Being a concerned homeowner, you would be careful about your roofing requirements from time to time. 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 the elements of weather. High winds, hailstones, or continual exposure to the UV rays can take a toll on your roof. Regardless of how much you care for your roof, you need to hire roofers at some point or the other.

Hiring a professional roofing contractor like BigBear Roofing can work wonders. With us, you have a flawless and affordable roofing solution that would match 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 get to know about the warning signs, that indicate that you need to 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 as 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 that you install on the roof. In the first place, each material comes with some unique traits, that determine 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 determine 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 fibre 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?

Here are some potential indicators that tell that you need to get your shingles replaced. Under these conditions, you need to reach out to one of the established roofing contractors.

1. Missing or loose shingles

At times, your shingles may be missing or loose just because they have already served their lifeline. Due to natural wear and tear, they become lose or get blown away by winds. In other situations, storm and rain damage can also lead to missing or lose shingles. 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 has 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 properly.

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 indicates 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 would develop holes in the coming days. As a result, water can easily drip into your home. You would not like your roof to leak, which makes it necessary to hire professionals for a roof inspection. 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 rains. 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 the needful.

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 is highly recommended, who can take care of these issues. 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 wouldn’t be securing the areas around the intersections or the chimney. As soon as you detect leaking water in the shingle roofing, you need to replace the flashing.

9. Granules in the gutters

The accumulation of granules in your downspouts and gutters indicates that you need to get the shingles replaced. Due to ageing, the shingles tend to lose their strength and granules. When you find a lot of granules eroded off the surface, it means you need a fresh installation.

10. Higher cooling or heating bills

Damaged shingles lead to poor insulation, which might reflect on higher heating or cooling bills. Replacing the shingles can effectively cut down the energy bills.

If you looking for a reliable roofing contractor, reach out to 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.