Signs You Need a New Roof
A roof is an invaluable part of a home, offering protection from weather elements and keeping your family warm and safe. Over the years, your roof experiences wear and tear and may need replacement. Also, damage by inclement weather and termites, and poor installation may necessitate a new roof. Learn the telltale signs you need a new roof for your home.
Age
Although a roof’s lifespan depends on various factors such as roofing material, installation, local climate, and maintenance, most roofs last for between 15 and 50 years. An asphalt shingles roof, for instance, can serve you for 15 to 30 years.
You should consider purchasing a new roof if your roof is nearing its average lifespan. Check your records to see when the roof was installed to determine when it’s due for replacement. Roofs that are more than 20 years old are usually good candidates for replacement.
Shingle Issues
Your roof regularly experiences the wrath of Mother Nature, from strong winds to heavy rains to UV rays. As a result, shingles wear down with time, and you may notice missing, broken, curling, and buckling shingles.
If a few shingles are missing or cracked, replacing them is an excellent option. However, shingle problems throughout the roof necessitate replacement. A good way to check the condition of your shingles is to do it from the attic. Turn off your attic’s lights and look at the roof. Any light coming in is an indication of holes or cracks on the roof.
Rotting Roof
A rotting roof is detrimental and causes numerous problems for your home, including structural issues. A wood roof is particularly vulnerable to rotting after prolonged exposure to moisture. You can tell that you have roof rot in several ways: First, missing shingles or torn flashing increase the probability of moisture accumulating in the roof and causing rot.
Second, mold in your attic, emanating either from a leaky roof or poor ventilation. Third, a sunken roof deck could signal your roof support beams and studs are rotting. A rotting roof tends to be droopy and sagging and poses significant safety concerns for your family. You shouldn’t hesitate to replace a rotting roof.
Granules in Gutters
If you notice your gutters frequently clog with granules and pieces of shingles, your roof could be deteriorating. Some asphalt roofs break down with time, and the residue gets carried by running water to the gutters. This doesn’t always necessitate a replacement, but more often than not, a new roof will be the best option.
Poor Workmanship
A poorly installed roof might need replacement earlier than necessary. Signs of a poorly installed roof include incorrect shingle placement, non-uniform appearance, improper gutter installation, incorrect nails, and lack of drip edges. Such a roof is prone to premature wear, weather damage, and safety concerns. Ask a roofing professional to inspect your roof for these signs.
Roof Leaks
A leaky roof could indicate your roof is coming to the end of its life. Water spots on your ceiling, damaged flashing, water stains on walls, and the presence of algae and mold are common symptoms of a leaky roof. If you suspect your roof leaks, call a roofing professional to inspect it.
From attic and insulation damage to mold and mildew issues and increased energy bills, a leaky roof hurts your home in many ways. Luckily, not all roof leaks need a replacement; repair may also be able to solve the problem.
Your Neighbors Replaced their Roofs
While this may sound outrageous, many neighbors replacing their roofs may signal that you also need to replace yours. In most cases, homes in the same neighborhood were constructed around the same time. As such, they may need improvements – like a new roof – at the same time.
Even the best-maintained roofs will eventually need replacement. Contact Jerry Newman Roofing & Remodeling for roof replacement. We help you choose an appealing and durable roofing material, and our skilled technicians install it perfectly. We have four decades of experience installing roofs in West Dundee, IL.