The roof on your home does more than protect you and your family from the elements. The roof also acts as an insulation barrier between the outdoors on those hot summer days and cold winter nights. Over time the roofing shingles will age and start to deteriorate. In some cases, shingles could need to be replaced in as few as ten years or less, especially if the initial builder used a lower-quality product.

Here at Oshawa residential roofing company, Logik Roofing, we want to share with you some of the more common signs you need a new roof:

1. The roof is leaking into the attic or other homerooms

Leaky roofs in multiple areas mean water from rain, snow, or ice gets inside through small openings in the roof. It is important to get leaks fixed quickly as they can lead to other problems, such as mould, mildew, and rotting wood roof supports.

2. Shingles are missing from different sections of the roof

High winds and storms can cause loose shingles to be blown off and cause wind damage to other shingles. If you are missing many shingles, it is often a sign that they have deteriorated and must be replaced.

3. Your roof is 20 or more years old

Even if it still looks in great shape, the shingles are nearing the end of their expected lifespan. If you live in an older community and notice that many of your neighbours are replacing their roofs, it indicates yours could also need replacing.

4. The shingles are buckling or curling up

Buckling is when the middle sections of the shingle curve upwards and pull away from the roof while the ends remain flat. Curling is where the edges on the shingles are curling upwards and away from the roof. Both can lead to leaky roofs.

5. Excessively cracked shingles

Cracked shingles usually occur for two reasons: wind damage or age. If you have a few cracked shingles, these can easily be replaced. However, if cracking is consistent and spreads throughout the roof, it is time for a new roof.

6. The roof is sagging in different sections

A sagging roof indicates a much bigger problem like the support structures have deteriorated from wood rot from a leaky roof.

7. The colour of the roof is inconsistent:

As shingles age, they lose more granules and small sand-like particles. When the roof looks different colours, from light to dark, it could mean the granules have all worn away. You can also check areas around the downspout and gutters and look for excessive granules.

8. You See Mold or Moisture

Water damage doesn’t just occur outside your roof where you can see it. When moist air warms, it rises, settling in the underside of your roof.

Over time, this moisture turns into mould. Left alone, the mold rots your drywall and causes structural damage. Mold, water stains, or still-wet moisture can be roof replacement signs, so consider calling a specialist! 

9. Your Neighbors Replaced Theirs

Do you live in a housing development or area where all the houses were built simultaneously? When neighbours replace their roofs, it’s a good sign you must replace yours.

However, it’s possible they suffered more severe damage than you, leading to early replacement. Reach a roofing contractor to see if it’s time for a new roof.

10. Ice or Storm Damage

One of the obvious roof replacement signs is ice or storm damage. While durable, severe storms can damage a roof, creating the need for early replacement.

Hail damage and falling trees are the most common causes of severe roof damage. When strong or straight-line winds blow, ensure your shingles remain intact.

If your roof suffers storm damage, you may find help by contacting your insurance provider or checking your warranty.

11. High Energy Bills

If you have a leaky roof or poor insulation, your HVAC system needs to work harder to maintain the temperature in your home. As a result, your energy bill skyrockets.

Other issues with your home can cause high energy bills. But if other signs are present, call a professional for a roof inspection.

12. Moss or Algae Growth

Plants growing on your roof seem natural. But that doesn’t mean they’re not serious. When you don’t remove moss or algae, they eventually cause severe damage to your roof.

When you perform routine maintenance, remove any plants. Catching and fixing the problem early means you avoid fully replacing your roof.

13. Holes, Rotting, and Missing Parts

Holes, rotting areas, and missing parts are more a symptom than a cause. However, they’re still a sign you need a roof replacement.

Shingles are a clear early warning sign something is wrong. While you may not notice holes or leaks until they become severe, you can spot damaged shingles much easier.

14. The Attic and Outdoors Are Different Temperatures

Your attic functions as a ventilation system for your house. With air circulating in and out, the temperatures should be similar.

What causes the temperatures to differ? Ice damns are one of the biggest culprits. If you see blistering or peeling paint, blame ice dams.

15. Your Chimney Leaks

A chimney leak is another one of the top roof replacement signs. Your chimney is sealed by flashings, a strip of metal that prevents water from entering through the joints of your roof. If you see water leaking from your chimney, you must replace your flashings.

If your roof displays one or more of the above signs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the roofing contractor in Ajax, Whitby, Pickering or Mississauga, today and request a free estimate. We specialize in custom cedar and slate roofing, traditional asphalt shingles, and insulation services in Toronto and the GTA.