A strong roof offers good protection for you and your home from the elements. Most people pay little attention when it’s working as it should. When it becomes damaged, it’s particularly stressful because of its critical role.
Some issues can be repaired or fixed pretty easily, but some will warrant a complete roof replacement. Luckily there are a number of warning signs that help to indicate your roof is beginning to wear out and will start to cause more and more problems if left unaddressed.
Here are several signs that you need to call in roofing contractors to replace your roof and get it in the strong, durable condition it needs to be in to keep your family, belongings and house safe and sound.
1. Exterior Damage
A visual inspection can reveal a lot about the condition of your roof. The state of your shingles is a significant indicator. If shingles are curling, cracked, missing, or warped, that can signify that it’s time to invest in a new roof.
Examine the flashing around skylights, vents and chimneys. Flashing makes a water-tight seal to protect from rain and other inclement weather. If there are cracks, it can lead to leaks.
Another thing to look for is missing granules. If you look at your roof from ground level, they will look like lighter patches on dark shingles or darker patches on light shingles. You may also notice granules collecting when cleaning out your gutters.
The granules protect the shingles from UV damage, so without them, your shingles will begin to wear out much faster.
2. Sagging
A strong sign of a need for roof replacement is if your roof is sagging or drooping. If there are signs of trapped moisture, sagging spots or rotting boards, a roof replacement should be done soon. This is a sign your decking, the support structure holding the roof up, is damaged and becoming weak from moisture.
3. Moss
If you notice moss growing on a few shingles, there’s a good chance you can clean them off and be good to go. But if the moss growth is more prevalent and has been happening for awhile, shingles can become damaged. Moss can indicate trapped moisture, which can become extremely damaging. Moss can also begin to grow underneath shingles, lifting them up and reducing the ability of your roof to drain correctly.
4. Age
The roof’s age is a significant factor to consider when deciding between a roof repair or replacement. Roofs can last a long time, but they don’t last forever. If your roof is between 15-20 years old and things begin to go wrong, replacing it can often make more sense, as repair jobs will likely become more and more common.
Keep an eye on these areas to pick up on any warning signs that your roof may need to be replaced, so you can be prepared when the time comes and avoid being forced to make the replacement until further damage has been done to the rest of your home. The roof is essential to your house, so make sure you keep an eye on it.
