getting old and in need of some repairs. Recognizing the signs you need a new roof listed below will help you determine if it’s time for roof repairs or even a total replacement.

1) Check Out Your Attic

Before you head up to your roof, do a thorough inspection of your attic. Doing an interior check can help you determine the state of your roof. Specifically, you’re looking for:

Daylight coming in through roof boards
Dark streaks and stains
Sagging areas
Leaks or water damage

If you see any of these signs, contact a roof repairman immediately. Leaks, stains, and sagging areas are classic signs of old roof age. If you ask yourself, “Should I get a new roof?”, part of the answer might lie in your attic.

2) Leaks and Water Damage

Water damage is a classic sign you need a new roof because your roof is not doing its job. This is most likely due to the protective layering on shingles becoming worn down over time. Should you see any water damage in your attic or on your shingles, it may be time to replace your roof.

3) Missing Granules

Granules are designed to protect the asphalt coating on shingles from sunlight and water. They’re made up of crushed rock, slag, slate, tile, or porcelain. Over time, these granules become loose and begin to fall off, creating bald spots on your roof. Without these granules, your shingles are more prone to weather damage. Additionally, your potential roof age is significantly lowered—it’s like being diagnosed with a terminal disease, and is a clear sign you need a new roof.

If you notice a few missing granules in your gutters or around your home, this doesn’t mean you have to replace your entire roof right away. Oftentimes, granules fall off after a storm or a particularly hot day. It’s only when your gutters or areas around your home have a lot of missing granules that you need to contact a repairman.

4) Curled, Buckled, or Missing Shingles

As a roof ages, the layers holding together shingles begin to peel away from each other. Shingles that are curled or look warped are a classic sign of old roof age. If most of your shingles are curled, your roof is vulnerable to leaks and other types of damage. You’ll want to replace any old shingles immediately to keep your home protected. Should you get a new roof? That will depend on the extent of the damage and how much needs to be replaced.

Additionally, if you notice shingles missing from your roof, replace them. Missing shingles can also be a warning sign that your roof is in need of additional repair.

5) Damaged Flashing

To help direct water away from a roof, contractors often use a material called roof flashing. This material is spread around critical areas on a roof such as where the roof meets a vent, wall, or chimney. As your roof ages, so does the flashing. Deteriorating flashing usually results in water leaks or stains in your home. and could be a sign you need a new roof.

6) Dark Spots

Dark spots on a roof are a sure sign of old roof age. These dark spots can be anything from moss and algae to rust. If you have a metal roof and you notice these dark spots, your roof is in danger of collapsing as rust eats away at roofing material.

7) Moss Is Growing on Your Roof

Moss can be a serious threat to the lifespan of your roof. If your roof has had moss growing on it for an extended period of time, it could be a sign you need a new roof. Moss traps moisture, which can deteriorate your roofing over time.

However, there are things you can do to get moss off your roof. You can mix water with dish soap or bleach and scrub away the moss. You can also use distilled vinegar instead if you want to use a more natural solution:

Just mix 1.5 to 3.5 cups of distilled vinegar with two gallons of water.
Then wet the affected area of your roof with a hose, spray the area with the solution.
Let it soak for 25-45 minutes.
Then scrub off the moss.

To keep moss from growing on your roof, clear it of overhanging tree limbs, which can keep your roof moist. Keep an eye on your roof to prevent the accumulation of moss and patch cracks or crevices when you notice them.

Understanding The Cost of Replacing Your Roof

If your home has one or more of the signs you need a new roof, you could be in for a significant expense. It typically costs between $5,500 and $11,000 to replace a residential roof. Costs will vary by the size and complexity of the roof as well as your location.

There are roof financing options to help you pay for a new roof. Some roofing companies offer payment plans, or you could also opt for a home equity loan or a home improvement loan. Sometimes, insurance companies will pay for new roofing if the damage has resulted from a specific event, but this is typically rare. The expense of a new roof can be daunting. Fortunately, there are other options that can save you thousands.

Extend Your Roof Age Up to 15 Years

If your roof is showing some classic signs of aging, contact Roof Maxx. We’ve created a revolutionary roofing spray that breathes life back into your roof and shingles. Our spray provides your roof with necessary oils that keep it waterproof, flexible, and durable. Using our Roof Maxx spray every five years will extend your roof age by up to 15 years.

Contact Roof Maxx today to learn more about how you can increase your roof’s life. Have more questions about our process? Visit our FAQ page.