Homeowners should have a professional regularly inspect their roof for wear and tear and evaluate warning signs that may indicate it is time for a replacement. If significant damage is found and simple repairs are not possible, it may be time to replace the entire roof to prevent further costly repairs down the road. 

Our roof installation experts in Hickory, NC can help you determine whether a replacement is necessary. We will always be honest and transparent when discussing the best path forward and will never attempt to sell you an unnecessary installation, as we are more than capable of conducting repairs when doing so will sufficiently address the issue. 

It may be time to consider a new roof installation if you discover any of the following problems:

• Broken, missing, dislodged, creased, or curled shingles. Finding shingles in your yard or noticing damaged or missing shingles are signs that your roof may be due for replacement. Shingles are one of the most common items to break off during extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain. Shingles are also prone to deteriorating over time and losing their waterproofing capabilities with exposure to sunlight and other elements. As shingles deteriorate, they become more likely to break off and the roof’s overall protection against water damage becomes diminished. Additionally, when shingles curl or crack it indicates a lack of flexibility and could be an indication of structural problems with the roof itself. In some cases, shingles will only require simple repairs, but in other cases, the damage may have advanced to the point where a total roof replacement is prudent.
• Damaged or corroded flashing. Flashing is the thin metal strips used to waterproof and protect your roof from water damage. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause the metal to corrode. This corrosion can weaken the material's functionality and create openings for water intrusion. Furthermore, if flashing is not installed correctly or has shifted due to weather changes, it could be allowing water into your home and damaging your roof from underneath.
• Tree branches or moss on your roof. Tree branches can puncture and damage the shingles of your roof, allowing water to seep in and cause leaks. Moss and lichens that grow on the surface of the shingles can retain moisture for long periods of time, eventually causing them to rot and break down faster. As mosses photosynthesize, they also produce acids that can corrode metallic surfaces like flashing. This corrosion reduces the watertight sealing properties around these areas, leading to water infiltration if left unaddressed. Like with other roofing problems, these issues can in some cases be resolved through timely repairs. If the damage is already significant, the need for a roof replacement may be unavoidable. 
• Water leaks or stains. Finding water leaks or stains in your ceiling or walls could be a sign of larger issues with your home’s roof. Water can easily seep in between the shingles and flashings, leading to damaging water infiltration if nothing is done. Pooling water on the surface of your roof can also cause wear and tear on the structure itself and lead to premature deterioration. Unwanted water that is not efficiently dealt with can cause extensive structural damage, especially if the underlying roof damage is not addressed. 
• Constantly clogging gutters. When debris builds up in the gutter system, it can create a pool of standing water and limit the ability of the system to drain properly. This standing water can add additional weight to the roof, potentially causing structural damage or even collapse over time. Plus, when gutters are clogged, water can overflow and pool directly onto the surface of your roof, causing wear and tear on shingles and flashings that could eventually lead to water infiltration into your home.