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10 Things You Should Look for When Deciding Whether or Not to Get a New Roof!

1) How old is your roof?

First things first, how old is your roof? If you’re rocking asphalt shingles that are pushing 20-25 years, they’re nearing the end of their lifespan. They might look fine from the ground, but they’ve deteriorated and will only cause more problems. Plus, they’re not the only aging component. The roof deck is the foundational structure of your roof, supporting leak barriers and ventilation. We recommend replacing them every 20-30 years. 

There’s a variety of roofing materials, from metal to tile, with different age ranges. We’re a Virginia Beach roof company that services all types of roofs. Metal roofs last 40-70 years, even longer, with proper maintenance. Clay and concrete tiles can last around 50–100 years, depending on maintenance and quality.

2) Shingle Shenanigans

Take a closer look at your shingles. You might have to get up on a ladder to see their real condition. Are they curling up at the edges? Cracked like the bottom of a dry riverbed? Or gone missing in chunks? 

new shingles on home

If you’re seeing widespread issues, then you need a widespread solution. These are usually signs that a full replacement will serve you better than smaller roofing repairs. 

3) Granule Goodbye

Next time it rains, check your downspouts. If you see what looks like coarse, dark sand, those are probably granules. Granule loss is the expected shedding of your shingles’ outer layer. As they age, the shedding accelerates, leading to further deterioration. So, check your gutters for accumulation. 

4) Sneaky Water

If you’ve dealt with stains or mold recently, it might be because of your roof. Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements. Roof conditions can contribute to major leaks or subtle seepage. Check your ceilings, walls, and attic for water stains or damp pieces of materials, especially after it rains. 

5) Green Invasion

Our humid Virginia Beach climate is excellent for beach days, but it’s also perfect for all sorts of green growths. Moss, lichen, and mildew are easy to spot because of their bright color. If you would like to learn how to clear your roof from these green invaders, check out our blog: Coastal Roofing Tips to Help Protect Your Virginia Beach Home. 

However, algae is harder to spot and much more common around the coast. Algae growths often look like dark streaks running down your roof. These growths can further deteriorate your roof by retaining moisture. 

6) Structural Slumps

Your roof should stand tall and straight. So, if there are sagging areas, spots of pooling water, or weak patches that bend on pressure, that’s a red flag. 

Various factors can cause structural slumps, like water damage, aging materials, weight from snow, etc. It’s often a combination of smaller issues compounding on each other. It’s important to address these problems with a full roof replacement because damage spread to the roof’s framing. 

shingles

7) Attic Astronomy

Here’s a quick test: during a sunny, head up to your attic. Turn off the lights or close the door (be cautious and bring a flashlight). The idea is to get it dark in your attic so you can see if daylight is peeking in. You might have little holes or critter damage causing you problems. 

So, if you can see daylight peeking through the roof boards, Houston, we have a problem. Those little points of light mean you’ve got holes that need fixing ASAP.

8) Energy Bill Blues

Have your energy bills been creeping up? Is your AC working overtime in the summer? Does heat seem to disappear in the winter? Well these could be signs that your roof is failing to insulation you like it should. 

energy bills

9) Storm Aftermath

Now, we know many roofing contractors in Virginia Beach have a “storm chaser” reputation. You know the type. People who knock on doors after a heavy storm offer everything from repairing roofs to full roof replacements. But there is a good reason for this tactic!

Sometimes, it takes a minor storm to show you your roof’s real condition. Other times, storms act as the straw that breaks the camel’s back. So, after a storm, give your roof a once-over. 

10) Flashing Failures. 

Flashing is a thin layer, usually made from galvanized steel, protecting vulnerable roof openings. They are the metal surrounding features like vents, chimneys, and skylights. If you see flashing, that’s loose, rusted, missing, or bent, that’s an open invitation for leaks. 

If you need help deciding whether a roof repair or a full roof replacement is right for you…

Call your friendly neighborhood, Virginia Beach Roofers!

Request a Free Roofing Quote!