Warning Signs You Need a New Roof
Keeping your home safe and secure begins with your roof. The costs of maintaining and update your roof vary widely, and for a large roof with lots of peaks and valleys, the roofing costs quickly skyrocket. Since roofing can be one of the most expensive home improvement projects you can do, you don’t want to jump into it prematurely. However, you also don’t want to risk waiting too long and causing serious damage.
So how often should a roof be replaced?
There is no one correct answer, and it depends largely on several key factors, including how well you maintain the roof.
Here are the key warning signs it’s time for a new roof.
Old Age
While age isn’t the only factor in deciding to replace your roof, it is very often an important one. No matter how well you take care of your roof, it won’t last forever. The roofing material used will give you a general idea of what the average lifespan for the roof may be. Many durable materials, like copper, tile, and slate, can last 50 years or longer. If you have a roof with wood shakes, you can anticipate around 30 years of service from your roof.
Asphalt shingles often have the shortest life span, typically around 20 years. If your roof is nearing its expected lifespan, it could be time for a new one, especially if it shows some of the other signs indicative of an issue.
Visible Damage
A visual inspection of your roof can easily signal if it’s time for a replacement. Keep an eye out for any type of damage or changes to the roofing that point to potential damage.
If the roofing material deteriorates or suffers from damage, it can no longer protect your home from rain, snow, ice, and other weather elements. This can lead to structural and interior damage that requires costly repairs.
Signs of damage may include:
- Curled, loose, or missing shingles
- Cracked roofing
- Spots from hail damage
- Missing shingle granules or granules in the gutter
In some cases, minor damage can be repaired by replacing part of the shingles. If your roof is newer and the damage is limited, AllPoint can assess if repair is a possibility. If you have an older roof or the damage is widespread, replacing the roof is likely the best option.
Visible Light
Check your roof from inside the home for more warning signs that it needs to be replaced.
The most obvious sign is seeing light inside your home and can signal that there’s a crack, hole, or gap that goes completely through the roof. That opening also means rain, debris, and wildlife could get inside your home and cause additional damage.
Leaking
When you start to have water getting inside your home it usually means there’s an issue with the roof.
Sometimes a leak is very obvious with water dripping or pouring into your home through the ceiling. It may be more subtle though, with the appearance of water stains or marks on your ceilings.
If you just moved into your home and notice water spots, it could be from previous roof damage that has since been addressed. The next time it rains, see if the water spots grow larger or change their shape. If the appearance changes, you still have a leak.
Sagging
Are you starting to see a dip in your roof? Sagging can indicate a serious structural problem with your roof. There are a variety potential causes of sagging, including water damage, improper roof installation, or low-quality or faulty roofing materials.
Examine the ridge of the roof to check for sagging; It should be straight across the ridge. Even if you only notice a subtle sag, it’s a good idea to have a AllPoint inspect it. The sooner you can correct the sagging the less potential there is for more serious problems and it is often cheaper to fix when you address the issue right away.
Wet, Soft Wood
When inspecting or walking on your roof, keep an eye out for wet spots and softwood. You may notice darker spots on the roofing to show that it’s staying wet and this continued wetness can cause long-term damage.
The wood can get soft over time due to repeated exposure to moisture and you will notice the spot seems weaker. There might also be more spring than normal in the roof, which is a sign of weakness and can affect the structural integrity.
Moss and Mold
Moss, mold, and mildew grow can all indicate a moisture problem on the roof.
Initial growth could be just a surface issue, but continued growth and spread can signal a bigger problem. Mold growth means that moisture is getting trapped in your roof and excessive growth can cause more trapped moisture, and the cycle continues and increases the chances of serious roof damage.
Moss and mold can also push apart the shingles or cause damage to them if the growth gets too severe.
If you notice lots of growth, check for other signs of damage inside and outside your home. If no damage has been done yet, you may be able to remove the growth and protect your roof. However, if there are other issues, it could be time for a new roof
Flashing Damage
Flashing is used to prevent leaks around your chimney, vents, and other areas of the roof. It helps move water off of your roof to prevent leaks and damage.
If the flashing is in disrepair or damaged your roof is susceptible to even more damage as it could allow the wood underneath to rot
If you notice any issues with the flashing, call AllPoint to come check for additional damage.
Rotting
Repeated exposure to water can lead to the wooden areas of your roof rotting. If the wood under your roofing material rots, it’s much weaker and might not support your roof properly. It also increases the chances of leaks and damage inside your home.
Old and Worn Appearance
Your roof can still be in good shape and protect your home, but if it looks old, worn, or outdated, your curb appeal can suffer. An old-looking roof can really stand out especially if everyone else in your neighborhood has nicer, updated roofs. Replacing your roof can increase your curb appeal and the value of your home.
