Wear and Warning Signs to Look Out For If You’re Ever on the Roof

Your roof covers a lot of surface area on the top of your house, exposing it to the elements and making it susceptible to deterioration. This makes it important to always keep an eye on the status of your roof so you can catch any potential warning signs that could suggest that it needs to be replaced. If you are unsure what you should be looking for, New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. has put together a list of common roof wear signs that will let you know that you should consider having it replaced or repaired.

Curling of Shingles

When shingles start peeling up from the surface of the roof, it shows that they have been weathered by the elements and are in need of a replacement. Shingles can curl in two different ways, which are:

  • Cupping: This type of curling happens when the corners of a shingle turn upwards.
  • Clawing: This type of curling is when the middle curls up, and the edges of the shingle stay flat.

Curling shingles are usually the first warning sign of a roof that is about to become problematic. It is an indicator that you could soon be susceptible to leaks or other issues. Shingles curl most often in areas where they are directly in the sun, so check spots that aren’t covered by shade first to determine their status.

Cracked Shingles

Unlike curled shingles, which are a result of sun damage, shingles usually crack because of wind damage. Shingles will typically crack in one area of the roof that was hit particularly hard by a storm or wind gusts. If you are noticing cracked shingles throughout your entire roof in a random pattern, however, then that is a good sign that the integrity of your roof is weakened and a replacement is likely the best move.

Missing Shingles

High winds can not only crack shingles but rip them from your roof entirely. Weather is not the only culprit for missing shingles, though. It could also be an indicator that the underpinnings holding the shingles in place are weakening. Replacing a few isolated shingles that go missing may seem like an easy solution, but when enough are gone, it will start to become noticeable. The replacement shingles you install will likely have a different color than your original ones, creating an unsightly checkerboard pattern that reduces your curb appeal. If you have enough missing shingles, it’s simpler and more aesthetically pleasing to replace the roof as a whole.

Granules in the Gutter

The next time you are cleaning your gutters, take note if they are filled with granules. Granules are particles made from the same material as shingles that are placed on the surface of the roof to protect against the sun and weather. When granules start to fall off of shingles, it makes them more susceptible to sun damage, which can cause cupping and clawing. It is important to note that if you just had your roof replaced, you will likely notice granules accumulating in your gutters. This is normal since loose granules fall off of newly installed shingles. However, if you haven’t had your roof replaced in a while and you find granules in your gutters, then it’s time to take action.

Stay Covered

If your roof is exhibiting some of these signs of wear, then you should consider having it replaced. New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. is Northern, and Central New Jersey’s premier roofing installer and only works with high-quality materials to provide you with a roof replacement that will last. To learn more about our services and receive a free estimate, contact us today.