8 Warning Signs for Homeowners in Wichita, KS area That One Needs a New Roof

As we prepared to head into another Kansas storm season, now is a good time to check up on your roof to ensure it weathered the winter and is ready for what the spring and summer will throw at it.

Over the years at S&A Construction, we’ve seen a lot of damaged and aging roofs in the Wichita KS area. If left alone, these can lead to other disasters like water damage so a quick check should be something you do once or twice year.

Potential Signs Your Roof May Need to Be Replaced

Roofs are simply not just shingles. The performance and long term stability of your roof depends on not only your shingles but all components of a roofing system working together. Below are several areas you can quickly look at to identify that if you need to talk with a professional roofing company.

To properly inspect the roof for all these items, you will need to be able to get onto it. If you cannot, then it is best to contact a qualified roof inspector.

  • Shingle edges are curled or tabs cupped (also sometimes called buckling). Look at the slopes of your home that get the most direct sunlight. In particular, check for shingles are that curling and losing granules. This could mean the shingles are past their life expectancy or defective (possible a warranty issue).
  • Bald spots where granules are missing. First look in the gutters and where the drainage spouts come off the roof for large deposits of shingle granules (often looks like a pile of sand). Roofs will tend to start losing more granules toward the end of their life cycle. Then check upstream from those deposits to see if you spot any shingles that have spots with little or no granules.
  • Cracked shingles (sometimes called “thermal splitting" or “tearing”). This often looks like a crack that goes across or down the full length of the shingle. Sometimes the crack can continue across multiple shingles.
  • Your roof is at least 20 years. While many shingles today are made for durability, many factors can accelerate the aging process. For example, if your roof is not properly ventilated, it can impact your shingles’ lifespan. After 20 years, it is a good to inspect the roof regularly.
  • Your neighbors are getting new roofs. Homes built around the same time period can experiencing the same types of weather conditions and/or used the same builder (and likely the same materials) which can be a good indicator your roof is nearing its lifespan.
  • Algae: Airborne algae can cause dark streaks on a roof’s decks. This may not necessarily harm the roof shingles but it may not look good. These can removed using a 50:50 blend of water and bleach sprayed on your roof. It is recommended that you use a low volume garden hose so as not to remove any granules from shingles. Also be sure to catch the water as it comes off your roof drainage in order to avoid hurting the landscaping below from the bleach.
  • Daylight through the roof boards. Go into your attic on a sunny day and look for any light coming through any boards or joints. And while you are up there, look for any signs of moisture or water spots on the insulation.
  • Inspect the metal flashing and valleys. Look for any damaged areas near the valleys (the V shaped areas where the shingles from different parts of the roof meet) or where metal flashing is located. Look for missing, bent or exposed areas.

Think you need a New Roof or Not Sure? Contact a Trusted Local Roofer in the Wichita, KS area

If you believe your home in the Wichita, KS metro area might need a new roof or just are not sure, please feel free to give us a call. We offer a free comprehensive inspections and estimates. We can also determine if you have qualifying damage to file an insurance claim with your insurance carrier. As an A+ Better Business Bureau verified company, we will make sure you know what shape your roof is in. We hope the above helped you. If you are in the area and in need of a new roof or just more information, please consider S&A Construction of Wichita KS. Give us a call or e-mail any time.

In the meantime, let us know if you have any questions, other ideas, or comments about roofing!