How to Tell if You Need a Roof Replacement in Ontario

Roofs have a long lifespan, but nothing lasts forever. Learn to spot the signs your roof is reaching the end of its useful life and learn how to tell if you need a roof replacement from our Hamilton roofing experts. 

How long does a roof last in Canada?

A great asphalt roof should last you anywhere from 15 to 30+ years, depending on the quality of the installation and the elements your home faces. In Ontario, we deal with heavy winter storms and summer storms that give our roofs quite a beating. 

Eventually, the roof that stood guard protecting your home and family ages and wears down, and it’s time to start planning for a fresh roof replacement. 

How do you know it's time to replace your roof?

It can be difficult to assess your roof’s health from the ground, but you should act before you spring a leak or deal with chronic roof issues that could cause interior damage and cost you more to patch and repair countless times. 

Our roofing team at Sameday Roofing will guide you through the most common signs your Hamilton home might need a roof replacement so you don’t wait too long or jump too early to replace your roof. Learn how to know when your roof is going bad below. 

Signs it’s Time For a New Roof

Some signs you need a new roof are apparent, like leaks or gaping patches of missing shingles. Other times, there might be signs inside your home that are much less obvious. Even time alone can be a sign. 

External Signs to Replace Your Roof

Take a careful look at your roof’s exterior to find clues that can tell you about your roof’s condition. 

Here are some key damage warning signs to watch for:

• Missing or Damaged Shingles. If your shingles are cracked, curling, or completely missing, they no longer create a strong waterproof barrier over your home. If multiple shingles are missing or areas are damaged, look for 

• Granule Loss. Asphalt shingles have a granule texture to improve protection, but over time, your roof naturally sheds those granules. Fewer granules mean weaker protection, and they often build up in your home’s gutters and around your home’s foundation. Seeing black “sand” around your home is a sign that those granules are dropping quickly.

• Sagging or Uneven Roofline. A droopy roof doesn’t just look bad - it functions poorly, too. An uneven or dropping roofline can indicate underlying damage, harming your roof’s structure and jeopardizing your home’s safety.

• Moss or Algae Growth. Moss and algae growth aren’t just aesthetic issues - they can also trap moisture against the roof’s surface, causing shingles to break down faster. If that water penetrates the roof and freezes, it usually means more trouble (and costs) ahead.

• Aging Roof. Age is a critical factor, even if your roof looks okay. As you near that 25 - 30-year mark, it’s time to explore your options, even if your roof has no major issues yet. When you push past the normal lifespan, your roof can quickly become a ticking timebomb. 

• Damaged Flashing. The metal strips around your chimneys and vents can wear down over time, so check for signs of rust, separation, and cracks in the metal.

• Clogged or Damaged Gutters. If you gutters and downspouts aren’t functioning properly, it can cause water backup and irreversible damage to your roof, shortening its lifespan significantly. 

Internal Signs to Replace Your Roof

Sometimes, the signs it’s time for a roof replacement show up inside your home. 

Here are some key signs to look for inside:

• Water Stains. Water stains on your walls or ceilings indicate a leak is coming in from somewhere. Nearly every time, we can trace the source back to your roof.

• Peeling Paint or Wallpaper. When your paint or wallpaper starts peeling, it could be a sign that moisture is getting in behind them by seeping into your walls. Look for peeling and bubbling.

• Musty Odors. A persistent, musty odour in your attic or elsewhere could indicate mold growing within your ceilings and walls. Sometimes, that means a leaky roof goes unnoticed because there are no visual signs of damage.

• Daylight Through Your Roof Boards. If you can see the light leaking through the roof boards in your attic, there’s no question - you have a gap in your roof and a high potential of leaking. 

• Increased Energy Costs. If your energy bills are growing or much higher than usual, check your roof for damage. Once that waterproof seal is compromised, your home leaks energy, which usually drives heating and cooling costs up even though you’re keeping the same temperature.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

Ignoring the signs might temporarily put off your costs, but it could cost you far more in the long run. Quick patch jobs will only buy you a little time, though generally, you’ll pay less to bite the bullet now and replace the roof to enjoy another 15 to 30 years of solid protection. And if your roof leaks into your walls, you’ll pay more to repair the structural damages.

When would you need a new roof?

If you’re seeing some signs and unsure what to do next, give yourself peace of mind and get a roof inspection done by the experts. Be proactive and protect your home’s health by getting an expert opinion. 

SameDay Roofing in Hamilton: Best Roofers Near Me

Ready to start preparations for your new roof replacement project? Let's chat and get started on a free roof estimate - call (905) 902-7663 today.