Warning Signs You Need A Roof Replacement

August 9, 2023

Warning Signs You Need A Roof Replacement

To Repair or Replace? These are a few signs you may be able to tell for yourself. The Target Roofing Team is always happy to inspect and to identify honestly when it’s time to invest in a roof replacement. Here are a few signs that it’s time to check on your roof status.

1. AGE

If it’s been over 15 years, it’s time to call Target Roofing for an evaluation. Expected lifespan of roofing materials isn’t enough to trust unchecked. Variations in maintenance, ventilation, and other factors can impact lifespan, so it’s important not to lock into a specific number of years.

2. SHINGLE DAMAGE

Heat, hail, high winds, snow fall, and downed trees can damage the shingles on your roof, leading to cracks and leaks. On a small scale, repairs can keep moisture out. But if there’s extensive damage, you may need to invest in a roof replacement.

3. MOSS & ALGAE

Moss and algae buildup on your roof can be more than just a cosmetic problem—it can point to a serious moisture issue. If you notice moss or algae building up on your roof, be sure to contact a licensed roofer to fully inspect the problem. Most importantly, don’t try to power wash the growth off—you’ll do more damage to the roof.

4. LOSS OF GRANULES

If you have an asphalt roof, the shingles are coated in granules to protect against damage from the sun. When the granules wear off, shingles take too much heat from the sun and can start to bubble/crack. Finding granules in your gutters or scattered on the roof can be a sign that it’s time for a replacement. Keep in mind that a brand-new roof will have loose granules. This is more applicable for mid-life roofs.

5. DECK DAMAGE

Roofing isn’t all about shingles. The deck of plywood and/or substrate that keep your roof intact is also important. If you see plywood sagging or showing signs of water damage, it is time to replace your roof.

6. WEAR & TEAR OF FLASHING

Another aspect of your roof you should play close attention to are the flashings around vents, chimneys and other penetrations on the roof. These materials can break down over time, leaving your home vulnerable to the elements.

7. ROTTED FASCIA OR SOFFIT

Another tell-tale sign of roof deterioration is visible damage to the wooden overhangs or trim around your roof. The rot and damage are often the cause of leaks.

2. Eaves — The Main Water Exit
The eaves are the lowest horizontal edges of the roof — where the roof hangs past the walls of the home.

Most roofs are designed so that the majority of rainwater exits off the eaves.This is also where gutters are mounted because water naturally concentrates here.

Water flow behavior:
Water flows straight down the slope and exits at the eaves → into gutters → downspouts.

3. Rakes — The Sloped Edges, NOT Intended for Water Exit
The rakes are the angled edges of the roof on a gable end — the sides of the “triangle” on a typical front-facing roof.

Unlike eaves, rakes do not have gutters, and they are not meant for major water runoff.

Water hits the rakes mostly from wind-driven rain, but most water should run past the rake and toward the eaves.

Water flow behavior:
Water flows downhill past the rake, not off the rake.
Only a small amount may drip off the rake during sideways rain.

4. Valleys — The Roof’s Water Highways
A valley is where two sloping roof sections meet in a V-shaped channel.

Valleys collect water from two or more roof surfaces, which means they carry the highest volume of water on your roof.

Because they concentrate so much water, valleys are reinforced with special underlayment and flashing.

Water flow behavior:
Water from multiple slopes gathers into the valley → rushes downward → exits at the eaves.
(Imagine two mountain streams merging into one fast-moving river.)

5. Hips — The Opposite of Valleys
A hip is the sloping edge formed when two roof planes meet at an outside angle (instead of an inside V like a valley).

You’ll see hips on roofs that slope down on all sides, like hip roofs or complex rooflines.

Water flow behavior:
Water flows away from a hip, down each adjoining slope.
Unlike a valley (which concentrates water), a hip divides water toward two eaves.
Why it matters:
– Hips shed water easily.
– Great place for holiday lights because the flow is outward, not concentrated.

Warning Signs You Need A Roof Replacement