Signs It’s Time to Replace My Roof

Extreme temperatures, severe weather and old age can all cause wear and tear of your roof. When your roof has damage, it can cause leaks, rot and mold, lower the value of your home or even collapse. By inspecting your roof regularly, you can keep minor problems from turning into bigger ones.

You’ll also avoid having to replace a roof prematurely. However, at some point you’ll need to replace your roof and it’s a good idea to know what signs to look for.

What Are The Signs You Need To Replace Your Roof?
Some signs that it may be time for a roof replacement include:

It’s Old
Often roofs last for around 20 years. Therefore, if it’s been over a couple of decades since you replaced your roof, you may want to start considering putting up a new one. In some cases, roofs can live out their natural lives without experiencing any failures. But if it looks worn and old it’s time to replace it.

Shingles Are Curling
There are two ways that shingles can curl. The first is cupping, which occurs when the shingle edges turn upward. The second is clawing and this is where the middle of the shingles starts coming up and the edges remain flat. Both of these are indications of weathering and that issues are pretty close to occurring.

Leaks
If your roof is leaking into your attic, you have problems. You may see signs of light streaming in from the sun or water coming in after snow melts or a rainstorm. When you don’t need light to see inside your roof, it could be time to replace your roof.

Roof Valleys
If your shingles on your roof are missing in one area or falling apart, it’s a good sign it’s time for a replacement. Important areas of your roof are valleys. Rain and snow flow through valleys and into your gutters. Your roof may become vulnerable to leaks if the valley becomes compromised.

Your Energy Bills Spike
A roof in good condition should insulate your home against the cold and heat. If it isn’t, your utility bills will likely increase since your heater or AC unit will have to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

What The Roof Inspector Looks For
Every spring and fall you should have an inspector come in and inspect your roof. Even the most durable and strongest roof may have flaws and weaknesses. You can avoid home structural damage by having your roof inspected twice annually. It’s important that you hire a professional since you may not be able to notice damage with your untrained eye.

Some things the roof inspector may look for include:

Improper flashing
Leaks
Rot and Mold
Shingle deterioration
Structure damage
Gutters
Age of roof
Storm damage
Broken seals or shingle lifting
Missing ceramic granules on shingles

Replacing your roof is an expensive investment you’re putting into your home. Therefore, it’s essential you have it done right. When it comes time to replace your roof, be sure you hire only an experienced roofer who stands behind their work and is upfront with their fees. Don’t wait to replace your roof if needed since that could result in more damage to your home.

Also, when getting a new roof, add some extra protection with proper ventilation like an attic fan for example, and insulation.