Generally, roofs are meant to last anywhere from 25-50 years. In Colorado, however, most roofs fail within 11 years on average. This can depend on so many factors and routine checks can prevent costly damage to the roof and the home. With this in mind, there are a few common signs to look out for to determine when it may be time to replace your roof.
1. Shingle Damage
Asphalt shingles include granules made from crushed minerals which allow for different colors, shapes, and sizes. The Colorado climate is hard on roofs. Severe UV exposure from the Colorado sun will cause your roof to become dry and brittle. These shingles may crack with temperature fluctuation.
When this happens, you may notice little granules collecting in your gutter or your landscaping. If you find a significant number of shingle granules, your roof may also have hail damage. When you find this damage, look also for dark, black, circular marks on your shingles where the hail left visible damage. With this observable damage, you may have other hail damage that may not be immediately noticeable which may later develop into greater issues like loosened self-seal strips and fractured or exposed fiberglass mat.
2. Sagging or Wavy Roof
A sagging roof can be noticed from the ground. This will typically look like small “waves” as the plywood roof sheathing is sagging in between each roof truss, or roof framing. Frequently, these “waves” will be spaced every 24’’ because the plywood is sagging down in between the spaces of the truss or roof joist. This might sound complicated, but it’s actually easily noticeable from the ground, with the naked eye.
Simply look for “waves” along the roof spaced 2 feet apart. These waves are typically caused by long-term heat or moisture exposure that de-laminates the glues that hold the plywood together. This build-up can be prevented with proper roof ventilation, explained more below. The layers or ‘plys’ that give plywood its name start to separate from one another, which can compromise the strength of the plywood.
3. Holes or Roof Leaks
The attic is a great place to start when looking for roof damage. The condition of the attic tells a lot about what is going on with the roof. Because of this any professional roofing contractor performing an inspection on your roof should be inspecting your attic. Matted or moist insulation, mold growth, and staining or discoloration of the plywood sheathing can all be signs of roof leaks or other roof problems.
A good tip is to inspect the condition of the roofing nails penetrating the roof deck. Simply look up at the sheathing to see thousands of nails poking through the plywood. If the nail points are rusty, it is a sure sign of a roof leak or condensation build-up in the attic. If you notice these issues, it may be time to replace your roof. Small roof leaks or holes can worsen over time creating more damage to the roof and to the home.
4. The Attic is Much Hotter than the Rest of the House
Many homeowners assume that their attic will be hotter than the rest of the home. Unfortunately, inadequate roof ventilation is the single most common mistake made when installing a new roof. When sitting under the hot Colorado sun, the inside of an attic can reach temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
This does not have to be the case. With proper roof ventilation, an attic can be brought down to temperatures much closer to the outside of the home. If a roof is not properly ventilated, it can also reduce the overall service life of your roof as shingles are not meant to withstand this level of heat. In addition to causing premature failure for asphalt shingles and sheathing, improper roof ventilation can radiate down into the home and make it harder for the home to cool. You can learn more about proper roof ventilation here.
Signs Point to a New Roof? Next Steps to Take
1. Get a free roof inspection
Schedule a free roof inspection with WestPro. Our friendly, uniformed consultant performs a complete inspection of your roof. We then take photos and measurements to determine a solution, all while getting to know you and your home.
2. Get a free estimate
We will provide you with free estimates and samples that meets the needs of your project and budget. A WestPro Project Consultant will work with you to decide the pricing, style, and colors that work for you. We accept all major credit cards, cash, and checks. We also offer affordable monthly payments and can get you approved for financing in less than 10 minutes.
3. Get it fixed
WestPro will schedule your roof repair or replacement at a time that works for you. We will order materials, and handle debris removal, building permits, and logistics. We will stay in contact each week leading up to the project and have a construction manager as a point of contact during the project. You pay us when you are 100% satisfied.
Keep an eye out for signs you need a new roof and reach out for a free inspection.