Having a robust roof over your head is crucial. If you want to ensure the security and protection of your family, you should never delay the replacement of an old, worn out roof. But how exactly do you know when it is time to get a new roof? While you may have minor issues with your roof from time to time and get it repaired, there is no substitute for replacement. When the roof of your house has been damaged beyond repair, it will be time to install a new roof.
As the condition of your roof deteriorates over time, the roof will show signs that it is getting old and weak. What is important is that you keep an eye out for these warning signs and take action in time.
It is time to replace your roof when:
The Shingles are Cracking
It is common for shingles to crack due to a storm or strong wind. If you notice cracked shingles, the first thing you need to do is ascertain the extent of the damage. The cracking may be limited to only a couple of shingles. Or, the wind may have damaged the majority of the shingles.
If only a certain small area of the roof has this problem, the cracked shingles can be replaced with new ones. But if the cracking is spread out through the entire area of the roof, you’ll need a new roof.
The Shingles are Curling
Clawed or cupped shingles are a warning sign that your roof needs serious attention. There are multiple reasons for shingles to curl up. This could happen due to weathering, low quality shingles or poor installation. Whatever the reason may be, curling shingles are tell-tale signs that you are going to have a leaky roof very soon.
Get an inspection of your roof done by a professional. This will help you determine how much time you have before your roof needs a replacement. It is better to get a new roof over your head as soon as possible.
The Roof Looks Like a Checkerboard
It is easy to replace a few damaged shingles with new shingles. If you saved a couple of shingles from the last installation, there won’t be a color match issue either. But if this type of repair continues and you replace shingles multiple times and the new shingles don’t go well with the existing color, your roof will begin to look like a checkerboard.
Of course, replacing a couple of shingles will not be a problem in terms of functionality, but the aesthetics will take a hit. All this means is that there is a limit to patching. Finally, you’ll want a full replacement.
The Roof is Sagging
Is your roof looking saggy? A flat roof can decline to a lower level due to a wide variety of reasons. Some causes of a saggy roof are extensive water damage, excessive weight from snow or design mistakes, poor quality roofing material and faulty installation.
When you spot sagginess in your roof, take a closer look and find out if it is little or there is too much sagginess. If the depression is only little, it is possible to get it fixed with the help of a professional roofing technician. If the sagginess extends over a large area, the roof could collapse. Whether your roof is sagging only a little or too much, you should seek immediate professional help because this is structural damage and it should never be ignored at any cost.
The Granules are Missing
Bald spots on your roof should be a warning sign. It means that the shingles have lost their granules, which is the protective layer. Shingles can lose granules due to a hailstorm. When large hailstones hit the asphalt shingles, it can damage the shingles in several ways. In most cases, the least damage that is caused is the loss of shingle granules. When the granules are missing, UV rays will do a lot of harm to the shingles.
If the damaged shingles are not repaired in time, the damage could spread and more shingles will lose their granules. As a result, you may need to replace your flat roof. If there has been hail damage, make sure you get in touch with a roofing contractor to assess the level of damage quickly.
The Attic Has Leaks or Openings
Does sunlight enter through the attic? If it does, you can understand that rain or snow can enter as well. You should take this as a warning sign. In fact, you should get an inspection done as quickly as you can to find out how much damage there is. Small leaks can be repaired. But if there are larger leaks, the problem will not go away with repairs. The best solution to fix structural damage is getting a new roof, not repairing.
Fore more information on roofing materials and cost of roof replacement, you should seek the help of a roofer in your area.
The Roof is Too Old
What is the age of your roof? If your roof hasn’t failed yet, it doesn’t mean it is not time for replacement yet. In some cases, your roof will get old and worn out but it will not fail. This doesn’t mean your roof is in a good condition. The age of an asphalt shingle roof varies between 20 and 30 years. How long your roof will serve you also depends on the weather conditions in your area. If you think your roof has passed its date of usefulness, you shouldn’t sit and wait for the roof to fail. Instead, you should reach out to a roofing contractor, get an inspection done and replace the aged roof with a new one for your safety.
The Neighbors are Replacing their Roofs
Are your neighbors getting new roofs? If they are, it could be time to replace your roof as well. This is if you built your house around the same time when your neighbors did. Since all the houses where you live are exposed to the same kind of weather, it is likely that your roof also needs a replacement if the neighbors are getting new ones.
Talk to a Roofer for Inspection
Apart from the warning signs shared above, there are many other signs that could be the indication for replacing a roof.
The presence of moss on the shingles indicates that moisture may be trapped inside and it can cause damage to the roof. Holes in the shingles and dark streaks are other possible reasons for installing a new roof. If you spot any of the warning signs we have discussed, you shouldn’t panic. If your roof has been installed in a proper manner and it is still young, replacement will not be required. Minor damages can be repaired with the help of an expert technician. It should be time to get a new roof over your head only if multiple repairs won’t fix the damage. A roofer will provide you more details on roof replacement and the cost of a new roof.
For inspection and expert help, reach out to Residential Roofing Depot. Our roofing company has multiple years of experience in repairing roofs and installing high quality, new roofs in and near Lakeland, FL.
One Response
Thanks for mentioning that a roof should be replaced every 20 to 30 years. My husband and I have no idea when our roof was replaced before we moved in. I think I’ll call a roofing contractor to see if he can tell how old it is.