We all know how vital our roof is. It protects you from rain, wind, hail, and snow, blocks sunlight, and provides insulation. In addition, it keeps the house warm during cold days and the opposite during summer.
Unfortunately, people often neglect it when it comes to maintenance. Since the roof acts as your shield, it is more prone to damage. If those are detected early, you can easily do repairs. However, if left unnoticed, your roof may be in a state that is beyond repair. If that is the case, you would need to have it replaced.
Here are ten signs that indicate your roof needs replacing:
Your Roof is Getting Old
Look at your roof improvement records to see when the roof was installed or last replaced or re-shingled. Most roofs last 20 - 25 years. If yours is nearing or past that age, it would be best if you call a local roofing company to get an estimate.
Buckling, Curling, or Missing Shingles
The shingles of your roof should be lying flat against the roof. If you notice most are curling, buckling, or misshapen, that means it is too late to patch the roof. You need to replace the roof.
It is also important to check the shingles in the parts where the slopes of the roofs meet. These valleys prevent runoff water from going inside your walls by directing it to gutters. If the shingles are missing, it could cause leaking.
Saggy Spots or Rotting Roof
Trapped moisture is never a good sign for your roof. It weakens the decking and the support structure that holds the roof above your home.
If you have a sagging, rotting roof, do not hesitate and have it replaced as soon as possible. Besides its unappealing looks, it is inefficient and can cause many health problems and be in danger of collapse.
Beams of Light Passing Through
Go to your attic during the daytime to check if there are beams of light. If the roof is in good condition, you should not see any. If there are, that is a sign that you have a leaky roof. The more beams you see, the sooner you should replace your roof.
Flashing is damaged
Around vents, skylights, and chimneys, the seams are sealed with something called "flashing." The flashing prevents rain and weather from entering your house. If the flashing is cracked, broken, or too rusted, that means you need to replace your roof. Also, flashing lasts for 20 - 30 years. Therefore, when it needs replacement, the roof does too because it has a shorter lifespan.
It is also best to keep in mind that old houses use cement flashing, which is now considered outdated. Consider opting for an all-in-one metal solution when updating.
Shingle Granules Loss
You would know you need to replace the roof if there is an excessive loss of shingle granules. The granules protect the roof from UV rays and provide fire resistance. If you see so many granules on the gutter, that is a sign that your roof needs replacement.
Nature Is Taking Over
If there is a little bit of moss on your roof, do not panic. You can brush that off. However, if you neglect it for too long, the vegetation -moss, mold, and fungi- may take over. It also indicates moisture, which would ruin your roof.
Stains, Discoloration, and Dark Streaks
Check the interior and exterior of the roof for signs of discoloration. They are indications that will tell you your roof needs attention. While some streaks are harmless, such as the dark streaks caused by air-borne algae, some point to more severe problems. You might need to replace or repair the roof.
Exposed Nails
If you can see so many exposed nails on your roof, that means there is a problem. Exposed nails may indicate leaks or cracks on the roofing.
Neighbors are Getting New Roofs
Look around you. Have your neighbors already replaced or patched their roofs? If not, are they currently in the process? You might need to replace or repair your roof if the answer is yes.
