Having a roof over your head is one of our basic safety needs. We all need a home — a shelter to protect us from the elements and a place to raise our families. As long as the roof is there, we are content to live our lives without really thinking about it. But if you don’t check your roof occasionally, you could find yourself needing a roof replacement. At Apex Roofing, we recommend inspecting your roof once or twice a year to ensure it’s in prime condition. So, if you’re doing your due diligence by checking your roof, what should you look for to indicate it may need to be replaced? Check out these ten signs that you may need a new roof:

You can see light or water coming through.

When inspecting your roof to see if you may need a new roof soon, the best place to start is in your attic. Take a flashlight up with you and look at the eaves. Can you see any sunlight coming through? Can you see water coming through, or black streaks where water was coming through? If you do, you may need a new roof.

The ceiling or roof is sagging.

Does your roof appear to be sagging in the middle or in certain areas? If your roof has a saddle-like shape, chances are you have some rot or trapped moisture that’s causing damage to your roof. It will likely need major repairs or you may need a new roof altogether.

It has sustained wind, hail, or storm damage.

If your roof has sustained wind, hail, or storm damage, odds are it will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. These types of storms can cause lasting problems for your roof if not repaired properly or replaced within a given time frame. Have a professional come inspect your roof to report on the extent of the damage. We are happy to speak with insurance adjusters to ensure your claim will cover an entire new roof.

It’s over a certain age.

If your roof is older than 25 years, it’s time to get it replaced. If your roof was properly installed and is within 20-25 years old, you can most likely get by with repairs. However, if you purchased your home without knowing the age of the roof, review your records to figure out when the roof was last replaced or installed. Give us a call for a free inspection when the time comes.

Missing or broken shingles.

A few missing or broken shingles can just mean a repair is needed. However, when there are many missing or broken shingles, you may need a new roof soon. Many missing or broken shingles are a good sign your roof may soon be leaking and is probably due for a replacement.

Curling shingles.

Shingles that are in good working order should rest flat against the roof. If your shingles are starting to curl, this could be an indication that they are reaching the end of their useful life. Have a roofing professional examine your roof to see if it needs replacing.

Your shingles are mossy.

Moss on your roof can be a cosmetic issue, but it could also mean that there is moisture trapped in your roof. Contact a roofing professional for further evaluation. You can also contact a roof washing specialist to take care of the moss, but make sure to address any underlying issues with the roof structure.

Damaged flashing.

Flashing is an important part of your roof as it keeps water out of chimneys, vents, skylights, and other important aspects of your roof and home. If the flashing of your roof is damaged, it could lead to leaks and further roof damage. Make sure your flashing is in good condition, and upgrade to metal flashing for extra durability to avoid the need for a roof replacement.

Dark streaks.

Dark streaks on your roof can be more than a cosmetic issue. These dark streaks can usually be cleaned up by a professional, but they could also indicate trapped moisture in the roof. Keep an eye on how many dark streaks you see and how quickly they come back after being removed.

Excessive gutter build-up.

Gutter build-up can be more than just leaves. If your gutters are overflowing, check for granules from the shingles. If you notice lots of shingle scraps or granules, this could mean that your shingles are nearing the end of their useful life and may need to be replaced. Need help inspecting your gutters? We can do that too!

Not Sure if Your Virginia Home Needs a New Roof?

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your roof! If you notice any of the above happening to your roof, give us a call! Apex Roofing offers free, no-obligation quotes so that you can have peace of mind. Whether your roof just needs a repair, requires a full replacement, or needs some gutters, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call at 434-443-ROOF or fill out our online form today. We are the best roofing company in the Charlottesville area, and we look forward to serving you!