5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof
Your roof is a vital part of a house, and its proper functionality safeguards the rest of your home from exposure to the elements. Proper roof maintenance ensures it remains pristine to increase future resale value while protecting you and your loved ones. Even when your roof starts showing wear and tear signs, it’s easy to ignore until a significant issue like water intrusion occurs.
Being proactive and looking for the initial signs that your roof requires replacing reduces repair costs and property damage or injury risks. Below are five signs it’s time to replace your roof.
The roof has outlived its lifespan
A roof’s lifespan can be between 20 to 50 years. However, it differs by the roofing material, roof construction technique, pests, wildlife, roof maintenance, and weather. Knowing when your roof was installed helps you estimate its lifespan. If you aren’t sure, look at your home’s improvement records. Ignoring replacing a roof that has outlived its lifespan may result in significant leaks, become a liability risk, create a fire hazard, reduce energy efficiency, and pose a threat to you and your loved ones.
To find the right roofer for your home, learn what to look for in a roofing estimate. This will help you compare various contractors with one another and gauge a contractor’s trustworthiness.
Attic water damage
Moisture marks like gray, yellow, or brown stains and ceiling or wall paint peeling could be signs of a damaged, leaky roof. While identifying roof damage on time is the first line of defense, a regular, basic roof inspection can save you money in repair expenses by spotting minor damages before they escalate. Skilled and trained professionals have proper safety techniques and tools to go onto the roof and assess for damage.
Mold formation
Besides structural integrity, mold and mildew are health hazards. Lack of proper attic ventilation results in warm, moist air rising and going into the space. When condensation starts forming, it causes rust and allows mold growth. Mold and algae formation isn’t just an aesthetic issue; ignoring them can cause rotting in the roof structure.
This is why you should ensure proper roof ventilation. If algae and mold development is evident, power washing or scraping the residue isn’t advisable because this can chip off or remove the granules, impacting your shingles. Roof replacement would be an ideal option.
Saggy roof
When your roof starts sagging, it should be an immediate concern. When a roof sags, it’s usually because of excess weight from ice and snow or water damage. Note that the sagging roof also indicates a structural issue. It could also be because of attic decking or an element reinforcing your foundation. Instead of letting a saggy roof worsen, replacing it immediately after it manifests is more advisable.
Buckled or curled shingles
Buckled or curled shingles are an indication of aging issues. Shingles get buckled due to moisture in the attic, pushing nails up and out of your roof’s decking. This leaves your shingles susceptible to blow-offs in stormy weather and exposes your home to the elements.
Endnote
Roof health and integrity are crucial to your home’s overall well-being. Familiarize yourself with signs it’s time to replace your roof to ensure timely replacement.
