Your roof is a critical part of your home—in fact, the other components of your home rely on your roof to keep them safe, stable, and dry. However, no matter how durable your roof is, it will need to be replaced at some point. Even with regular inspections and repairs, a replacement will eventually be the most cost-effective solution. It's important to be aware of these signs so you know when it's time to call a roofing expert and get the process started. If you know early that your roof needs to be replaced, you can schedule it in a way that fits your obligations and budget—rather than having to pay for an emergency replacement that can wreak havoc on both.
Looking for more personalized guidance as you figure out the best
ways to care for your roof? Call Master Roofers at 603-932-4841 to set up a
time for us to look at your roof.
1. Your Roof is Old
If you tell a roofing expert the age of your roof and they wince
or their eyebrows shoot up, that's a good sign that you may want to look into a
replacement. Different roofing materials have various lifespans. For example,
asphalt shingles may last between 10 to 30 years depending on their quality,
while steel and other metal roofs may last up to 50 years. When you buy a home,
you should schedule regular roofing inspections and keep paperwork on when your
roof was last replaced and serviced. As you near the end of your roof's natural
lifespan, you can then begin thinking about your next steps.
2. You Can See Visible Damage
You should be doing visual checks of your roof on a routine basis. This lets you catch any visible damage early on, so you can schedule repairs or an inspection before the situation worsens. Visual damage often hides more severe damage below the surface, so it's important to take action right away when something is amiss. Look for missing or cracked shingles, granules piling up in your gutters, rusted or cracked flashing, and moss or algae growth. Missing, cracked, or curling shingles are a clear sign that your roof is starting to age. These issues in particular may indicate that your home is at risk of water infiltration and serious damage. Granules in the gutters often occur when your roof is exposed to inclement weather. Rusted or cracked flashing may cause permanent water damage, as flashing protects the most vulnerable parts of your roof from water leaks. Moss and algae growth indicate that water has been infiltrating the roof for some time.
3. There's Suddenly More Mold in Your Home and You've Started
Noticing Leaks
Issues that start in the roof never stay on your roof; unless addressed immediately, they always worsen and eventually affect the interior of your home. The existence of mold or mildew in your home is a perfect example. While mold and mildew isn't always caused by a leaky roof, mold that starts near the ceiling often is. Visible mold is generally just the tip of the iceberg; if you look deeper, you[ll generally find that the mold extends deep into your home's structures, putting your family's home at risk.
You may not notice the mold or mildew until your roof springs a leak. While we obviously want to look beyond leaks when examining the health of our roof, leaks are an obvious and unavoidable sign that you need help immediately. By the time a roof has weakened enough to leak, there is likely so much structural damage that you'll either need extensive repairs or a full replacement.
4. You Can't Get Your Energy Bills Under Control
We all expect higher energy bills during the hottest and coldest months of the year, but if your energy bills have steadily creeped up regardless of the weather outside, there's a good chance that your roof is to blame. A failing roof gradually loses its ability to insulate your home, so no matter how hard your HVAC system works, it simply cannot keep up.
Ventilation is another issue that may be affecting your over-the-top energy bills. A strong roof ensures that your attic is properly ventilated, while a failing roof may trap hot air in the summer and cold air in the winter. This makes it harder to get rid of both.
It's crucial to address this issue as soon as possible. While the cost of a new roof may be more than you want to spend, consider what is happening to your HVAC system as long as you have a subpar roof. Struggling to keep up with a poorly insulated or ventilated roof takes a massive toll on your HVAC system and ages it prematurely.
5. Your Roof is Sagging
There are some signs of damage that are serious enough to warrant immediate attention from a roofing pro. A roof that is visibly sagging may be suffering from weakened rafters or excessive weight caused by layers of old shingles or heavy snow. A roof that is this severely damaged threatens the structural integrity of your entire home, as a roof collapse could happen at any time. Furthermore, a sagging roof may be a sign that there is extensive moisture damage or rot in your attic. The longer you ignore a sagging roof, the more likely it is that you and your family will have to deal with the fallout of a roof collapse.
Getting regular inspections and following your roofing company's
recommended maintenance schedule can allow you to get as much life out of your
roof as possible—but when a replacement roof is necessary, hiring the right
company is essential. Whether you're in need of repairs or a replacement, we
can help. Call Master Roofers at 603-932-4841 or fill out
our contact form to set up an inspection.