Are you wondering when to replace your roof?
We trust our roofs with keeping our homes safe and secure in all weather. That means it needs to be in top condition. But if you don’t know the signs to look for, you might not know when it’s time to get a new roof installed.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Read on for these seven signs that you need to replace your roof before it falls in!
1. Ceiling is Sagging or Stained
Before you spot any issues with your roof, you might notice them in your home first. One thing you won’t fail to miss is yellow or brown staining on your ceiling.
This indicates that there is a leak, and water has seeped right into your home. You may also notice your ceiling is sagging along with this. That’s another sign of extensive water damage.
You may only have a leak. But it’s vital you get a professional out to do a full roof inspection immediately. It might be a case of needing a minor roof repair. Or, you might have a roof that’s failing and needs to repairing right away.
2. Your Shingles Are Cracking
One of the biggest signs that you need a roof replacement is your shingles cracking. You can’t ignore cracked shingles as they can allow water to leak into your home.
You might notice little surface cracks on new asphalt roofs. It’s best to call out a professional to take a look to see what the cause is of this. If there is a fault, then you can claim on the warranty before it runs out and you’re stuck with the costs.
Whatever the age of your roof, if you see cracks in your shingles call out a professional. You need to have your whole roof inspected to get an idea of its condition and what caused the cracking.
3. Whole Shingles Are Missing
Replacing or repairing sections on roofs is usually an easy job. But remember, it’s likely you won’t get new shingles that will match the color of the old ones. And the repairs will look new too.
A roof that looks like a checkerboard can ruin the outside curb appeal of your home. It’s also an immediate draw to the eye and will have people thinking about your roof issues right away.
If you’re missing whole shingles and have patches that need redoing, consider replacing your roof. It’s likely that when you patch the immediate problem you’ll have more down the line.
You’ll be chasing each new area that falls off with repairs. It’s a sign of more trouble to come, so it’s better to nip it in the bud with a new roof. You won’t have to worry about when the next patch-job will come. And it’ll look more pleasing to the eye.
4. Your Roof Older Than 25 Years Old
The average lifespan of a roof should be between 20-30 years. If your roof is getting near to 25 years old, then you should consider replacing it.
Even if you don’t think you have issues, you should get an inspection. It’s getting towards the end of its average lifespan, and issues could crop up at any time.
It can often take years for any leaks to seep into your home enough for you to notice. By this time, you could have caused even more costly damage to your home.
In that case, you’ll need to spend money on a new roof anyway. But you’ll also have the extra costs of fixing this damage that you may have avoided otherwise.
5. You Have Algae and Moss Everywhere
Older roofs collect debris as they age. This provides the perfect anchor for moss and mold to take hold. It’s natural to have a little lichen build up.
You’ll usually see more of a build-up in areas of the roof that don’t get as much sun. If it gets too much though, you need to have it removed. You can do this on some types of roof without causing damage. But, for some roof types, you can cause damage and discoloration.
You can also get new roofing materials that come with anti-aging protection. This also helps keep any algae and moss from building up.
If you’re in need of a new roof replacement, then it’s recommended you get this feature. Mother nature will win in the end, but this will help keep your roof healthier and happier for longer.
6. Your Attic is a Different Temperature to Outside
In a typical situation, your attic temperature should be in line with the outside. This is because your attic should have enough circulation and ventilation to let air in and out.
Having this ventilation is the key in cold areas to avoid ice dams. If your attic is warmer than outside, then you could end up with an ice dam problem.
You might see your exterior paint peeling and blistering. This is another common sign your roof isn’t ventilating as it should. Your roof should have a ridge vent that will take out added moisture and heat.
If you’re getting issues with ice dams, or your attic isn’t a consistent temperature, it could be time for a new roof. This will help keep your exterior paint in good condition and keep your home well ventilated. It could also save you money on your energy bills too.
7. Your Chimneys Are Leaking
To make sure your home is weather-tight, your roof and chimney must have proper flashing. If you’re experiencing leaking around your chimney, this is a sign of issues with the flashing. Either it’s not done right, or it’s aging and damaged.
Check to make sure there is a leak barrier to help add a little more protection. Once your flashing has failed though, it’s time to consider getting a new roof.
And make sure this barrier is present for the new one too. It will provide protection around your chimney, eaves, sidewalls, and rake. The more you protect it, the more your roof can protect your home.
When to Replace Your Roof Made Easy
So, there you have it! Now you know these seven signs for when to replace your roof you’ll be sure to protect your home.
Keep an eye on your roof in order to make sure that you catch any of these signs as early as possible. The quicker you have a bad roof replaced, the less damage you will cause to the rest of your home.
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