When is it Time for a New Roof?

You shouldn’t wait until your shingles are falling on the ground to address the wear and tear on your roof. If you’re in the Northern Virginia area, a reputable lorton roofing contractor can help identify problems early, before they become major issues. Homeowners and renters should know the warning signs, because while a leaky roof is an obvious indicator that it’s time for replacement, a leak is actually a late-stage sign of wear.

Unsure whether your aged roof needs to be addressed? If you want to know what to watch out for, here are our top six signs that your roof needs some serious TLC from a qualified professional.

 1.  Curling, Cracked, and Missing Shingles

The first thing that you should do is perform a visual inspection of your roof. Missing shingles are a clear sign of a roof that has weathered many storms. Look closer, and you also may notice shingles that are curled or cracked.

If you notice shingles on your roof lifting or curling at their edges and with blatant cracks, your aging roof has been impacted by moisture, and you may want to consider finding a local roof repair contractor to come out to make an assessment.

2.  Sagging Roof

Another big red flag is if your roof is sagging. What causes a saggy roof? Well actually, a few things. If you live in an area with four seasons, enough snow can accumulate on a roof and the weight could cause the sag—in drastic situations, this may cause a total collapse.

One way to mitigate excess weight during the winter months is to remove snow from your roof, especially during winters with heavy or wet accumulation. However, if there is any faulty installation involved, you might find yourself up a creek without a paddle with a serious structural integrity issue. 

3.  Your Roof’s Age

As a basic benchmark, Lorton Roofing Company advises that if the roof of your home is between 15 and 20 years old, it is considered old. An older roof has weathered the seasons and even with good bones and proper care, will start to show signs of age and disrepair. 

Why the range? The durability of your roof is highly dependent on the materials with which it was constructed. While a metal roof can last upwards of 70 years and tile roofs can go 80 years without issue, but asphalt shingles typically only last for 15 to 20 years with top-of-the-line shingles lasting upwards of 30 years.

4. Clogged Gutters and the Presence of Gravel and Sand

If you are finding yourself with clogged gutters more regularly than you used to, there is a good chance that your roof is aging. Why? Because of a build-up of sand and gravel that along with leaves and other debris have plugged your gutters. But—where do the sand and gravel come from, and why is it a sign that your roof needs attention? 

Composite roofing shingles are warmed, and sand is used to provide some texture for the new shingles. This grit affords more durability and helps to prolong longevity. A bonus is that this texture also makes it a lot easier to walk around on your roof.

5. Damaged Flashing

Another big sign of an aging roof is damaged flashing. Roof flashing protects the vulnerable areas of your roof. It directs the flow of water away from these sensitive areas, safeguarding against water damage and leaks. Effectively, flashing extends the lifespan of a structure’s roof.

Any evidence of corrosion, rusting, or notice any leaks around vents or your chimney means that your roof’s flashing has been compromised, which is no bueno. It is a clever idea to schedule an assessment with a local roof contractor and get your flashing updated.

Lorton Roof Contractor and Roofing

If you live in northern Virginia or Maryland and are searching for a roof contractor local in the greater Lorton area, Marshall Roofing has you covered. Would you like to know more about who we are and our services? Visit our website.