A roof is among your house’s most essential elements. When your roof is functioning appropriately, it provides your home with protection against exposure to the elements and water damage. But, as time passes, signs of wear and tear will start to pop up. One may easily neglect a roof until a major issue arises, like rot or a water problem.
When it comes to minimizing property damage or injury risks, and keeping repair costs down, being proactive and keeping an eye out for any early indications a roof requires replacement is the best way to do so. Appropriate home maintenance assists in making sure that it remains in good condition in order to protect you now and maximize resale value of your home if you choose to sell it one day. Never neglect the following nine warning signs telling you roof replacement is needed.
1. Water Damage in the Upstairs or Attic
Peeling paint on ceiling and/or walls, brown, gray, or yellow stains, and moisture marks are all potential indicators of a leaking, damaged roof. Take a routine look into your attic as leaks and damp rafters can also indicate roof damage. Even though you are the number one roofing damage inspector for your properties, you can only do so much. Contact qualified roofers to obtain your annual professional inspection. A standard inspection may lead to thousands of dollars in savings for avoided roof repair expenses if minor issues are observed before they develop into major problems. Experienced roofing contractors additionally possess the proper safety techniques and tools, allowing them to climb on top of your roof and inspect for any damage.
2. The Roof Has Outlived its Life Expectancy
How many years have passed since your current roof was originally installed? A roof’s lifespan may be somewhere between 20 and 50 years, although it fluctuates based on the material the roof is made of.
- Expect asphalt shingles to last somewhere between 10 and 20 years.
- Although metal roofs cost more, they are low-maintenance and last between 30 and 50 years.
- Clay tiles tend to last an average of 40 years.
It is imperative to know the approximate date that your roof was installed in order to estimate its lifespan. If you are uncertain of the exact roof installation date, you may investigate home improvement records to discover it. Also investigate whether your old roof was removed first or if your roof was installed on top of one or more layers. If the latter is true and your roof is over 20 years old, you likely need a new roof now.
3. The Roof is Sagging
Sagging is a clear indicator that moisture has become trapped and has rotted the boards beneath the roof. A roof that droops and sags definitely requires roof replacement before it (or your home)suffers additional damage. Inspect its surface for indicators of rotting boards, sagging areas, or trapped moisture, particularly in your roof’s lowest points. One good strategy to observe this is by standing back from the house, across the street or at the back of a larger yard, and observing from varied angles. The roof of your home should have a straight appearance along all lines and any indicators of slumping or sagging will be easily visible if existent.
4. Fungi, Mold, or Moss Have Taken Over
Fungi (like mushrooms), mold, and moss are indicative of trapped moisture, which may destroy your roof. In order to eliminate moss that accumulates in your roof’s shaded corners, a stiff brush is best but ensure you also address any potential underlying issues. When finished brushing, If evident moss remains, reach out to a professional roofing company and obtain a proper roof inspection.
5. Buckling or Curling Shingles
If shingles begin to buckle, this may indicate that they are already damaged and are not attached properly anymore. This curved surface is vulnerable to strong winds, causing additional damage in the next storm. In certain circumstances, professional roofing companies are able to replace certain shingles. However, this problem may be the sign of a much bigger issue.
6. Absent Granules or Shingles
Hurricanes and severe thunderstorms may put a large amount of pressure on roofs. Winds that are exceptionally high can lift shingles or cause them to fly off entirely. In certain cases, a few shingles can be replaced, however the possibilities for roof repair vary depending on the location of the missing shingle and the condition of the surrounding shingles.
7. Missing Fascia, Gutter Guards, or Flashing
As with shingles, it is an automatic red flag if any part of the supporting structure of a roof is missing or cracked. Appropriate support is required to make sure the structural integrity of the roof has not been compromised and collapse is not a concern.
8. Your Cooling Bills are Huge
Making sure a home remains cool involves constant energy use — in certain cases, practically year-round. A variety of strategies can maintain the indoor spaces cool while reducing energy costs. For example, any roof leaks may let air escape and should be repaired. Also, the material and the color of your roof may make a major impact. Reflective surfaces such as a metal roof or tiles in lighter colors tend to reflect the hot sun. Including solar panels on your roof is an excellent manner in which to save on electrical bills.
9. A Roofing Inspection Establishes Repairs Are Insufficient
You have done everything you can by ensuring routine roof inspections are performed, however certain damages are beyond any minor repair. If residential roofing or commercial roofing contractors carry out an inspection and encounter major issues, roof replacement is often more cost-effective than shelling out cash for multiple repairs.
