A durable and dependable roofing system protects the home and the family from the severest elements. No homeowner can undermine how incredibly essential it is to ensure that the roof stays in excellent condition and in perfect working order. Roofing is a complex system, that just like everything else comes with a lifespan. A roof’s life depends on its materials and installation. No matter how sturdy or well-maintained a roof is, there comes a time when it requires replacement.
Roof replacement is an expensive project involving a significant investment. Homeowners should remain proactive and observe the symptoms showing the roof’s health and condition during routine inspections.
The process of roof degradation happens over time. However, every roof starts to show signs indicating that it is nearing its lifespan. Homeowners should remain proactive and notice the symptoms that highlight the roof’s health and condition during routine inspections.
Let’s look at few telltale signs suggesting that it is time to get a new roof:
Recurring leaks and moisture
An occasional leak springing up does no harm, but if a roof develops recurrent leaks, consider installing a new roof. Several people tend to ignore small pinhole leaks as they are considered harmless. However, they are at the root of all major leaks as they continue to grow and get bigger with time, causing significant damage and demanding expensive repairs. A leaky roof usually is the first sign of a failing roof. To check if a roof is leaking, look for signs of water intrusions or condensation in the attic. Water stains on the wall or ceiling, peeling or blistering paint, dripping sounds, musty odor, water pooling, moss, mold, and mildew growth, and rotting wood all indicate water leaks and moisture presence.
Shingle condition
A roof faces a lot of abuse over the years since its installation. It bears rain, storms, thunder, lightning, heat, snow, and other weather conditions that may cause significant wear and tear. Shingles begin to show signs of wear and tears as the roof ages. Several missing, curled, buckling, or cracking shingles, finding shingle granules in the gutter, and inconsistent shingle color are all signs of a roof inching towards the end of its service life. If the roof starts to appear old and worn out, it is the best time to get a new one.
Sagging deck
One of the prominent signs of a failing roof is a weak and sagging roof deck. It indicates a compromised roof structure having severe consequences like a roof collapse. In this case, getting a new roof is the best choice to protect the home’s structural integrity.
Damaged flashing
Flashing prevents water seepage under the shingles in areas like around the chimney, pipes, vents, and skylight. Loose, rusted, missing, cracked, or deteriorated flashing sections allow water entry into the home. During the regular roof inspection, keep an eye on the flashing for any signs of damage.
Roof’s age
The most obvious sign and a perfect indicator that it is time to get a new roof is its age. Each roofing material has an expected lifespan, and the material used determines when it needs replacement. If the roofing system is made of asphalt shingles, the most commonly used roofing material, and is over 20 years old, getting a new roof will benefit in more ways than one. A metal roof lasts about 70 years, wood shingles between 30 and 40 years and clay, concrete, and slate roof lasts over 50 years. When a roof completes its lifespan replacing it using better and long-lasting materials is a wise choice.
Regular inspection by a roofing contractor helps catch these early signs, and you may get a new roof before the old one causes significant damage to the home. If it is time to replace the old roof, hire a reliable and professional roofing company to install a new roof.
About the author:
Richa writes content extensively for roofing contractors and garage door companies. When not busy with work Richa enjoys playing guitar, and spending time with her family. To know more about Richa, check her out on Linkedin.
