7 Signs Your Dothan Home Needs a Roof Replacement

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against Alabama's harsh weather conditions. From intense summer heat to severe thunderstorms and occasional hurricanes, Dothan area roofs take a beating year-round. Knowing when to replace your roof can save you thousands in water damage and energy costs. Here are seven critical warning signs that it's time to call Rock Creek Roofing for a professional inspection.

1. Your Roof Is 20-25 Years Old

Most asphalt shingle roofs last between 20-25 years in Alabama's climate. If your roof is approaching or has exceeded this age, it's time to start planning for replacement, even if it looks fine from the ground. The intense heat and UV exposure in the Wiregrass region can accelerate aging. Check your home improvement records or ask your neighbors when the homes in your area were built or last re-roofed.

2. Shingles Are Curling, Cracking, or Missing

Walk around your property and look up at your roof. Do you see shingles that are curling at the edges, cracked down the middle, or missing entirely? These are major red flags. In Dothan's hot summers, shingles can become brittle and lose their protective granules, making them vulnerable to wind and rain damage. After severe weather events, inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles that need immediate attention.

3. Granules in Your Gutters

Asphalt shingles are coated with protective granules that shield them from UV rays and weather damage. As shingles age, these granules begin to loosen and wash into your gutters. If you notice a significant amount of dark, sand-like granules collecting in your gutters or downspouts, your shingles are deteriorating. This is especially common in older roofs and accelerates once the process begins.

4. Daylight Through Your Attic or Water Stains

Head up to your attic with a flashlight during the day. Turn off the lights and look for any streams of daylight coming through the roof boards. Also check for water stains, dark spots, or mold growth on the underside of your roof deck. These signs indicate your roof's waterproof barrier has been compromised. In Dothan's humid climate, even small leaks can lead to serious mold issues and structural damage.

5. Sagging Roof Deck

A sagging roof is a serious structural issue that requires immediate attention. Stand back from your house and look at your roofline. It should be straight and level. If you notice any sagging, dipping, or drooping areas, this indicates the roof decking underneath has weakened, often due to prolonged moisture exposure. This is a safety hazard and typically requires not just new shingles, but also deck repair or replacement.

6. Rising Energy Bills

Have your cooling costs been creeping up despite similar usage patterns? An aging or damaged roof can compromise your home's insulation and ventilation, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime. In Alabama's scorching summers, proper roof ventilation is critical. If your roof isn't properly ventilating heat out of your attic, your air conditioner will struggle to keep your home comfortable, driving up energy costs significantly.

7. Storm Damage

The Wiregrass region experiences frequent severe thunderstorms with high winds and hail. After any major storm event, it's wise to have your roof professionally inspected. Hail can cause bruising on shingles that may not be visible from the ground but compromises their integrity. Wind can lift and damage shingles, creating entry points for water. Many homeowners don't realize their insurance may cover storm damage repair or replacement.

What to Do Next

If you've noticed any of these warning signs, don't wait for a small problem to become a major disaster. Rock Creek Roofing offers free roof inspections throughout the Dothan area, including Enterprise, Ozark, Headland, and surrounding communities. Our experienced team will thoroughly assess your roof's condition and provide honest recommendations.

We work with all major insurance companies and can help you navigate the claims process if storm damage is involved. We also offer financing options to make roof replacement affordable for Wiregrass homeowners.

Why Choose Rock Creek Roofing?

• Local expertise in Alabama's climate and roofing needs

• Licensed and insured (AL LIC#51232)

• Top-quality materials from GAF, and other leading manufacturers

• Free inspections and estimates

• Financing options available

• Insurance claim assistance

Don't let a damaged roof put your home and family at risk. Contact Rock Creek Roofing today at 334-731-3008 or visit rockcreekroofs.com to schedule your free roof inspection. Serving Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark, and all of Houston County with quality roofing solutions you can trust.