Your home is more than just a place to stay. It’s one of your biggest investments. Your roof is what protects the entire structure, and when it starts to age, it’s less able to provide that protection. If you’re starting to notice problems, a roof repair might be possible. Sometimes, though, a roof replacement is the best way to go. Here are 5 signs you need a new roof on your East Texas home or business.

Your Shingles Have Curled Edges

Go outside and look at your roofline from the ground. Use a pair of binoculars if you have them. Examine the corners of individual shingles and see if they are starting to curl inward.

If they are, that’s natural, but it’s also a sign of a problem. Curling shingles happen for several reasons:

• Your roof is old. This is the most common reason. It doesn’t mean anything is going wrong, it’s just a natural process. If your roof is 15 years or older and your shingles are curling, you need a new roof.
• The attic is incorrectly ventilated. Moisture gets trapped and when it evaporates, it rises. It seeps into decking causing mold formation. Your shingles curl.
• Your roof has more than one layer. It’s cheaper to put a second layer on top of old shingles, but it also can lead to premature aging. The second layer is less secure if it’s installed on an unstable foundation.
• The previous roofing contractor did a bad job. Either they didn’t use enough nails on each shingle or they put the nails in the wrong places. Over time wind and water work shingles loose and the edges curl. Another problem occurs when roofers don’t correctly line up the adhesive strip on shingles. When it doesn’t properly adhere, shingles curl.

Your Roof Leaks

Water penetration can do extensive damage fast because it gets everywhere! This is the most common reason people call us to find out if they need a roof replacement. Unfortunately, leaks aren’t always obvious right away. You might not observe water dripping from ceilings during a rainstorm.

If you find water inside your home and you can’t trace it back to a spill, pet accident or plumbing issue, suspect your roof. You might start to see a water stain on ceilings ringed in brown. They can be faint, so it’s a good idea to periodically examine dim corners with a flashlight. Mold and mildew is another sign you could have a roof leak.

If you just see an occasional drip, don’t ignore it. Water might just get in crevices when the wind blows rain just right. Or you might have ice dams form when there’s extreme cold. Just because you don’t always see water every time it rains doesn’t mean the problem has gone away.

You See Shingle Granules

When your shingles age, they start to shed the asphalt granules that make up their top layer. Those granules are there to protect the rest of the shingle from UV light and rough weather. Time and the elements deteriorate them. It’s normal to see a few granules here and there when you clean out your gutters.

However, if your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan or outside elements have accelerated their breakdown, you might start to see larger amounts. It’s a good idea to call for a professional roofing inspection.

You Suspect Hail Damage

East Texas experiences severe weather, and sometimes it comes out of nowhere. Even small sized hail can be tough on your roof. After a storm, take a walk around your property and look for signs you might have a problem. Get your binoculars back out and look for small dents in asphalt shingles. Check the top of your mailbox and outdoor air conditioner unit for dents. If hailstones took out your landscaping, they probably caused roof problems as well. Take photos of everything you see and we’ll talk you through filing a claim on your homeowner’s insurance.

You See Structural Problems

If you’re examining your roof and your roofline seems to roll and dip, there could be problems with support structures. Moisture and time cause boards to warp and bend. Even new East Texas homes can experience foundation problems that cause large-scale shifts.

It’s free to find out what kind of shape your roofing is in. Just give us a call and we’ll send one of our trustworthy roofing contractors. If you need a new roof, we won’t just advise a roof replacement, we’ll show you why. Our experts can often point our problem areas from the ground, and they take photos during your free roof inspection. Send us a message online or call (903)707-2219.