The average new roof, depending on how big your roof is and what materials you use, can cost up to $10,000. No one looks forward to this kind of project, but if you know what to look for, you could potentially simply repair the roof and delay an entire roof replacement a little longer. But when you rarely think about the condition of your roof, how are you supposed to know when it’s finally the time for a new roof?

At Denali Roofing, our roofing contractors want to make it as easy and as straightforward as possible. Here’s what to look for when it’s been around 20 years since your home last had a roof replacement.

Leaks

The Northern Colorado winters can be pretty harsh, especially on your roof. So the spring is the perfect time to look for any leaks that might have grown during the last couple months. Take a look at the inside of your attic, which is where a leak will most likely start. The attic isn’t the only place leaks can show themselves though. Make sure to also look along the walls of your home.

Stains

If you’ve noticed some discoloration or stains on your inside walls, it’s important to act quickly and get in touch with a roofing contractor. This past winter was slightly warmer than normal, which can cause warm air to rise and it can then condense in the attic. This can lead to leaks through the ceiling, ultimately leading to stains on your walls.

Peeling Paint

When paint begins to peel, blister, or swell, this is often caused by water filling up in between the wall and the paint. Keep in mind that this can occur both inside and outside the home, so keep your eyes peeled (no pun intended).

Mold or Mildew

Watch out for mold or mildew growing on either inside or outside surfaces. Mold or mildew isn’t always caused by an old roof, so make sure to check that your home’s ventilation is doing its job, the insulation is dry, and there aren’t any leaks in the plumbing. If these are all functioning properly, get in touch with a roofing contractor.

Granule Loss

Signs that you need a new roof can also be seen on your lawn. When you’re cleaning your gutters this spring, watch out for an unusual amount of roofing granules that have fallen off the shingles. Or if you’re cleaning up fallen branches, watch out for chunks of shingles themselves that have blown off. Some granules in the gutters, or shingles on the lawn, isn’t a sure sign of needing a new roof, so take into consideration how old your roof is.

Warped, Missing Shingles

Again, the spring is a great time to inspect your roof after any major winter storms. Carefully use a ladder to climb up and inspect as much of the roof as you can from the ladder. If you notice that a large number of shingles are missing, warped, or curled, this means the wood below is at risk of being damaged. Even though some shingles can be replaced, consider having a roofing contractor inspect the roof.

Do you think your home needs a new roof? Call Denali Roofing, serving Northern Colorado, and one of our contractors will be in touch to fully inspect your roof. If your roof could benefit from roof repairs, we can take care of that too!