How To Tell If You Need A New Roof

Discoloration and Algae Growth

If you can see discoloration on your roof, it's often caused by algae growth. Algae appears as a dark brown or black color and can look like your roof is streaky or dirty. People sometimes assume that it's just tree debris or dirt. Algae is caused by airborne particles which settle on your roof over time, and usually occurs in hotter climates. Although algae discoloration can be ugly, fortunately it doesn't affect the performance or life of your roof.

Algae can be hard to remove, but the discoloration can be lightened by spraying a solution onto the affected areas and letting it sit for 10 or 15 minutes before rinsing. Combine chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate and water (one cup TSP, one gallon bleach and four gallons water).

DON'T SCRUB (and avoid pressure washers) because that can remove some of the granules from your shingles. After rinsing be sure to spray the bushes, grass, and tress around the edge of your house, to dilute the mixture and avoid damage to shrubery. Keep in mind that while this may improve the overall appearance of your roof, it is a temporary solution and discoloration may re-occur. And if you are considering a new roof, ask your roofer about algae-resistant shingles.

Damaged or Improperly Installed Flashing

Problems with flashing are usually caused by: improper installation, dents from nailing, older roofs that have become dried or cracked, or settling.

An experience roofer can replace damaged flasing and shingles in the affected area, and/or advise you about possible unseen damage from leaks caused by improperly installed flashing.

Buckling

Buckling looks like big wrinkles on your roof, and the most common causes are: (1) new shingles installed over older, rough shingles (2) moisture build-up due to inadequate ventilation (3) roof felt or wood underlayment that was installed incorrectly (4) movement in your roof.

If it's a ventilation/moisture problem, talk to us about adding ventilation to your attic space. Once the ventilation problem is solved it may take a little while for the excess moisture to escape, but after that your roof should lay flat.

If it's a wrinkled felt problem, the solution is to remove the shingles in the affected area, cut/replace the wrinkled felt, and replace necessary shingles.

Shingles Are Curling

Curled shingles can be caused by: loose nails, lack of adhesive coating on the backs of shingles, ventilation problems, or not enough fasteners.

Blistering

Blistering is often caused by excessive moisture in the shingle. If blisters dry out in the sun and crack open revealing the asphalt, the shingles need to be replaced.

Missing Shingles

Missing shingles are caused by high winds, improper fastening, or simply old age. Missing shingles should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid leaks and potential water damage.

Spots on Your Ceiling

Ceiling spots are caused by leaks in your roof. Check for: (1) damaged shingles (2) damaged flashing around chimneys and vents (3) eaves for backed-up water from ice dams (4) inspect attic area for leaks in the roof deck, and inspect the rafters for "travelling" leaks that move away from the original source.

Rot

Shingle rot is usually caused by moisture in the mat at the core of the shingle. It's often seen in organic-based shingles. Consider replacing with fiberglass-based shingles.