Being a concerned homeowner, you would be careful about your roofing requirements occasionally. Knowing what to inspect on your roof can eventually help you identify the warning signs on time. Particularly, with shingle roofing, your home remains susceptible to weather elements. High winds, hailstones, or continual exposure to UV rays can take a toll on your roof. Regardless of how much you care for your roof, you must hire roofers at some point.
Hiring a professional roofing contractor like Big Bear Roofing can work wonders. You have a flawless and affordable roofing solution with us that matches your aesthetics. Ignoring the signs of roof damage at the initial stages may lead to leaks and long-term expenses. In this post, you will learn about the warning signs indicating that you must replace the shingles.
What Is The Role Of Shingles On Your Roof?
The shingles on your roof provide a layer of protection to your home. At the bottom, you have the roof decking. This forms the foundation over which the shingles are placed. Properly installed shingles form a wind-resistant and watertight sealing. Some of the common materials used for making the shingles include:
- Asphalt
- Metal
- Clay
- Wood
- Slate
Each of these materials is unique in terms of property and functional value. Therefore, you need to get them customized per your location and climate. Regardless of the type of shingles you install, make sure to hire professional roofers when you get them replaced.
What Is The Lifespan Of Your Roofing Shingles?
Several factors influence the lifespan of the shingles you install on the roof. In the first place, each material has unique traits determining its longevity. Moreover, you have weather and climatic factors and the duration through which the shingles are exposed to wind or rain. Besides, the nature of ice, winds, snow, and hail also determines the durability of these shingles.
To give you an idea, shingles made of tiles, slate, or copper may last more than 50 years, provided you maintain them properly. Wooden shingles have a lifeline of around 30 years, while the ones made of fiber last around 25 years. For asphalt shingles, you can expect an average lifeline of 20 years.
How Do You Tell If Your Shingles Need Replacing?
Some potential indicators tell that you need to replace your shingles. Under these conditions, you need to reach out to one of the established roofing contractors.
1. Missing or loose shingles
Sometimes, your shingles may be missing or loose just because they have already served their lifeline. Due to natural wear and tear, they become lost or get blown away by winds. Storm and rain damage can also lead to missing or lost shingles in other situations. In any case, you need to hire a roofing contractor and get them replaced.
2. Sagging of your shingle roof
Sagging can be an issue for your roof, and several factors can contribute to the same. Sagging roofs indicate that it has become weak or have been deteriorating. If the shingles weren’t installed properly, it might lead to sagging. Before the roof gives way, you need to get the shingles re-installed adequately.
3. Cracked, blistered, and dried shingles
If you notice your shingles cracking, curling, blistering, or drying, it tells the story that they have been overexposed to the sunrays. Particularly, the UV rays do most of the damage. It also indicates that the ventilation in your attic is poor, and you need to fix things up. Old shingles also develop cracks and blisters. This clearly shows that you need to get them replaced.
4. Loose and exposed nails
Sometimes, you might notice the nails popping out from the roof. Left unattended, your shingles will develop holes in the coming days. As a result, water can easily drip into your home. You would not like your roof to leak, so hiring professionals for a roof inspection is necessary. Experts would recommend you get the shingles replaced.
5. Missing granules
Over time, the shingles may lose their granules on continual exposure to weather. Depending on the extent of damage, the roofers would recommend a roof repair or a roof replacement for the shingles.
6. Water damages
At times, homeowners encounter water damage through damaged roofs. Your rooms or attic might be puddled with water after rain. This points to inadequate underlayment or damaged shingles. Besides, you might have mold or mildew in your attic. Under any of these conditions, you need to hire a roofing expert to do what is required.
7. Dark and dirt patches
Your shingle roof might have some dirty or dark patches. These patches are a result of missing granules. When the granules become old, they start falling off. These areas develop moss, lichen, or algae. Hiring a professional roofer who can handle these issues is highly recommended. Failure to clean your roof would lead to the corrosion of the shingles. Eventually, you would have to get the entire roof replaced.
8. Missing or damaged flashing
If the flashing is missing or damaged, they won’t secure the areas around the intersections or the chimney. You must replace the flashing when you detect leaking water in the shingle roofing.
9. Granules in the gutters
The accumulation of granules in your downspouts and gutters indicates that you must replace the shingles. Due to aging, the shingles tend to lose their strength and granules. You need a fresh installation when you find many granules eroded off the surface.
10. Higher cooling or heating bills
Damaged shingles lead to poor insulation, which might reflect higher heating or cooling bills. Replacing the shingles can effectively cut down the energy bills.
If you are looking for a reliable roofing contractor, contact Big Bear Roofing. We carry the legacy of being one of the best service providers in this industry. You may call us at 8662156319 for a professional consultation and quote.