Are you wondering whether it’s time for installing a roof? Signs you need a new roof can be subtle and develop over time.
One thing is for sure: if you wait until your ceiling begins to turn strange colors or there is water dripping on your head, you have waited far too long. By the time roof damage manifests itself inside your home, you’ve missed the opportunity to just replace your roof. You’ll also need to repair the rest of your house.
That is why it is critical to perform regular roof maintenance and check the signs of damage. So, how do you know if your roof needs to be replaced?
If you notice any of these eight symptoms, it’s possible that you need a roof replacement. Continue reading to learn.
1. Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are one of the most easily observable signs your roof needs replacement. To identify the leaks, visit your attic regularly. If possible, go right after or during rainfall.
Look closely for signs of water intrusion. Serious leaks originate from here.
Another crucial step to take is to check the exterior of your house for ice dams. Ice dams form when the snow on your roof melts, runs down to the eaves, and freezes up again.
As water runs down the roof, it encounters the ice dams and later begins to run under your shingles and makes its way into your home.
Leaking roofs can be replaced or repaired. To be certain on what to do, hire residential roof inspecting experts. They’ll evaluate the extreme of the leaks and guide you appropriately.
2. Growth
Mold or mildew growing on your walls and ceiling is a sign of a leaky roof. Walkthrough your home and look for any stains. Visit your attic and search for any water stains.
Any stains are an indication that you need to replace your roof.
If you don’t fix your leaking roof sooner, mold and mildew will grow. Mold can harm your family’s respiratory health.
Mold exposure can also cause headaches, eye irritation, and coughing. Knowing these risks will make you be fast in roof replacing.
3. Clogged Gutters
Gutters are important in keeping water off your roof. It is therefore important to keep gutters clear of obstructions.
To do this, clean your gutters at least twice per year. It is easy to identify gutters that require replacement early during the cleaning.
Some of the signs you can look for when cleaning are shingle granules or pieces of roofing materials, as they could indicate a deteriorating roof.
4. Roof Cracks
Cracked shingles are caused by wind damage. If cracks are limited to a few shingles, replacing them is practical.
If the cracks are dispersed randomly all over the roof, replacing the whole roof is the best solution.
The best way to identify the cracks is by paying visits to the attic. Turn off the lights and look up at the roof. If there is any light coming through, it indicates holes and cracks on the roof.
A regular roof inspection will also make it easy for you to identify cracked roofs and gather information on the best thing to do.
5. Roof Rot
A rotting roof leads to serious structural issues in your house. Wood rots when exposed to moisture for prolonged periods.
Identifying these rots sooner will help you prevent the extent of the damages.
Water damage on the ceiling is the most common sign of a rotting roof. The growth of mold in your attic is also another early sign that could help you avoid the rotting of your house structure.
6. Outdated Roofing
If your roof has asphalt shingles and is over 20 years old, it is about time for a replacement. The life span of 3-tan shingles is approximately around 25 years. For architectural shingles, it can last up to 30 years.
If your roof type has served you for the indicated period, take the next step of hiring roof inspection experts.
They’ll not only identify the damages, but they’ll also guide you on the age of your roof and what to do about it.
Replacing an outdated roof sooner helps you avoid extreme damages and injuries.
7. Sagging and Double Layering
Saggy or droopy sports are a sign your decking is weakened. Moisture leads to the saggy roof, therefore, calling for fast replacement.
You can always walk on your roof and ask yourself how it feels. When it feels spongy or has felt a little bouncy, reach out to roof replacement experts right away.
The worst way to replace a roof is to install a second roofing material over the earlier one. This is a method used by many because it is cheap.
Layering adds weight to your roof and encourages moisture storage between the layers, promoting fast deterioration.
For effective repairs, never layer your roof. Go for complete replacement, and you will save on costs in the long run.
8. Damaged Chimney Flashing
Flashing is a roofing material that makes a water-tight seal around the chimney. It is made of either aluminum or steel. The flashing can last up to 30 years.
In case of rusts or cracks, water can seep into your chimney. With the help of a roof inspector, you’ll tell whether the flashing needs replacing.
Fast response to a rusted or cracked flashing will help you with roof repair costs.
You Now Know the Signs You Need a New Roof
A good roof protects your home against the weather, keeps critters out, and increases the value of your home. If you notice any of the above signs on your roof, make an appointment for roof repair right away.
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