Warning Signs You Need A New Roof

The roof is arguably the most important part of a building. However, it's often the most neglected. The roof is your home's main defense against the elements. Apart from protecting your home from rain, snow, wind, heat, fog, and ice, it helps to ventilate and regulate indoor temperature and comfort levels. A roof significantly affects the overall look and style of your home.

There are many factors that affect the performance and longevity of your roof. Old age, severe weather, and extreme temperatures are some of the major causes of roof depreciation. A defective roofing system can cause major leaks, decrease the overall value of your home or even compromise the structural integrity of your home.

Not many homeowners really think about their roofing system until a major problem occurs. It's never advisable to wait until your roof comes crumbling down to replace it. Most roofs are designed to last a certain amount of time, and waiting until the roof becomes terminally damaged can cost you a lot of money.

The need for a new roof is more obvious in some cases than others. The following are warning signs you may need a new roof.

#It's old

Age is a key factor to consider when considering to replace your roof. According to roofing experts, the normal lifespan of a roof is approximately 20 to 25 years depending on its material and how it was installed. If you haven't replaced your roof in more than 25 years, its normal lifespan might be coming to an end and it's time you replace it.

#Serious shingle-related problems

Shingles that are curled, cracked, buckling or missing is another sign that you may need a new roof. Pay close attention to the sides of your roof that get direct sunlight and if you notice any kind of damage, it could be an indication that the shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan. Cracking, curling and balding of shingles could also indicate the roof is defective. Contact a professional roofing contractor to undertake an inspection and advise you accordingly.

#Mold or mildew growth

Another warning sign to replace your roof is the growth of mold or mildew on ceilings and walls. Actually, this could be a sign of a leaking roof. In the event that there is mold or mildew growth, it's advisable to act swiftly to replace the roof because if you don't, bacteria and fungi could grow and pose health risks to your family.

#A sagging roof

A sagging roof is a clear indication that your roof has structural issues. There could be a problem with the decking in the attic, or with your home's foundation. Typically, the top of your roof should follow a straight line along the ridge. When you realize that your roof has a saddle back or is dropping in the middle, it may be a warning sign of structural damage and might cause your roof to collapse if not dealt with a sense of urgency. A roof may sag as a result of frequent exposure to moisture and a vast amount of water, faulty roofing materials, improper installations and too much weight on the roof. It's a smart decision to hire an experienced roofing contractor to do the job.

#Rotting underlay

A roofing system relies on the underlay to keep water out. If the underlay wears out, it means there is an existing tear in your roof causing water to seep through. If the leaks go undetected for some time, it will grow in size leading to water seeping through the underlay. When the underlay is already worn out and rotting, you definitely need a roof replacement. A rotting underlay can weaken the foundation of a roof and cause it to collapse.

#Rays of light through your roof

Streams of light are not supposed come in through your attic. If you can see the rays coming in, know that rain, cold, and snow could as well invade your attic through those openings. If the openings prompt an active leak, it means a replacement project is necessary.

#Attic leaks

Finding water on your property is the most obvious warning sign that you need a new roof. If water is penetrating your attic, especially after a rainstorm, it means the underlayment is porous. Furthermore, a leaking attic indicates that there are missing tiles, a broken seal under your flashing or a poorly installed roof. Other signs of water penetration include; dark streaks in the attic, circular stains on the walls, blistering flat surfaces, and a sound of dripping water within walls. It's a good idea to heed the advice of a professional roof inspection service.

#Damaged flashing

Flashing refers to the impervious piece of material installed around roof structures such as chimneys and roof vents to prevent water from leaking through your roof. A roof flashing can get damaged when the caulking material under the flashing dries out. Having loose flashing can cause water to seep into your walls and cause untold damage.

#Shingle granules in the gutter

Aging shingles tend to lose lots of granules when they start to wear out. These granules end up in the gutters. The granules resemble large grains of black sand. Look up in your gutters to see whether they are loaded up with shingle granules. Excessive amounts of such signify advanced wear.

#Wear and tear of roof structures

If your vents, chimneys, pipes, and other structures start to deteriorate, it may be a sign that you need a new roof.

#Hail damage

Hail happens to be one of the most damaging natural forces. Although it's a rare occurrence, it can have disastrous effects whenever it happens. A hailstorm can potentially damage your roof and other related roof structures including flashing and gutters. If your roof has dents, pockmarks and distortions after a hailstorm, there could be a possibility that your roof is rendered defective.

#Unusually high energy bills

If your air conditioning costs increase abnormally, it means the cool or warm air may be leaking out through the roof.

The above-mentioned warning signs may indicate that your property needs a new roof. Watch out for these warning signs and if your property experiences any of these problems, it may be time to hire a professional roofing contractor to perform a comprehensive inspection as soon as possible. Replacing your roof can cost you a substantial amount of money but repairing the damage caused by failing to replace it could be costlier.

Regular inspections by a reputable roofing contractor will help extend the life of your roof and improve your home's curb appeal.

If you're considering getting a new roof, do not hesitate to contact a professional roofing contractor to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at your convenience.