Home improvements are often focused on flooring, walls, interior finishing and other minor details. The roof is rarely given a second thought. Until they leak, which can ruin everything.
You may not be aware that your roof will need to be replaced as soon as it starts leaking. It is important to act quickly to replace or repair your roof.
Regular roof inspections should be done by professional roofing contractors to identify and correct any potential weaknesses or damages. Roof inspections should take place at least twice per year. You can’t patch your roof forever. Sometimes, you might need to replace the entire roof. These are the signs that your roof is in dire need of a complete overhaul.
Take a look at the Paper Trail
When was the last time you had your roof replaced or installed? When was the last time your roof was reshingled? It is important to verify the validity of your warranty in order to determine if your roof needs replacement. Most warranties have a limited lifespan so if your warranty has expired you won’t be able to get a replacement. Even if your roof isn’t showing signs of deterioration, it might indicate that the warranty has expired. Most roofing warranties last between 20 and 30 years. If your roof has been in place for this long, it may be time to replace it.
But not all roofing systems will age equally. Some roofs will age faster than others, depending on the climate and maintenance. You should make the decision on whether or not to replace your roof based upon its current condition.
Examine the Roof Shingles
The shingles should be flat against the roof if they are in good shape. To check for damage or cracks, inspect the shingles immediately after a storm. You may notice cracks, buckling, or other damage to your roof. This could indicate that it needs repair or replacement. If you see granules of roofing shingles or downspouts in your guttering, this could indicate that your roof is beyond its useful life span and needs to be replaced or restored.
Granules are used to protect roofing from direct sunlight. The granules will start to fall off and the roof shingles can begin to deteriorate quickly. The gutter usually shows signs that the singles are nearing the end of their lives.
Depending on the timeline of your neighbor, you may also be able to replace your roof. You should follow the lead of your neighbor if you live in an area where many homes were built at the same time as you are.
The Roof is Droopy or Sagging.
Sagging or falling roofs are usually a sign that there is rot in the roofing support structure. You should replace your roof immediately if you see any signs of sagging or falling. This will prevent further damage to the home’s structure or injury if it falls. Also, inspect the roof for signs of trapped moisture or rotting boards. This is usually a sign that there is rot. You should inspect the roof for sagging areas, especially at its lowest points. If you see any of these signs, it is time to plan to replace the entire roof.
You have unwanted growth or house plants on your roof
While some homeowners enjoy the appearance of mold or moss growth on their roofs, it can also be a sign that the roofing structure is beginning to rot. Mold, fungi and moss thrive in areas where there is moisture trapped. If moisture is trapped in dead matter it is likely that there is some type of rot. Roof repairs or replacement may be necessary if there are underlying issues. You can repair or restore your roof if the mold growth is limited to a specific area. If the roof has a large amount of rot, you’ll need to replace it.
Curling Roof Shingles
Curling roof shingles could indicate that they have become weathered. Soon, you may experience more problems like roof leaks. Curling shingles can be done by either cupping, where they curl upwards, or clawing at the corners to see where the center curls outwards. You may need to replace your roof if the shingles curl more quickly.
Roof Shingles Are Missing
It should not be difficult to replace a few roof shingles that are missing. This is not always possible. It is almost impossible to find a single roof shingle that matches the older shingles. After several years, the color of the older shingles’ granules will have changed significantly due to weathering and changes in manufacturing standards. It is not possible to keep patching the roof so if there are ongoing damages, it may be worth replacing the entire roof.
The sun is streaming into your attic
Are you experiencing sunlight getting through your roof into your attic You might need to replace your roof. Rain and cold air will be able to pass through if the sun’s rays are strong enough. Check the roof for water spots.
For more information visit The Roof Doctor.