5 Warning Signs Your Roof Needs Work
Storm season is in full swing in Colorado. One of the top reasons insurance companies deny roofing claims is due to lack of routine maintenance, or “wear and tear.” Knowing how to spot when your roof needs repairs or replacing will help you avoid an unexpected denial on your hail damage claim. This is our list of 5 warning signs that your roof needs some work.
Top Signs a Roof Is In Need of Repairs
1. The Roof is Old
If your roof has exceeded its natural lifespan, it is time to replace it. If you do not know the exact age of your roof, check your home repair records to get a general idea of when it was first installed and if any repairs have been done since.
A physical sign that your roof may be nearing the end of its life (aside from any obvious defects) is the presence of shingle granules in the gutters and downspouts. If you are finding a good amount of these granules, it is probably time for a new roof.
The overall longevity of your roof will depend on many factors, such as the material from which it is made, weather events, and the quality of workmanship when it was first placed. Barring other variables, you can apply these lifespan ranges to the following materials:
- Asphalt shingles (3-tab): 15-20 years
- Asphalt architectural shingles: 30-50 years
- Metal: 40-70 years
- Concrete Tiles: 50 years
- Slate Shingles: 50-100 years
- Clay Tiles: 75-100 years
- Wood Shingles: 20 years
Since the most common form of roofing material (by far) in Colorado is asphalt shingles, you will need to consider replacing your roof when it is between 15 and 20 years old, even if it doesn’t show signs of any significant damage. If your roof is past its prime when you file a hail damage claim, it may be fully or partially denied.
2. The Roof is Sagging
Obvious sagging or caving in of the roof is a sign of serious structural damage, usually from rot caused by moisture. These roofs should be replaced as soon as possible and the rest of the home should be inspected for residual damage, including mold, mildew, and pests.
3. Shingles are Cracked, Curling, or Missing
In general, your roof should appear flat and uniform. Look for any shingles with cracks or edges that are curling up. If you are able to spot these damaged shingles from the ground, it will be worth your time to have a detailed inspection. Your roofer will let you know the extent of the damage and advise you on what repairs are needed to keep the roof in good working order.
You will also want to check for missing shingles, especially after heavy winds. If you notice any bare spots, it is a good idea to address those as soon as possible. Exposed decking is vulnerable to moisture, severe weather, and pest infiltration.
4. You Have Light or Water Leaks in the Attic
Damage to your roof may be even more obvious from the inside than the outside. Inspect the roof in your attic and check for signs of water damage, which may indicate a leak or inadequate ventilation.
If you can see sunlight pouring in from anywhere but a designated window, this means there is an opening in your roof that will need to be fixed as soon as possible to avoid letting water and pests in.
5. Your Roof is Green
Moss, lichen, and other plant species growing on your roof is a sign that moisture is trapped somewhere. Moisture can come from numerous places, including poor ventilation, rotted decking, or blocked gutters. If you see green on your shingles, call a roof inspector to assess where the moisture might be coming from.
What If My Roofing Claim Was Denied?
If you have taken the steps to properly maintain your roof, you can reasonably expect your insurance company to pay your claim for hail damage. If you are having difficulty with your roofing claim in Colorado, contact the Roth Group for assistance. Dave Roth has helped hundreds of policyholders settle their claims quickly and fairly. Call or go online to schedule your free consultation today.