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5 Signs You Might Need A Roof Replacement – Or Not

If raindrops keep falling on your head – inside your home – it may be time for roof replacement. But even that may not be true. You might think you need an entire roof replacement, but maybe you don’t.

So many variables can affect the performance and durability of your roof. Are there any ways to tell you need a new roof? Yes! The experts at IKO Roofing have put together this handy checklist to help you determine if it might be time to consider a roof replacement. Or not.

Let’s call it IKO Roofing’s “Anti-Bucket” List, to keep those raindrops falling outside where they belong.


Got Leaks?

The most obvious clue you might need a new roof is finding water inside your home. Regularly check your attic, especially after a rain storm or if you notice an ice dam along your eaves. Look for signs of water penetration because major leaks inside your home are most likely to start there. Keep in mind, though, that water can travel a fair distance – across beams and inside walls for example – from the point of infiltration to where it eventually shows itself.

Ice dams form when snow on the roof melts, runs down slope to the eaves and freezes. As more water runs down and encounters the ice dam, it may then run up and under the asphalt roofing shingles, potentially penetrating the roof deck.

As mentioned above, a total roof replacement may not be necessary to correct such a problem. Perhaps a few shingles have blown off or some flashing has torn loose, exposing the underlying roof deck to the elements.

Regardless, never hesitate to have it checked out and corrected immediately, before the problem potentially worsens, becomes more costly to repair or does require roof replacement. Most professional roofers offer inexpensive roof inspection services.


Water Stains

On the ceiling or running down interior walls and water actually dripping into your home are all cause to investigate and discover the reason, which might be a leak or is often the result of condensation. It’s especially in the winter that warm, moist air rises and often condenses in the attic, where it can pool and leak through the ceiling.

Most water leaks start smaller than the ones shown below. Check for the source of leaks at the first sign of water marks. While they’re not always caused by a roof problem, any leak is a concern that needs to be resolved as quickly as possible in order to minimize damage and expense.


Paint Damage

Paint peeling or blistering, swellings in woodwork or trim – indoors or out – can be caused by water pooling up underneath where it doesn’t belong.

These types of blemish are much more than cosmetic; they indicate a serious leak that may or may not be caused by a faulty roof, although that is a prime suspect to investigate.


Mold

Mold or mildew growth on ceilings or walls could be a sign of a leaky roof, the result of condensation problems or even a simple plumbing issue. Check that your insulation is dry, your home has adequate ventilation, your bathroom fixtures and plumbing lines aren’t leaking or sweating. Such things may be less costly to correct than getting a roof replacement.

Apart from creating ugly stains and indicating potential roof damage, mold and mildew can have an adverse effect on home air quality and your family’s health. Have the issue addressed as soon as possible.


Granule Loss

When clearing your eavestroughs of leaves in the fall, you may notice that some colored granules have accumulated in the gutters. Depending on the age of your roofing shingles and normal weathering processes, this is not unusual. An excessive amount of granules might be cause for concern. But what is considered “excessive”?

While there’s no way to definitively quantify how much granule loss is too much, the best indication is to look at the roofing shingles themselves. When asphalt shingles are manufactured, more granules are embedded in their surface than are actually necessary so it’s only natural that the superfluous, loose granules would wash away first. Even on brand-new shingles, you can make out the black asphalt the granules are embedded in. However, if the asphalt shingles on your roof have relatively large bare patches where the granules have eroded away and exposed the underlying black weathering asphalt to the elements, you will need to replace any damaged shingles. If the problem isn’t limited to just a few shingles, it may well be time for a roof replacement. A reputable contractor can help you decide.