The right roof can enhance your home’s kerb appeal. A well-maintained one ensures your comfort and safety indoors for many years. Clearly, this exterior structure has a vital job to perform.
With years of exposure to sun, wind and heavy rains, its structural integrity may be compromised. How do you know it’s beginning to fall apart and needs replacement or roof leak repair
7 Signs Your Roof Needs a Replacement
In general, your roof will show tell-tale signs of damage in increments because most materials, such as metal and tile, are strong enough to withstand harsh elements. Catch them early, and you may only need a roof leak repair instead of a costly replacement.
Here are some of the more common signs you need a new roof.
1. Water Damage
A leaky roof leaves water damage, attracts pests and introduces mould and mildew in any home. When your roof no longer has the structural integrity to protect your property, it will start to let water in.
Water damage could mean there’s a hole in your roof (which could be anywhere), shingles are damaged or lifted, or the flashing could be rusted through.
2. Sagging Roof
A number of issues could be causing your roof to sag. These include improper installation (wherein inadequate rafters may have been used to support the roof), water damage that has rotted your roof decking, termite damage and age.
The only way to identify the reason behind the compromised structural integrity is to look into all roofing services, for inspection and repair, or replacement. When you notice even the slightest sag, get your roof checked.
3. Cracked Shingles
New shingles are flexible, so they adjust and flex upon installation. But in time and under extreme heat exposure, shingles dry out and become brittle or crack.
Cracked shingles can create the perfect environment for water to seep into your home. When neglected, the leaks could also lead to structural damage, in addition to water damage.
4. Missing Shingles
Another sign to replace your old roof is when you start to notice missing shingles. When strong winds or storms knock off shingles from your roof, it means the structure has weakened over time. The weakness may be due to poor maintenance or exposure to extreme heat.
Although missing shingles typically only mean a roof repair, further inspection may reveal other issues that indicate a replacement may be the cost-effective option over time.
5. Wavy or Curling Shingles
When shingles flare up, they can make your roof unappealing. An unappealing roof can affect your home’s curb appeal. But beyond losing the aesthetic appeal of your property, wavy or curling shingles can create a leaky roof, gaps could allow pests to enter your home and leave room for mould to grow.
Shingles can flare up for a number of reasons, including poor roof installation, new shingles placed over old and damaged shingles, and poor attic ventilation. The roofing material may also wave or curl because it’s ready to retire – that it may have reached its maximum age (30 years for asphalt shingles, and 50 years for architectural shingles).
6. Rust on the Gutters or Flashing
Debris and accumulated water can compromise even rust-protected gutters or flashing after years of neglect.
When your roof is unable to keep away water or moisture from the building, rust and corrosion will form and damage your gutters or flashing. This, in turn, will damage parts of your roof and destroy the fascia, soffits and various other parts connected to the roofing structure.
7. Old Roof
When you live in a developed community, wherein houses have been built with the same materials, you might notice some of your neighbours replacing their roof. This could also signal a need to replace your own roof since you likely have the same type of roofing as they do.
All roofing materials eventually give way to age, and some will do it faster than others.
As a guide, here are the projected lifespan ranges of roofing materials:
- Metal – 40 to 80 years
- Asphalt Shingles – 20 to 30 years
- Wood – 40 to 50 years
- Slate – 60 to 150 years
- Concrete or clay – more than 100 years
Tips to Prevent Roof Damage
Apart from choosing the right roofing material for your home and location, there are some things you can do to ensure the lifespan (if not extend) of this vital exterior structure.
Get expert installation.
The longevity of a roof starts with expert installation. A professional roofing company will follow industry standards in installation, ensuring all elements are adequately measured and placed.
Professional installation also ensures the manufacturer honours the warranty when you need to use it.
Schedule a yearly inspection.
Roofing maintenance ensures the structure is sound. If a yearly inspection is not doable, arrange one after inclement weather.
Minor issues may also be discovered during the inspection, preventing them from turning into costly repair jobs.
Clear debris off the roof.
Finally, make sure to clear any debris off the roof or gutters. If you have tree branches that hang over the roof, you may want to think about trimming those branches. Leaves and twigs will fall on the roof, giving you more to clean up.
Wrapping Up
When you look after your roof, it will give you many more years of service. But when you spot any of the signs listed here, talk to a roofing company about a replacement.