5 Signs That You Need a New Roof

Need a new roof

Don’t miss these warning signs that you need a new roof

Roof damage happens over time and the signs you need a new roof are usually too subtle to notice. Also, the roof tends to be most neglected part of a house. Unless there is water dripping over your head or the roof has turned weird colors, we don’t think much about maintenance. Unfortunately, neglecting your roof can invite major problems for the rest of the house. If your roof is near the end of its lifespan and is showing signs of despair, you must consider replacement. It may be very expensive to have your roof replaced, but not replacing it at the right time can lead to bigger problems that are much more expensive to fix. Here are some signs that your roof needs replacement:

Leaks

This is the most obvious sign that you may need a new roof. To check for leaks, visit your attic regularly, especially after rainfall and look for any signs of water intrusion. Also, check for ice dams. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms on the eaves of a slanting roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. The water gets collected behind an ice dam and can run under the shingles and eventually leak into the home causing damage to ceilings, walls and other areas.

Some signs of water exposure include water stains on ceilings or walls, high humidity and musty smell indoors, and mold growth. In case the leaks are restricted to a small area of the roof, it may be possible to repair it and replacement might not be necessary. It is best to have a professional roofer inspect the leaks and recommend the correct course of action.

Missing or curling shingles

Over time, exposure to strong winds, storms and thunder can cause shingles to tear off your roof allowing water to penetrate into the sheathing layers. This can cause the roof to rot. Shingles can also begin to curl following years of wear and tear caused by exposure to elements. After a storm, if you find some shingles missing or you can see that some shingles are curling, you should call up a professional right away. You need a new roof.

Roof age

If your roof is over a certain age, and is showing some signs of damage, you will probably need a new roof. It might be a good idea to consider replacing the old roof. Most roofs have a lifespan of up to 15-30 years depending on the material used. Tile, slate and copper roofs can last pretty long (up to 50 years), shake roofs last about 30 years, cement shingles last around 25 years and asphalt shingles have a lifespan of about 20 years.

Poor energy efficiency

If you are witnessing a gradual increase in your heating bills every year, it could be due to a poorly insulated roof. Quite often, when homeowners find their utility bills increasing, they focus on insulating their doors and windows. They do not pay attention to the roof. If the roof is poorly insulated, it will allow the heated air to escape and cold air to enter the home. This can lead to very high energy bills.

Gutter build-up

If you find your gutters clogged with granules, it could indicate that shingles are losing granules. If you find pieces of shingles or other roof materials in your gutters, it could indicate that your roof is in a bad shape and needs replacement. You must regularly check the gutters for any blockages as it could lead to leaks and roof decay.

Apart from the obvious reasons why you should get your roof replaced, there are other important reasons to consider as well. A new roof will add a lot of value and years to your home. So, when you are deciding between repair and replacement, we recommend that you think long term.

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