Your roof is one of the most important features of your home. It contributes to your home’s ability to keep you and your family safe from the elements, and to keep your energy and maintenance bills down. When your roofing system is no longer working properly, you are risking expensive damage to your home.
It’s not always easy to tell when it’s time to replace your roof. Unless you have an obvious leak or damage from a storm, the signs that your roof needs to be replaced can be subtle if you don’t know what to look for.
In some cases, a simple repair can do the job but, in others, there may be further problems lurking below the surface. A full roof replacement can be an intimidating expense. It’s helpful to use this roofing replacement calculator to estimate what your costs will be. The important thing to remember is that leaving a needed roof replacement undone for too long could end up costing you more in the end. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that it’s time for a new roof.
Age
Most shingle roofs come with a 20-30 year warranty. Depending on where you live and how much abuse your roof has taken over the years, you may want to think about replacement around the 20-year mark. If you aren’t sure how old your roof is, you can watch other homes in your neighborhood for a clue. If you start to see your neighbors getting new roofs installed, chances are that it’s probably time for you to update yours. Also keep in mind that different materials have different lifespans — metal roofing typically comes with a 50 year warranty.
Visual Wear
If you stand in the street in front of your home and you can clearly see that your roof is starting to look shabby, it’s likely time to think about a replacement. Curb appeal is an important aspect of your home value. If your roof is old, it can make the rest of your home look bad and bring down its resale value
Look for spots on your roof that look bald or darker than other areas. Also, take note of any spots that look streaky. If the areas around your chimney and vents look worn, it’s a good indicator of age.
Sagging Deck
Your roof deck is the support system that holds up your shingles and roof systems. If you can see that there are areas that appear to be sagging or dimpled, it’s an indication that you may have a potential moisture problem. When your decking is damaged, it can lead to structural issues that can be expensive to repair.
Worn Shingles
Asphalt shingles are made to last for many years but will eventually start to show their wear. If you can spot shingles that have curled edges, look darker than the surrounding materials or are broken, it means that they are almost past their prime. Shingles become brittle over time and exposure to the natural elements and will dry out, causing them to crack or curl. This curling can allow water to get under the surface to the deck and cause a variety of moisture problems.
Granules
No one likes to clean out the gutters but, it’s a vital chore that must be done to maintain the health of your roofing system. What you find in your gutters can tell you a lot about what is going on with your roof. If you are finding sand-like granules building up in your gutters, it means that your shingles are starting to deteriorate.
Shingles are manufactured with a layer of granules on the surface to help protect your roof and direct moisture. As shingles age, those granules start to fall off and can collect in your gutters.
Leaks
The first place that you should look for leaks is in your attic. Take a flashlight and check all surfaces for staining or obvious evidence of moisture. Test your insulation to see if it is wet.
If you have any bubbled, peeling or stained paint on your interior walls or ceilings, it’s a good indication that you may have a leak.
Higher Energy Bills
Your roof is what protects you from the elements. It keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer if it’s working right. When your roof ages or develops leaks, it can’t maintain its efficiency. One of the most obvious ways to tell if you have a problem with your roof is that your energy bills will increase.
Replacing your roof is a big project. However, it’s a vital part of keeping your home and family safe. Talk to your local contractor today about getting an inspection if you find any of these signs that it’s time for a roof replacement.
