10 Warning Signs That Show You Need a New Roof

If you’re not expecting it, needing a new roof can be extremely disruptive . Not only does an underperforming roof impact your at-home experience and potentially damage other parts of your home, but it can also be one of the most expensive repairs you have to make on your home.

As such, we understand that sudden unexpected roof repairs and replacements are not exactly great moments for you.

So, the team at Dana Logsdon Roofing and Solar wants to help you avoid that problem.

We have a list of the 10 main warning signs you need a new roof .

Check it out.

1: The Roof Has Outlasted Its Expected Lifespan

You might not have considered this, but your roof has a lifespan . At least, there’s an expected lifespan for your roof. While good roofs that are maintained and repaired as needed can last for decades, they’re typically only expected to last about 25 years for an average roof . That expectation changes dramatically depending on the materials and style of the roof.

If your roof is coming up on its expected lifespan, it’s time to start thinking about saving, contacting your insurance company, or otherwise planning for a roof replacement .

That’s the best way to avoid the problems of an old roof suddenly cascading and becoming an unexpected major expense.

2: Missing Material

This can be a sign that you either need repairs or you need a whole new roof. It’s largely situational. However, one thing is for sure. You must take action immediately . 

If you don’t, something that could have just needed repairs might need to be fully replaced within a fairly short period of time.

When we say “missing material”, we mean things such as shingles that have been blown off rust spots on metal roofs, and similar situations.

If you catch the problem fast and get professional help, it’s very possible that roofs with such signs of damage will only need minor repairs. However, you still need an inspection to be performed , because the damaged or missing materials might have allowed water to come in and damage structural parts of the roof. Simply putting a few new shingles on won’t undo that major structural water damage.

3: Leaks

If you suddenly notice water dripping from your ceiling, you almost certainly need a new roof . Your roof clearly isn’t waterproof anymore, and by the time it starts dripping through your ceiling, there’s likely a lot of related damage, as well.

This also isn’t something you can put off. While it’s common to catch the drip in the short term while you try to get a professional in to inspect the issue, don’t try to use any hacks or cheap tricks as long-term solutions. The longer the root of the problem persists, the bigger the issue will be.



4: Water Damage on Your Walls

This sign that you need a new roof is essentially the same as a leak, but it usually isn’t noticed for a long time . This is when the damaged part of the roof lets water creep between your walls, and while you don’t notice it at first, you’ll start seeing mold or water stains on your ceiling and down your walls without any other explanation.

Again, this is a serious issue, because the leak is allowing water to damage other parts of your home that the roof is supposed to protect . So, call a roofing contractor immediately, and start finding out how to fund the project.

5: Visible Damage

If you go outside and look at your roof, and it is visually in disrepair, it’s time to call a professional contractor . This is most common after high-wind storms, hail, and similar situations that often damage roofs badly enough to require repairs or replacements.

Big things to look for are the missing materials we talked about earlier, but cave-ins, holes, and similar dramatic damages are immediate concerns.

6: Post-Storm Inspection Shows Structural Damages

Not every storm creates dramatic damage that you can spot with a glance. Hail and snow are notorious for causing more subtle, less noticeable, damage.

Any time your area experiences a major hail storm, or snow builds up on your roof a bit more than it should due to extreme weather, it’s important to get your roof inspected .

The impact of weather on roofing can vary in intensity. Hail can punch holes right through your roof that might not be immediately noticeable, and it might even hit hard enough to crack plywood layers without you noticing it. Snow, while unavoidable depending on where you live, weighs a lot. If it builds up on your roof and surpasses your roof’s capability to hold it, that weight can put tremendous strain on the plywood, structural beams, and more.

You might not even notice snow damage until it finally breaks a structural point and your roof slouches.

If the inspector says the damage is serious, it’s time to start looking for a new roof .

7: Lackluster Energy Efficiency

As technology advances, humanity tries to make things cheaper, more effective, and of course, less resource-intensive. Roofs are no different .

The roofing materials of today, even the cheapest options, are far better at helping insulate your home, and that helps you cut back on your energy costs. Not only that, but because you’re using less energy to control your home's climate, you’re reducing your carbon footprint, too . That’s a huge concern for many people, now.

If you know that your roof is made with outdated materials that are letting tons of climate-controlled air escape, it’s a good idea to plan a replacement that gives you better insulation and long-term returns on your energy bill .



8: You’re Selling the Home (Circumstantial)

If your roof is old, and you’re getting ready to sell, that roof will be held against you . Great buyers might walk away, and almost all buyers will try to negotiate the price. After all, they’ll have to replace the roof soon out of their pocket.

If you preemptively replace it, that adds tremendous value to your home, and since it’s such a great value adder, you’ll have a lot of people scrambling to outbid each other for the house.

9: It Doesn’t Visually Match Your Home

This usually isn’t an issue, but if you’re doing major renovations on your house, that standard roof you’ve had for years might suddenly look out of place. Why not get a new roof that matches the style of your home now that you’ve renovated it?

On top of that, your curb appeal will increase . This affects your home’s value dramatically.

10: Obsolete Safety Tech

Finally, this is a big one. Just like new roofs are designed with efficiency in mind, they’re also made with safety in mind. Modern materials are designed to be more fire retardant, resistant to various types of damage that can be dangerous, and more.

Not only does an older roof present serious risks because of its age and wear but it also wasn’t built with the finest technology to minimize those problems.

If your roof is outdated, already serious events can become even worse, and you should start saving immediately to upgrade the roof and protect your family.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late!

Your roof is more than just a cover over your head— it's the shield that protects your home and family.  

Ignoring these 10 warning signs that you need a new roof could lead to costly repairs and even irreversible damage. 

The team at Dana Logsdon Roofing and Solar is here to help you make the right decision before disaster strikes. Act now and schedule a free professional roof inspection to safeguard your home.