7 Potential Signs That You Need A New Roof

The Roof is of course a fundamental part of any building and a replacement can often require a significant financial outlay if left to deteriorate. This is why it is important to spot signs of damage early so they can be rectified promptly, avoiding any additional structural damage to your home.

In this guide, we will look at 7 potential signs that you need a new roof while answering numerous questions you may have about the process and the costs involved.

When do You know when you need a new Roof?

Many people fail to pay any real attention to their roof despite its importance to the home, however, to avoid any major problems down the line, it is important to be able to spot early signs that you may need a Roof Replacement.

Do you need a new roof? Here are 7 signs to look out for: 

1. Roof Sagging

At a glance, your roof should maintain a straight line with no sags, or saddlebacks (protrusions). If you notice either of these issues then it is most likely a sign that your roof is damaged, this could be as serious as structural damage and it may be at risk of collapse if it is not repaired.

Excess water and moisture could be one of the main causes of a sagging roof, as could poor quality, or faulty materials. Even if the materials used were high quality, the installation itself may not have been up-to-scratch.

Obviously, not a problem in San Jose but buildings that are located in regions that receive a lot of snow are also prone to roof sagging, especially if there is a regular build-up.
To prevent this issue, it is recommended to regularly clear your roof of rainwater and debris. The best way to avoid this problem in the future is to ensure the initial Roof build uses good quality materials and the job is undertaken by an expert.

2. Loose Roof Tiles 

You should check your roof every year for damage and this especially applies to loose tiles. Try to step on each tile to see if it moves underfoot so you can determine whether any of them are in need of repair.

If multiple tiles are loose or missing completely then it may be time for a full roof replacement

3. Light Coming Through Your Roof 

If you have access to the loft, then it is wise to venture up there every so often to check whether any light is coming through the roof. Sunset is often the best time to do this.

If any light is making its way through your roof then this obviously indicates holes and damage. This could just require the replacement of a tile but in some cases, it could mean the entire roof may need a repair.

4. Damp and Water Damage

If you discover dampness in rooms on the upper floor of your house then this could be mistaken for a common damp problem, with many people failing to consider that the issue may be related to their roof.

Of course, in most cases, a damp problem could be a result of something less serious but it cannot hurt to have your roof inspected when trying to find the root of the problem. Even the most innocuous build-up of mold could be related to a roof leak so assess all potential causes to prevent further damage.

5. A Leaking Loft

When checking your loft for light intrusions, it is also worth checking the floor and walls for any signs of dampness or water damage. Some dark patches may look old but they could have quickly dried in the heat. Other signs of water presence could include; dripping sounds within walls, circular patches on walls, or bubbles & blisters.

Damaged seals, loose or missing tiles, or broken flashing around the chimney could all be a cause for water entering your loft – this is likely a result of aging or a poor installation.

6. A Collection of Debris in the Gutter

Regular gutter inspections can identify a problem before it becomes a major issue. If pieces of asphalt or grains resembling sand are present then this could point towards the deterioration of your roof tiles which are crumbling into your gutter.

A small amount of debris is normal but a large build-up suggests a problem with your roof.

The asphalt can be weakened by weather conditions, excess moisture, and of course age so it is highly recommended to replace tiles and seals regularly to make sure your home is protected from the elements.

7. Damaged, Falling, or Rotting Materials

Materials such as flashing prevent chimneys and vents from moving out of place and absorbing water but can deteriorate over time, causing pieces to fall into your gutter, or on the ground around your house.
This can also apply to the mortar which is used to bed the ridges and corners of the roof.

If you feel that you are seeing too much debris, or if it is present on a regular basis then it is time to seek the services of a roofing contractor to assess the overall damage.

Other possible signs that you may need to replace your roof are; rotting underlay; broken gutters; moss build-up; and visible displacement of the ridges of the roof.

How often does a roof need to be replaced?

In the US, a roof should usually be replaced every 30 years but some of the individual components should be replaced, or repaired on a more regular basis.

What are the common causes of Roof Damage?

Common causes of roof damage include;

• Weather conditions
• Aging
• Poor workmanship
• Low-quality materials

What are the different Roof Options?

Roofing material options can include;

• Asphalt shingles
• Wood Shingles
• Clay or slate tiles
• Metal
• Concrete
• Plastic Polymer

What is a Cool Roof?

A Cool Roof is a system that helps reflect solar rays to prevent houses from heating up in very warm States like California. Find out more about the technology by contacting a full-service roofing contractor.

Can I fix a roof myself?

Assuming you do not have experience of roof installations then this would be very ill-advised as this is a rather complex build and it would be an unnecessary risk to take for such a vital part of your home.

Using an expert Roofing Contractor means you do not have to worry about an improper installation, or sourcing the required materials.

How Much Does a New Roof Cost in San Jose?

When employing the services of a Full Service Roofing contractor you would expect to pay around $6,750 on average in San Jose, rising to around $8,000. It may be tempting to use a less established contractor who can offer a lower price, but as the saying goes… ‘you often get what you pay for’ …

How long does Roof Repair generally take?

An expert roof remodeling contractor can usually complete a full roof repair or replacement in up to 3 days but in some cases, this can be completed in less than 2 days for smaller houses. You should be wary of any contractor which claims they can complete this task in less than that timeframe.

We hope this article has answered any questions you may have about roof repairs and replacements.