10 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof

## 10 Warning Signs Your Roof Needs Replacement Your roof protects everything you love. Knowing when it needs replacement can prevent costly water damage, mold growth, and structural problems. Here are the 10 warning signs every homeowner should know. ### 1. Age of Your Roof Most asphalt shingle roofs last 20-25 years. If your roof is approaching or exceeding this age, it's time to consider replacement—even if it looks okay from the ground. **Ask yourself**: Do you know when your roof was last replaced? If not, a professional inspection can help determine its age and remaining lifespan. ### 2. Missing or Damaged Shingles After storms, check your roof for: - Missing shingles (bare spots) - Cracked or broken shingles - Shingles that are curling or buckling - Shingles that appear to be "lifting" A few missing shingles can be repaired, but widespread damage often means replacement is more cost-effective. ### 3. Granules in Your Gutters Asphalt shingles have protective granules that wear off over time. If you notice: - Excessive granules in your gutters after rain - Bald spots on shingles - Sand-like material around your home's foundation Your shingles are nearing the end of their protective life. ### 4. Sagging Roof Deck A sagging roof is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. It could indicate: - Water damage to the roof deck - Structural issues with rafters or trusses - Excessive weight on the roof If you notice any sagging, call a professional immediately. ### 5. Daylight Through Roof Boards From your attic, look for: - Light coming through the roof boards - Damp insulation - Water stains on rafters or decking If light can get in, so can water. ### 6. Rising Energy Bills An old or damaged roof affects your home's energy efficiency: - Poor ventilation causes temperature extremes - Damaged insulation loses R-value - Air leaks increase heating/cooling costs If your energy bills have been steadily increasing, your roof could be the culprit. ### 7. Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls Interior water damage is a clear sign of roof problems: - Brown or yellow stains on ceilings - Peeling paint or wallpaper - Mold or mildew growth - Damp spots after rain Don't just paint over these issues—they'll only get worse. ### 8. Moss, Mold, or Fungi Growth While a little moss may look quaint, it's actually damaging your roof: - Moss holds moisture against shingles - It can lift shingles and allow water underneath - Mold and fungi indicate trapped moisture Some moss can be cleaned, but excessive growth often indicates deeper problems. ### 9. Damaged Flashing Flashing seals areas where the roof meets walls, chimneys, and vents. Look for: - Cracked or corroded metal flashing - Caulk that has dried out or cracked - Visible gaps around penetrations Damaged flashing is a common source of leaks. ### 10. Your Neighbors Are Replacing Their Roofs If homes in your neighborhood built around the same time are getting new roofs, yours likely needs attention too. Roofs in the same area experience: - The same weather conditions - Similar sun exposure - Comparable wear patterns ## What to Do Next If you've noticed any of these warning signs, don't wait for a small problem to become a disaster: 1. **Schedule a professional inspection**: Our team provides thorough roof inspections 2. **Get an honest assessment**: We'll tell you whether repair or replacement makes sense 3. **Understand your options**: We'll explain materials, timelines, and pricing 4. **Act before the damage spreads**: Early intervention saves money ## Ready for a Roof Inspection? At Lucky Stars Roofing, we've been helping Queens and Long Island homeowners protect their homes for over 65 years. Contact us today for an inspection and honest assessment of your roof's condition.