In the terrible aftermath of Hurricane Ian, it doesn’t take much observation to notice that some houses fared worse than others. Nature is a powerful force and will expose any weakness in your home. Your roof is not exempt from the forces of nature either. It’s your home’s first line of defense. Roof shingles are the very first layer that protects your home and loved ones from the elements. Unfortunately, too many homeowners don’t realize that their shingles need replacing until it’s too late. Let’s look at some of the most valuable pointers alerting you that it’s time to replace the shingles.
1) Your Roof Is Missing Shingles
In South Florida, many homes have shingle roofs. Shingles are primarily asphalt-based, they make up a uniform pattern. Missing shingles ruin the aesthetic. You may be able to spot missing shingles by looking at the roof from the ground. If you can’t see your entire roof, perhaps it’s time to contact a reputable local roofer to inspect for you. Replacing a few missing shingles is the first step in protecting the rest of the roof below.
2) Interior Water Damage
There doesn’t have to be a visible leak to detect water damage. A leak will show other signs before you start seeing water dripping from the ceiling or pouring down the walls. An excessive amount of moisture levels in the roof cavity of your home can manifest as mold inside. You may also notice staining and streaking where slow leaks discolor the ceiling boards and drywall. Also, look out for any bubbling on the ceiling, walls, and cornices. A white mold grows underneath certain paints where there is excess moisture. The mold growth causes the characteristic bubbling of dampness.
3) Granules In The Gutters
It’s a good idea to clean your gutters regularly so that the roof drainage system is in tip-top shape. When you’re up there, try to keep an eye on the amount of grit in the gutters. Over time, asphalt shingles shed granules. Part of the fabrication of asphalt shingles involves coating the asphalt portion of the shingle in fine grit. Manufacturers add granules to protect the shingle from the harmful long-term effect of the sun. The color and texture of the granules also add to your home’s curb appeal. If you notice more and more granules in the gutters, it’s time to consider a shingle replacement.
4) An Aging Roof
If you’re unsure how old your roof is, it’s time to get into detective mode! Depending on the type of shingle your roof has, its lifespan can range from 10 – 40 years. Asphalt shingles last for anything from 10 – 20 years. Concrete and clay tiles can last for anything from 25+ years. If you have no idea how old your roof is, a neat trick is to see if your neighbors are replacing theirs. In housing estates, homes are built by large teams, often in parallel. If you see your neighbor is replacing their roof, it may be time for you too!
5) Lifting, Cracked & Curling Shingles
For concrete or clay-tiled roofs, hailstones can crack tiles. The cracked tile leads to water pooling on top of the underlayment. Later, that puddling underneath the surface could turn into a leak. Asphalt shingles tend to curl up at the edges when they get older. As the granules come loose, the shingle gets thinner. The thinner material curls up from the sun’s heat, and the edges lift off the roof. The curled profile of the tile now acts as a bucket that keeps water instead of draining it away.
Replacing Roof Shingles In Jupiter, South Florida
In South Florida, the name ABC Roofing Corp. is synonymous with quality workmanship, and award-winning service. We have over 30 years of experience in the roofing industry and can take on any job, big or small, residential, or commercial. If you’re looking to start today or need more information for tomorrow, call us at 954-344-4622.
