Different roof types fail at varying rates and with different modes of failure. To save you some time, here is a list of general clues indicating roof failure:
- Does the roof leak in several locations?
- Do leaks persist despite repeated repair attempts?
- Do repairs seem to make leaks worse, or do new leaks develop after repairs?
- How tolerant is the occupancy to leaks?
- Low leak tolerance means the “failure” decision is reached sooner. It is generally better to reroof at the appropriate moment, rather than pour money and time into ill-advised repairs, but there are exceptions, which means a thorough inspection is essential to the process.
The following may indicate that your roof needs replacing:
- Missing, cracked or curling shingles
- Wood shakes are dry, curling and splitting
- Metal is rusting or pitting
- Slate is discolored, fracturing or falling off
- flat roof seams are separating, curling or “alligatoring”
- Rubber roof seam de-lamination tears
- Blistering or peeling paint
- Shingle, sheathing or siding decay
- Leakage in the attic or chimney after heavy rains
- Stains on interior walls or ceilings
- Increased energy bills
- Rotten fascia or soffit