Signs You Need a New Roof Before Winter

When was the last time you took a real close look at your roof?

Unfortunately, most homeowners wait until they notice serious damage, like a leaky roof, to determine whether or not they need a new roof. With winter right around the corner, it’s a good idea to start thinking about your roof. A roof of your head is pretty essential to keeping you safe and warm during the winter months. If you’re on the fence when it comes to replacing your roof before winter hits, inspect your roof in the fall for these 6 signs.

1. The Age of Your Roof

The first question to ask yourself is “how old is your existing asphalt shingle roof?” Most roofing experts expect your roof to last between 20 to 25 years, depending on local weather conditions and other factors. If your roof is 20 years or older, it should be routinely inspected for signs of deterioration that indicate it’s time for replacement.

2. Shingles Curling Up

One major sign that you need a new roof is to look at the condition of your shingles. If you notice your shingles are curling, buckling, or even missing, you may need to invest in a roof repair or replacement before winter.

3. Increased Heating Bills

Have you noticed your heating bills are creeping higher over the last few winter? If your bill is increasing, and you’re not sure why, it could be due to poor insulation from your attic and roof.
While most homeowners focus on the insulation of their doors and windows to help lower their heating bill, in actuality, the homeowner’s roof might be a common culprit. Poor roofing insulation can cause air to enter and exit more frequently, resulting in sky-high energy bills, especially in the winter. It’s important to get your insulation under control before the cold winter months hit.

4. Shingle Grit in your Gutters

While shingle grit can be a nuisance and clog your gutters, it can also be a big sign that there is something wrong with your roof. In fact, seeing granules while you’re cleaning gutters could be a sign that your roof is on the way out. Once the granules fall off and the shingles start to bake, the quality of your roof will deteriorate quickly.

5. Moss, Mold, or Rot

Moss can hold moisture and damage your roof during the winter, so you’ll want to make sure this is taken care of as soon as possible. On the other hand, mold and rot are signs that moisture damage has already occurred! Beyond looking great, anything growing on your roof could be a sign that you need roof replacement.

6. Leaky Roof

A major sign that you need a new roof before winter is a leaky roof. Leaky roofs are an obvious sign that you may need a professional for a leaky roof repair or roof replacement. We recommend regularly checking your attic, especially after a rain storm or if you notice an ice dam along your eaves. Look for signs of water penetration, since major leaks inside your home are most likely to start there.

As previously mentioned, leaky roofs don’t necessarily mean you need roof replacement. In some cases, you might be able to correct your issue with a quick leaky roof repair. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to have it checked out and corrected immediately, especially before winter time. This will ensure that the problem doesn’t get out of hand or worsen.