Most homeowners wait for their roofs to show some signs of degradation before carrying out maintenance checks. Many roofing problems may require you to perform repair work or replace your roof entirely. But how do you recognize the signs that tell you it’s time to replace your roof? Experts suggest checking the roof twice a year, especially in the spring and fall seasons. A leaking roof is a big enough sign for anyone to get a new roof installation.
If you want to take charge of the state of your roof before something terrible happens, these 6 key factors can tell you when it is time to change your roof!=
1. A Roof’s Age
Depending on the material they are built with, changing the roof may require you to do it every few years. A typical roof may last up to no more than 20 years, but the roof’s age also depends on its composition. Suppose your roof is built with asphalt roll, it’ll typically last for 5-10 years. If it is a standing seam metal roof or a wood-shake shingle roof, it can last for over 35-40 years. There’s more to it. If your house has a clay tile roof or a slate roof, it can age up to a hundred years. However, regular maintenance of the roof also plays a crucial part in prolonging its longevity. If you analyze the age of the roof, its composite materials, and the number of times it has been repaired, you can determine whether you need a new roof or not.
In order to predict the longevity of your roof, you should be aware of when it was installed. You can examine home improvement documents to figure out the precise date your roof was installed if you are unsure. It also relies on whether you have only a single layer of shingles on your roof, whether the previous roof was removed, and whether it is well-ventilated. If the roof is older than 20 years and was built over another layer or numerous levels, you probably need a new roof. So, It’s better to invest in a new roof before it’s too late to handle it.
2. The State Of Shingles & Tiles
Curling or buckling shingles are strong indicators that you need a new roof. The shingles on your roof are meant to lie flat. If they are curled or buckled, it means they have exceeded their life expectancy. In general, the part of the roof that is constantly under sunlight tends to have shingles losing granules. Another way to inspect substantial wear is to check the roof downspouts for signs of shingle granules. Damaged roofs shed shingle granules easily after stormy nights. Monitor the condition of the shingles on your roof to deduce when would be a good time to change your roof. This is especially important during the winter months. Know that the dramatic winter weather and falling snow are some of the prominent causes of personal injuries and gutter damage. To avoid that you can always take preventive measures by installing snow guards or metal roofs.
Similar to how shingles are affected by cracks, the supporting structure of the roof should also be inspected. To guarantee that your roof is structurally stable and won’t be in danger of collapsing, its supporting elements must be intact.
3. Daylight Through Roof Deck
If you want to inspect the condition of your roof, you can start by checking the roof deck in your attic. If there’s broad daylight pouring in from between the roof boards, water will flow inside too. According to the expert roofing contractors at TopLineRoofingContractors.com, the moisture can seep within the roof decking and weaken it dangerously. If you try walking on the roof (with precaution) and it feels spongy or bouncy, it is a clear sign that moisture has damaged your roof. Judging by the gaps between the roof boards in your attic, you can make a well-informed decision if it’s time for a new roof.
4. Rusty Roof Valleys
The V-shaped metal channels found in the joints of a roof are known as roof valleys. These metal channels help water and snow flow off the roof directly into the gutter. The state of an open valley or a closed valley roof can deteriorate with time. With cracks and holes forming up in the channel, water is likely to leak into your home. Scraping the rust on the roof valleys with a paint scraper can help you remove it. But if the channels are rusted to the core, it is time for you to get a new roof.
5. Damaged Chimney Flashing
To prevent water from penetrating through the roof and the chimney, a waterproof seal called chimney flashing is used as protection. That’s why it’s crucial to check the flashing over the chimney, vents, and skylight for cracks and leaks. Chimney flashing is generally made of cement or tar, causing them to erode over time. Comparatively, metal chimney flashing lasts longer.
The presence of moisture stains, yellow, brown, or gray stains, and peeling paint on the walls and/or ceilings may all be signs of a leaky roof. Check your attic as well because wet rafters or leaks may indicate roof damage. Once a year, hire a contractor to do a thorough check. By identifying minor damage before it worsens, a routine check could help you avoid spending thousands of dollars on roofing repairs. A skilled professional can climb up onto your roof and look for damage using the right equipment and safety procedures.
6. Moss & Sagging
A roof that traps moisture is the one that needs to be replaced. By examining the insulation in your attic, you can spot the signs of moisture on the roof. Constantly check for moss, fungi, or mold on the roof. If your roof has absorbed a lot of moisture, it’ll show as rotten boards or sagging in the roof. Moss and sagging are the biggest signals that you need a new roof.
Sagging is an indication that rainwater trapped under the roof has corroded off the supporting planks. A sagging, drooping roof must be replaced immediately to prevent further harm to your house. Look for any indications of moisture, decaying boards, or sagging areas on the surface, especially at the lower surfaces of the roof.
Fix Your Roof!
In some situations, the damage is not so extensive and makes it more manageable without replacing the roof. However, if you find more than one factor listed in this guide, you must call a professional roofing contractor and have it checked.
Although regular roof inspections are something you’ve done to help, some damages can’t be easily repaired. The cost of replacing the roof may be less expensive than paying for ongoing repairs if a roofing contractor does an assessment and discovers systemic issues.