Signs Your Roof Is Damaged and Needs to Be Replaced

All types of roofing systems have a life span. As your roof nears the end of its lifespan, it may start showing signs of wear and tear. The longer you keep your roof, the more damage you’ll start to see, which may potentially lead to damage to your home. So, how do you know when your roof has reached the end of its life?

Let us explore the signs that it’s time to replace your roof.

Signs It’s Time for Roof Replacement

Identifying the signs of damage allows you to address the issues on your roof or replace it if needed to avoid costly repairs on your home. Here are signs that your roof has reached the end of its life cycle:

1. Your Roof’s Age

Different types of roofs have different life spans, with most lasting at least 30 years.

However, if your roof is approaching or has surpassed its lifespan, it’s integrity may start wearing off. At this point, even if the roof appears to be in good condition, the materials may have degraded and are now more susceptible to damage.

As such, once you reach the roof’s age limit, it’s time to start considering a replacement.

Another good way to determine if you need to replace your roof is when you notice that you need house renovations. Most roofs are installed at the same time a house is constructed, so they may start showing signs of wear and tear at around the same time, too.

2. Dents or Cupped Shingles

When your stone-coated metal shingles were first installed, you may have noticed that they lay flat on your roof, forming a solid protective barrier against the elements.

Most roofs are designed to lay flat to form a solid protective barrier against the elements. However, over time, after relentless exposure to rain, sun, and wind, the roofing materials may start to have dents or curl up.

Even roofs ideal for tropical climates lose their structural integrity once they have started to dent, curl, or cup. Dented or curled roofs likely have holes where water can seep through, leading to leaks and water damage inside your home.

3. Bald Spots

Most roofs have protective layers that safeguard their internal structures from the elements. When this coating starts to wear off, the other layers of the roof can start eroding and cause bald spots to appear, exposing the metal base layer.

Apart from visible bald spots on your roof, you can check for granules or pieces of paint in your gutters and downspouts as worn-out coating can easily be washed away by rainwater.

This occurrence not only affects the aesthetics of your roof but also its ability to repel water and resist corrosion. So, when you start seeing bald spots, that’s a sure sign of roof damage and that your roof will need replacement soon.

4. Missing Panels

Is your roof missing a shingle or panel here and there? Perhaps you found a shingle or piece of your roof on the ground after a thunderstorm? These are clear signs that your roof is no longer in its best condition.

Even if you use roofs made for typhoons, which the Philippines has a lot of, once you have missing panels, this means that the protective barrier is compromised. This leaves your roof vulnerable to water infiltration, leading to leaks, mold, and structural damage to your home.

5. Cracked Shingles

A unique roof damage people find among asphalt, clay, or stone-coated metal roofing are cracks. These types of roofs may crack because of physical impact, such as falling debris. Cracks may also be the result of thermal expansion and contraction, which is something we can expect from living in a tropical country.

Cracks in your roof are bad news. Cracks are gaps in the shingles’ protective layers, meaning your roof may start wearing off and be vulnerable to leaks and corrosion.

Cracks in stone-coated metal roofs may be harder to spot, so you may need to inspect your roof closely.

6. Discoloration

Dark streaks and other types of discoloration on your roof are not only an aesthetic issue. These are signs of algae growth.

While algae growth does not mean you’ll need to replace your roof immediately, it does suggest that the roof is retaining moisture, which can lead to other issues if not addressed. Algae can degrade the stone coating and erode the roof’s protection, leading to sagging.

With that said, if your roof has had dark streaks for a while, consider checking for any traces of rotting. If your roof has started to rot, then it is compromised and should be considered a sign that your roof needs to be replaced.

7. Rust

Rust is the main indicator of degradation among metallic materials. While metal roofs are well-protected against corrosion, once the protective layers wear off – as they typically do over time – the underlying metal is exposed to moisture and oxygen, leading to rust.

Rust not only affects the visual appeal of your roof but also weakens its structural integrity. If not replaced, the rusty metal may corrode further and have holes where water can enter and cause damage to your home.

Why You Should Replace Your Roof

The different types of damage we listed above are definite signs that you need a new roof. Replacing your roof when you notice signs of damage can help you avoid extensive and costly repairs down the line.

A compromised roof can lead to water leaks that will damage your ceilings and walls, lead to mold growth, and cause structural decay. These consequences pose both health and safety risks.

Prompt action safeguards the integrity of your home, protects your investment, and provides peace of mind that you and your loved ones are safe from whatever the elements may bring.

Do You Need Roof Replacement?

Using high-quality materials, proper installation, and regular maintenance are key to extending the life of your roof. However, it’s equally important to identify the signs that it’s time to replace your roof to avoid major issues.

If you start to notice any signs of damage, don’t hesitate to get it inspected and replace your roof if needed. Ensuring that your roof is in good condition is essential in protecting your home.

Make sure you maximize your investment by entrusting your roofing needs with a trusted stone-coated roofing supplier in the Philippines. Get in touch with us to learn more.