There are several signs to look out for when assessing the condition of your roof.

Like siding, roofing is one element of your home that probably doesn’t get much thought unless a problem surfaces. In this case, you’ll call a professional roofing contractor and see what repairs are necessary. However, if you learn anything from our blog, we hope it’s how important your entire roofing system is to the safety and efficiency of your home. A roof is far more than shingles and it includes critical elements like the roof deck, flashings, fasteners and a ventilation system. Roofing problems may not visually present themselves until major damage has occurred, which is why it’s critical to familiarize yourself with the signs of a roof that needs work.  

Top 5 Signs a Home Needs a New Roof

1.  Attic leak
Go into the attic on a sunny day, preferably after a heavy rain. Scan the underneath of the roof sheathing for signs of water damage. Also, feel around for soft or moist spots.  If you notice multiple soft or moist spots, your best bet is to call in a professional to perform an inspection.  

2.  Light shining through the attic ceiling
While you’re in the attic, look for specks of sunlight peaking through the ceiling. Even if you don’t notice water damage or wet spots, if light is getting through, so is water. It’s only a matter of time before the problem wreaks havoc on your home. Specks of light and water stains or spots should not be ignored.

3.  Peeling paint on interior walls and ceiling stains
Peeling paint indicates moisture is lurking beneath the surface of the roof. This is likely a result of poor attic ventilation which causes extreme temperature and humidity. Staining on the ceilings and walls suggest there is unwanted moisture growth, and quite possibly mold. This is typically caused by inadequate or faulty waterproofing properties in the shingles.

4.  Dark spots
Dark spots are a sign that the shingles are losing their protective granules. These shingles will appear and feel smoother than others. You’ll also know that your shingles are nearing their life expectancy when you find excessive amounts of dark granules inside the gutters. 

5.  Missing, cracked or curled shingles
Shingles may also appear cracked, curled or missing all together. While it’s easy to replace a shingle or two, it’s a different case when multiple shingles contain these imperfections. If shingles are so dry they basically break and crumble when contacted, it’s a sure sign they’ve run their course.

It’s recommended to conduct a roof inspection at least once a year. Some of the warning signs are visible from the attic or interior of your home, but exterior inspections are critical to assessing the condition of your roof. If you suspect shingle damage, or want to schedule a roof inspection, contact PRS Roofing & Siding today at (804) 527-2096.