How Do I Know When It’s Time To Replace My Roof in Ann Arbor?

Your roof is a vital part of your home. On average, your roofing system should last around 25 years. When it works properly, it helps protect your house from water, snow, ice, heat, and cold. Yet, as it ages, it will start to show signs that it is wearing out.

Initially, the signs will be subtle but will become more noticeable as it reaches the end of its useful life or exceeds it. Recognizing these signs can help you determine when it is time for roof replacement in Ann Arbor and prevent potential extensive damage to your home.

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1. Excessive Granules Falling Off the Shingles

The granules in roofing shingles serve multiple purposes:

Color
UV protection
Fire resistance

If you have noticed an excessive amount of these tiny granules in your gutters, near drain spouts, or in your driveway or flower beds, it may indicate that you need a new roof.

2. Increased Energy Bills

If you have noticed your energy bills have been increasing, and you have an older roof, it could indicate that the roof needs to be replaced. As the roof ages, and granules fall off, it provides less UV protection. Additionally, fewer granules make it easier for ice dams to occur, which can leave gaps in between shingles, allowing hot or cold air into the home and increasing your energy bills.

3. Your Roof Is 20 Years Old or Older

It may be time for a new roof at any point after your roof reaches its 20th birthday. You need to watch for signs that it is wearing out. Getting an inspection from a qualified roofer is also recommended, as they can give you an estimate on how much longer your roof could last.

4. Buckling or Curling Shingles

As shingles wear out, they can buckle and curl, which means they are no longer securely attached to the roof decking. As they buckle and curl, it can create openings for water to get underneath them and potentially cause wood rot and other problems with the roof decking.

5. Missing or Broken Shingles

If you notice some of your shingles are missing or you find pieces of shingles in your yard, it is time for a new roof. As singles wear out, they pull away from the roof and can be blown off during storms. They also become more brittle and can break more easily.

6. Black Streaks on the Roof

Black streaks on the roof indicate there is algae or mold growth. While it may not necessarily mean you need a new roof, you should certainly get a professional roof inspection to find out. If it is mold or algae, a replacement is typically recommended as proper remediation will cause damage to the shingles, and in the case of algae, the penetration of the shingles has likely already caused irreparable damage.

7. Vegetation or Moss Growing on the Roof

Any type of vegetation growth, such as trees, weeds, or other plants, as well as moss, indicates you need a new roof. Moisture is being trapped on the roof, which allows vegetation and moss to grow, and root systems usually damage the shingles’ integrity.

8. Sagging Roof

A sagging roof indicates something is wrong with the roof decking and trusses underneath the shingles. Usually, the culprit is water damage and wood rot. You do not want to ignore this problem because it means your roof is unsafe and could potentially collapse inward into your home. You should call a roofing company immediately for a detailed inspection and roofing system replacement.

9. Signs of Water Leaks

If you notice water stains or are experiencing water leaks on the ceilings of the rooms beneath the roof, it usually means you have a roof leak. If your shingles are still good, you can have a roofer pinpoint the leak and fix it. However, if the extent of damage is more widespread, you may need a new roof.

10. Roofing Nails Coming Out of the Shingles

Shingles expand and contract from exposure to heat and cold. Over time, this can cause the roofing nails to loosen and start to become noticeable. So, if you can easily see the roofing nails, or are finding nails in your gutters or on the ground near the house, it is time for a roofing inspection.

11. You Can See Light Coming Through the Roof Decking

If you can easily access your attic, and there are areas where sunlight comes through, it means there are holes in the roof. You will want to have the roof inspected to determine whether you can just have the holes replaced, or if you need a new roof.

12. You Have a Problem With Mold and Mildew in the Attic

If you notice the roof decking is discolored, looks wet, or is turning black, it means you have a roofing problem that needs to be addressed. If the roof damage is isolated to one area, you will need extensive repairs to fix it, if your shingles do not need to be replaced. So, it might be more cost-effective in the long run to have a new roof put on at the same time.

13. You Notice Other Homes in Your Neighborhood Are Getting New Roofs

When you notice your neighbors are replacing their roofs, and they are as old as yours, it usually means you are due, or will be coming due for a new roof soon.

14. Your Roof Is Severely Damaged During a Storm

Snow, ice, rain, hail, and high winds can all cause severe damage to an older roof. If your roof gets damaged, it is important to protect it from further damage. A professional roofer can put down tarps to help protect your home’s interior until the roof can be replaced.

What To Do If You Think You Need a New Roof

If your home is showing one or more of these signs, your next step is to get a professional roof inspection. A roof inspection will determine how much life is left in your shingles, what types of repairs are needed, and if it would be more cost-effective to just replace the roof instead of making repairs.

If your roof was damaged during a storm, you will want to open a claim with your homeowner’s insurance provider. Your house insurance should cover roof storm damage. So, the costs to get a new roof will usually be your deductible.

If you need a new roof simply due to its age and it has worn out, roof financing is available to help make it easier to afford getting a new roof.

Get a Free Roofing Inspection in Ann Arbor Today

At Mighty Dog Roofing, we can help you determine how much life is left in your current roof and when it is time for roof replacement in Ann Arbor with our free roofing inspections.

Our detailed inspections involve a thorough assessment of your entire roofing system. We also use a drone so you can clearly see any issues or problems with your roof. Don’t delay, get your free roof inspection by contacting us today.

Schedule a FREE inspection & estimate!