When it comes to roof replacements, timing is everything. Getting one too early is a waste of money, but getting one too late could endanger your home and lead to problems with your homeowners insurance. That’s why you need to know the signs you need a new roof!
The veteran roofers at PITCH Roofing have been handling Florida roof replacements for a long time. Thanks to our experience, we know when to repair roofs and when to replace them. Keep reading for our complete guide to telling if your Florida roof needs replacing!
7 Signs You Need a New Roof
There are a lot of ways you can tell if it’s time to replace your roof. Not all of these signs mean that you have to replace your roof immediately, but if you have more than one, it could mean that it’s time to invest in a roof replacement to keep your home protected against the unpredictable Florida weather.
Now, let’s talk about the biggest signs you need a new roof!
Age of Your Roof
Remember how we said having one of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new roof? This is the exception. If your roof has reached the end of its lifespan, then you need a new roof. Waiting too long could lead to risking your insurance coverage, not to mention the risk of your roof failing.
But how do you know when your roof is at its maximum age?
That depends in part on the roof. The average lifespans of different roofing materials are:
- Asphalt shingles: 20-25 years
- Corrugated metal roofing: 20-25 years
- Standing seam metal roofing: 40-70 years
- Concrete tiles: 50 years
- Clay tiles: 50-100 years
If your roof is at the end of its life, there’s no amount of repairs that can make it safe for your home. The best thing you can do is follow this sign you need a new roof and invest in a roof replacement!
Many Missing Shingles
Having a shingle or two fly off during a storm is not necessarily a sign you need a new roof. However, missing a large section of your roof is more than roof repairs can handle. So how many shingles can your roof lose before it needs replacing?
The rule of thumb is 25%. If your roof is missing more than a quarter of its shingles, then your best bet is to replace the whole thing. Bear in mind that your roof could need replacing even if you’re missing a smaller number of shingles, though. This is especially likely if your roof has significant leaking and water damage. If you’re unsure whether or not your roof needs replacing, a roof inspection is a great way to get a clear, dependable answer!
Neighbors Getting Roof Replacements
When a neighborhood is constructed, many of the homes are built at the same time. This means that neighbors often have roofs of similar ages. So if you start seeing shingles stacked up on your neighbors’ homes, it might be time for your roof to be replaced.
Use your best judgment with this sign you need a new roof, though. Different materials can last different amounts of time, so having one neighbor replace their roof isn’t necessarily a sign that you need to replace yours. But if all the homes around you are getting new roofs, it’s at least worth checking the age of your roof to see if you’re due.
Cracked or Curled Shingles
Missing shingles aren’t the only sign of damage to your roof. When large sections of your roof have cracked or curled shingles, it could be time to get a new roof. Shingles crack or curl as a result of baking under the hot Florida sun, and as they break down, they lose their ability to protect your home.
Like with missing shingles, 25% is the general number of damaged shingles before you need a replacement. So while replacing a small number of these shingles is easy, you don’t want to ignore a larger section of damage, since this is a clear sign you need a new roof!
Granules in the Gutters
Shingles aren’t just made of asphalt. They also have a coating of protective stone granules. As shingles age, though, these granules can fall off your shingles. Most often, you’ll find them in your gutters or collecting near your downspouts.
This is a serious sign you need a new roof because it shows that your shingles are breaking down. They only do this at the end of their lifespan, so it’s important to act quickly before they degrade further and your home loses the protection it needs to get through hurricane season.
Roof Sagging
A lot of things can cause roof sagging, and none of them are good. Poor roof installation can lead to problems evenly distributing weight, which causes sagging, or trapped water can weigh down part of your roof and lead to sagging. Regardless of the cause, this is a major structural concern.
In most cases, the only cure for roof sagging is a roof replacement. However, it’s best to contact a professional and have them look at your roof to determine if this is a sign you need a new roof or not. In some cases, you may only need a roof repair, which will be much cheaper!
Water Damage
A leaking roof is a serious problem. While not all leaks require roof replacements to fix, extensive water damage can weaken the entire structure of your roof. As water eats away at your roof decking, your home may no longer be able to support the weight of your roof.
If your home has a leak, call a contractor ASAP to take a look and identify both the cause and the extent of the damage. If your leak has been letting in water for a long time, this is probably a sign you need a new roof. But if the damage is new and minimal, you will likely only need a quick repair!
Get a Free Roof Replacement or Repair Estimate
Whether your home is showing signs you need a new roof or you think your issue could just be a quick repair job, PITCH has your back. As local roofers with great reviews and coveted status as Owens Corning Preferred Contractors, there’s no job we can’t handle. To find out exactly how our team of professionals can help you, all you need to do is schedule your estimate.
You can schedule a free, no-obligation roofing estimate by calling us at 727-677-4824 or scheduling online. We’ll come out to your home, take a look at your roof, and talk with you about your roofing options. Then we’ll put together a comprehensive estimate that covers the full scope of work with no hidden fees!
When you need roofing work, it’s important to pick local contractors who know how to help. PITCH Roofing is made up of experienced contractors with deep roots in and around your community. Give us a chance to earn your business and we’ll show you why it’s always a good idea to stick with local professionals!
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
