5 Reasons Why You May Need a New Roof

Every roof has a finite lifespan, just like all other components of your home such as siding or even your appliances. But age isn’t the only sign that you need a new roof. Anything from water damage to granules in your gutters can signal the need for replacement. Check out these five reasons why you may need to replace your roof.

1.  Age

This is the most common reason for replacement. But many homeowners don’t know exactly how old their roof is. A good rule of thumb for asphalt shingle roofs is that they can last up to about 20-25 years with good care. In addition to age, other factors that will determine how soon you get it replaced include improper ventilation systems and whether there’s already another layer of shingles under the top one. If you aren’t sure how old your roof is, consult with a trusted roofer in MA for an inspection.

2.  Shingle Wear

If you have an asphalt shingle roof and those shingles are curling or buckling, you may need a new roof. This usually happens with age but could signal a defect in the roofing material if the shingles aren’t all that old. Other signs of wear include shingles that frequently drop off or go missing.

3.  Wear on Chimney and Siding Flashing

Improperly fitted or corroded flashing can introduce leaks into your roof. If you notice the flashing around your chimney is rusted or bent, roof replacement is probably imminent. That’s because that by the time you have noticed this, the damage to the roof has already been done. A simple patch job likely won’t suffice.

4.  Failing Roof Valleys

If you take a look at the weaving where your roof valleys come together and see shingles that are falling away or missing, you may need a new roof. Roof valleys are important and their integrity must be maintained over their lifespan. That’s because moisture from snow and rain flow down through your roof valleys and into your gutters. If you have a failing roof valley, this will result in leaks.

5.  Granules in Your Gutters

If you are noticing small black granules clogging up your gutter, this is a sign your asphalt shingles are degrading well past their useful life. Those granules are necessary because they shield your roofing material from the sun and other elements. When they are stripped bare, you don’t get that same protection and your roof is vulnerable to leaks and other damage.

As your roof gets on in years, the loss of granules is accelerated as they naturally approach the end of their life cycle.

Contact Gutter Helmet of New England

Have you noticed any of the above signs? Our team specializes in roof replacement, thanks to GAF’s Lifetime Roofing System that gives you a longer lifespan for your home. To book your consultation, contact us at 833-710-2933.

Your gutters can make or break the health of your entire roof and home. Playing an important role in channeling rain away from your home, properly installed gutters can keep water from infiltrating your foundation and exterior trim. They can even reduce ice build-up and damage to roofing while preventing unsafe conditions on walkways.

Clogged gutters prevent the smooth run-off of rainwater, which can compromise not only your home’s structure but your family’s health as well. Check out these reasons why clean gutters translate to a healthy home.

Keep your gutters clean to:

Prevent Roof Damage

When water pools inside gutters that are clogged with debris, that water will begin to collect on the bottom of your roof. The result? Moisture buildup and the possibility of wood rot. Rot leads to wet insulation, mold growth and costly structural damage. Plus, when water is allowed to sit on your shingles and roof valleys, leaks can happen. The costs associated with roof damage and leaks inside the home are very high. It’s best to avoid these high costs in the first place, and you can do that with the right gutter system.

Keep Out Pests

Rodents and insects love damp areas. It stands to reason that if water sits for a long time in your gutters, it will attract termites, mosquitoes, and other insects and pests. If those critters make their way into the house, you could have a health problem on your hands as it impacts your family. Pests can carry disease, bite or sting, and nest in your belongings, so use the right gutter system to keep them out of your interior.

Prevent Damage to Fascia

Fascia — the long, straight board that runs along the roof’s lower edge behind the gutter – can fall victim to splashing from overflow. This will eventually cause your fascia to rot, allowing access to your attic by pests of all kinds.

Avoid Overwatering Garden Beds

If you, like many homeowners, have fruit, vegetable, flower and other plants in your garden, they can be compromised and destroyed by a malfunctioning gutter system. Essentially, your plants will drown from all the excess water falling onto them – in severe storms, the water runoff can come down in powerful sheets. Clean gutters will carry that rainwater off the roof and divert it elsewhere so your plants can thrive.  

Prevent Cracks in the Foundation

Water can damage your home’s foundation if the gutters and downspouts don’t properly direct rainwater away from the house. That water will saturate the soil around the foundation, making it unstable over time. Pooling rainwater also freezes and expands with extreme temperatures, leading to cracks in your foundation. Foundation damage is not cheap to fix!

Contact Gutter Helmet of New England

If you need a new gutter system to boost the health of your home, ask us about our Gutter Helmetsystem designed to keep leaves, debris and pine needles out. To book an inspection or to get a free quote, contact us at 833-710-2933.