Deteriorating shingles can cause homeowners a host of issues, from water leaks and stains to increased utility bills and even rodent infestations – but finding the failing shingle on your roof can feel like finding a needle in a haystack to the untrained eye. The experienced roofers at Billy Harris Roofing will inspect your roof thoroughly and address any issues promptly, maintaining and repairing your roof so you can worry less about preventable property damage from leaks.

Signs Your Shingles Need to be Replaced

• Cracking: The forceful expansion and contraction shingles can experience from hot and cold weather respectively can cause them to crack, forming openings prime for water seepage.

• Bruising: Storm damage, especially hail, can bruise your shingles, creating dents and jeopardizing your roof’s integrity. If some shingles look darker than others, it’s possible they could be bruised.

• Peeling: Damaged or degraded shingles may not immediately fall off your roof. Certain aging shingles may curl at the edges, slowly peeling off their fixings until they are eventually ripped away.

• Flaking: The mineral granules make up asphalt shingles’ top layer, protecting against UV rays and severe weather conditions. As the primary protective layer, granules are typically the first component of your shingles to go bad. They can break down with age or be knocked off by physical abrasion due to walking on them, high winds or blown debris. Even undamaged granules will eventually become brittle, either breaking off in concentrated chunks or gradually shedding with time, leaving bald spots on your roof.

• Discoloring: If a shingle is missing essential granules, it will appear discolored, forming noticeable spots that contrast the roof’s primary color.

• Missing: Shingles can fall off your roof with age or after a powerful storm, creating gaps in your roof’s protective and aesthetic layer that can leave your home vulnerable to leaking.

Do I Just Need to Replace the Shingles or the Entire Roof?

In many cases, a damaged shingle doesn’t necessitate total roof replacement. Replacing the damaged shingles can sufficiently rectify the issue if it’s contained to a specific area. Occasional inspections and maintenance performed by experienced roofers can also reduce the risk by ensuring problems are caught early and addressed promptly.

However, if the roof is showcasing signs of severe damage or compromised structural integrity, it may be safer and ultimately more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs Your Roof Needs to Be Replaced

Algae or Moss Growth: Algae and moss growth isn’t always harmful. If addressed early on, cleaning may be adequate, or the replacement of only the shingles damaged by the growth, not the roof itself. However, if the growth is pervasive, it may penetrate the underlying layers. Moss can also trap moisture against your shingles, leading to mold and mildew growth that can cut your roof’s lifespan short and force you to pay for mold remediation in your attic or home.

Age: Asphalt shingles are durable, cost-effective and low maintenance, but they also have the shortest lifespan out of the available roofing materials. While metal and tile roofs can last 50 years (sometimes longer[1] ), asphalt shingles, even higher-tier architectural shingles, typically only last about 30 years. If your shingles are curling or cracking, it may be an indication that your roof has grown too old and needs an upgrade.

Sagging Roof: Parts of your roof can sag or droop due to overbearing pressure from excess moisture and pooling water. Although this can sometimes be repaired, roof sagging in multiple places can be a sign your roof’s structural integrity is compromised, requiring prompt replacement. 

Interior Water Damage: If your roof is constantly leaking, allowing water stains to form on your ceilings and walls and damaging insulation, building materials and your personal property, replacement may be the only adequate solution.

Increased Energy Bills: A roof in optimal condition can reduce your utility bills, providing sufficient insulation and ventilation and preventing homeowners from overusing their HVAC systems. Damaged shingles can create holes that hinder your HVAC unit’s effectiveness, but if your entire roof has deteriorated, it can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Ultimately, replacing your roof could save you more money than ignoring the issue.

Efficient Repairs and Replacement From One of the Most Trusted Roofers in DFW

At Billy Harris Roofing, we’ve been working with the same qualified, experienced roofers for over 30 years, so we trust our experts to get the job done right and with efficiency. We’ve won the Angie’s List Super Service Award for 15 consecutive years for delivering exceptional, customer-focused service. We’ll prioritize your needs and give you honest advice about whether you need to repair or replace your roof.

Our experienced and dedicated crew have allowed us to become one of the best roofing companies in Northern Texas, and it shows in every roof repair and replacement we complete. ​​Explore our roofing services or give us a call at (817)-249-3338 for a free estimate today.