Most homeowners won’t think about installing a new roof until matters become dangerous. Perhaps a leak has sprung up in the middle of your living room, and you are now wondering if it’s time for an entire roof replacement.
The truth is, whole roof replacements aren’t always necessary. New roofing is often installed once the old shingles have taken on many years of wear and tear. But other situations and indicators lead to a necessary roof replacement.
Don’t wait for the ceiling to suddenly cave in or for a massive leak to appear out of nowhere. Instead, continue reading about the signs leading to the need for new roofing. And if you want to know more, call Best Roofing to talk to our friendly staff about our roof replacement services.
The Importance of Roof Replacement
Installing a new roof isn’t merely about your home’s outside appearance. While sparkling new shingles improve the look of a house, replacements are essential for other reasons.
Without an intact and well-installed roof, your home would not be protected from the outdoor elements. Not only does this lead to roof damage, but everything underneath is also at risk. Even the health and safety inside your home can be compromised the longer you put on a necessary roof replacement.
The benefits of quality roof replacement:
- Increase curb appeal by improving your roof’s appearance
- Lower your energy bills with proper ventilation and insulation
- Enjoy a high return on investment
- Maintain the health and safety inside your home
10 Signs You Need a New Roof
How long a roof will last depends on several factors. For one, the local climate will have an impact on the condition of a roof. Additionally, the area surrounding your home significantly affects its lifespan. How many trees do you have shading your house? Does your roof sustain intense sun exposure?
Luckily the signs of an essential roof replacement are generally the same, no matter where you live. Read on to discover the major signs indicating your home needs a new roof.
1 | Consider the Age of Your Roof
Most people will say that if your roof was installed over 20 years ago, it’s time for a roof replacement. However, every home is a little different depending on its specific location and other impactful events, like storms and wildlife damage.
If you don’t know when your it was last replaced, there are a couple of things you can do to find out. First, ask your neighbors. Chances are, someone in the neighborhood has been there for some time and may know when the roofs were last replaced. Second, you can review your home improvement records to determine when it last had a roof installed.
For this article, we mainly discuss roofs made of asphalt shingles. Nevertheless, below we’ve provided the typical lifespans of common roofing materials for your reference.
- Asphalt shingles– 20 to 30 years
- Wood– 25 to 40 years
- Metal– 40 to 80 years
- Slate– 60 to 150 years
- Clay or concrete tiles– 50 to 100 years
2 | Missing or Broken Shingles
Some of the most prominent indicators that it’s time for a new roof are missing or broken shingles. Depending on the material, your roofing materials can rot, decay, or become brittle over time. Sometimes, you can repair just a few cracked or fallen shingles. However, a full replacement is likely necessary if there are many damaged shingles.
3 | Gutter Build-up and Missing Granules
Outside elements and time can lead to your shingles losing granules. This creates a patchy or bald appearance of the shingles and will accelerate wear and tear. Furthermore, the granules often end up in the gutter, causing build-up and inefficient drainage.
It may be time for a new roof if you notice bald patches on your shingles or roofing materials cluttering the gutters.
4 | Streaks on the Shingles
People often mistake the dark outlines and streaks on shingles for typical dust and debris. In reality, this occurrence is an airborne algae. Algae growing on your roof isn’t only unsightly. Over time, its presence can lead to quicker deterioration of the shingles.
5 | Moss is Growing
Moss growing over your shingles isn’t always a sign of an immediate roof replacement. More often, moss is a superficial issue and can be removed by a professional team.
However, sometimes moss will grow when there is hidden damage or a leak in the roof. If there is excessive moss growing on the shingles, it’s wise to have the roofing experts come out for an inspection to ensure the structure of the home is intact.
6 | Edges of the Shingles are Curling
You may want to consider installing a new roof if the shingles are beginning to curl. Distorted shingles are a significant indicator that the roof is coming to the end of its lifespan and usefulness.
7 | Damaged Chimney Flashing
When the flashing areas of your roofing, like the chimney, start to appear damaged, a replacement may be necessary. A deteriorating flashing can lead to nasty leaks and other problems. Sometimes, just the flashing will need to be repaired or replaced. However, your home may require an entire roof replacement.
8 | Water Damage and Leaks
You can potentially repair a small leak without installing a completely new roof. But when the leak is ignored or unnoticed, it can grow in no time. Leaks can lead to water damage to the structure of the home and your possessions. They can also be unhealthy for those living inside the house.
9 | Sagging Ceiling or Roofline
Leaks also lead to sagging ceilings. You can confirm your ceiling is sagging by touching it with your hand or a broomstick. If the ceiling feels soft, you may have a leak. It’s best to address a sagging ceiling as soon as you notice it, no matter how small the affected area is. Over time, the damaged area can become much larger and require more time and money to fix.
Similarly, a sagging roofline is a cause for concern. Once you realize there is dipping, you’ll want to have it checked out for trapped moisture and rotting structural material. Sagging ceilings and rooflines must be taken seriously. When ignored, they may lead to sudden and dangerous cave-ins.
10 | Unrepaired Wildlife Damages
When a critter decides to nest inside your attic, it can cause significant damage upon entry. Nevertheless, if wildlife’s impact on the roof is minor, it can still lead to further damage when ignored or undetected.
Other Indicators That It’s Time for a New Roof
You now know the most common signs of needing a new roof. Here are a few more scenarios that may indicate that you should have your roofing replaced soon:
Your Neighbors Are Replacing Their Roofs- If you live in an area surrounded by homes built around the same time as yours, everyone is likely on a similar replacement schedule. So, if you notice your neighbors are replacing their roofs, you may want to consider replacing yours, too.
Recovering From Storm Damage- After any significant storm, like rainstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and ice storms, it is essential to check your roof. Storm impact is one of the most common causes of emergency roof replacement.
It Wasn’t Installed Right in the First Place- A poorly installed roofing system will lessen its durability, effectiveness, and lifespan. One way you can recognize improper installation is by noticing awkwardly placed shingles. You’ll want to consider replacement as soon as possible if you determine it wasn’t installed correctly.
Is It Time for a New Roof?
Best Roofing is the team to call when you suspect your roof needs repairs or replacement. Our company prioritizes quality installation and products. You can rest easy knowing our experts provide long-lasting roofing services and sturdy gutter systems.
We know the importance of providing your family with a well-structured and secure roof over their heads. Give Best Roofing a call or fill out our convenient online form for a free quote today!
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