Are you wondering how to tell if you need a new roof?
When you consider all the essential exterior features of your house, you might envision your home’s roof, windows, doors, or even landscaping.
But, the MOST IMPORTANT exterior feature for your home’s overall protection is your roof.
Your roof is a guardian over your house’s interior, a wall of defense that often gets overlooked. Chances are, your roof will not last forever, as all good things come to an end.
When your roof is on its last gasp of life and it’s calling it quits, you want to know the script before the play unfolds so you aren’t caught off guard. Today, we will be discussing how to tell if you are in need of a new roof replacement.
5 Key Warning Signs You Need a Roof Replacement!
While warning signs may look different based on your context, warning signs to look for are universal and are as follows:
1). Mold, Airborne Algae, and Moss
Do you think the stains on your clothes are bad? While they may look bad, roof stains are not only an eyesore, they are actually a sign that your roof is starting to attract organic buildup.
Getting your roof cleaned might seem a bit funny, but when moss, algae, and mold starts to grow on your roof, this is a bad thing that will need to be addressed!
Often apparent signs of roof leaks and exposed parts of your roof to moisture can be found in the spawning of mold, algae, and moss.
Generally, loose, damaged, or missing shingles can actually trap moisture giving life to these three to spawn. If left untreated, roof leaks can accumulate and begin eating at your roof’s structural components like roof boards, causing it to rot and further damage your roof.
Also make your roof have lousy curb appeal, as algae can cause dark streaks and so on. Very important! While removing moss and algae and treating the mold may be viable, no need for costly repairs when you can plan ahead!
2). Leaks in the attic
A leaky roof is a pain, and especially in your attic, you’ll be able to see clearly sees signs of leaks by moisture marks and water stains. Leaks build up over time and often cause your roof and ceiling to begin to sag and disinform. Having a properly ventilated roof, especially during the summer months, can deter excess moisture build-up. Use roof cement to patch up a roof leak if you find one!
Here’s something fantastic! What to lower your energy bills? A properly installed roof fan can help regulate the temperature in your attic, reducing what you pay out of pocket each month.
3). Damaged Roofing Material: Missing shingles and loose granules
Your roof shingles will fall victim to the elements brought on by strong winds, hail damage, as well as ice dams in the winter that can damage your gutters, leaving your shingles and shingle granules a thing of the past!
Damaged shingles lose granules and expose your roof’s most vulnerable parts as well as damaged chimney flashing.
Over time, this can lead to a complete roof replacement as roof repairs will require will grow in intensity. Tend to your existing shingles to prolong their life expectancy. It saves time, money, and peace of mind long term!
What should you look for as a homeowner?
- Curling shingles
- Missing shingles
- Shingles in your yard
- Granules in downspouts
- Flashing missing
- Leaks in your house
- Obvious roof damage
- Tear(s) in shingles
- Signs of roof damage
4). Your roof is on its last phase of the roof cycle
>> See our recent article on “Phases of the Roof Life Cycle” here!
A new roof replacement seems so distant, but that is the impending reality.
The useful life of an asphalt shingle roof comes to an end after 20 years. Roofs generally last 20-50 years for most roofing materials on the marketplace; however, keep in mind confounding variables that could change that estimate such as elements where you live, roofing material and inner composition, and quality of the roof maintenance over time.
A new roof replacement will last way longer than a roof installed in the 2000s. Right now, we tend to see homes built between 2000 and 2008 needing a new roof the most.
If you are unsure where your roof is in the life cycle, get in touch with a professional roofer to help determine the age of your roof for prior proper planning ahead. Your home improvement records will also help give you insight into your roof as well.
5) Sagging spots in roof/ceiling
Trapped moisture left unchecked wreaks havoc on internal roofing materials and structure, leading to a rotting roof and even to complete breakdown altogether. Feel around at the lowest points for moisture build-up and if you find soft spots, you may want to really consider starting fresh with a complete replacement of your roof.
This can be a sign that you actually need to replace your roof’s decking (plywood) which accompanies a brand new roof.
Timeline: How often should I need a new roof replacement?
This is a tricky question as there are variables to consider! Keep in mind that homes have different roof materials and composition, ages, exposure to various elements, and track record of quality maintenance as mentioned above. However, it is generally estimated that keeping everything constant, 20-50 years is a manufacturer’s educated guess on life span.
Other factors that could negatively affect roof replacement rate include:
- Quality of installation
- Roof leaks
- Propensity to lose granules
- Small holes in your roof with light coming through
- Negligence; Lack of due diligence to repair
Tricky things to deal with, but not impossible. Roof inspections help ensure your roof is in good shape and avoid avoidable repairs as a whole.
Roofing materials: What is the best roofing material in Idaho?
Roofing material options vary depending on the marketplace, but as for shingles, asphalt shingles take the reign! While asphalt shingles are a commonplace option, they are typical for a reason, their: durability, multi-faceted dimensions, and long life. Most residential homes have them in Idaho and you probably as well.
Your house may need to explore different options, and if that’s the case, more power to you! Asphalt shingles certainly are not the one size fit all package.
How to hire a roofing contractor/roofing company?
Hiring a roofing company in this day and age doesn’t require too much thought as your preferred search engine can find that for you! It is always recommended to create a list, compare, and follow up with questions about services that can best determine a fit.
Always ask these questions:
- Are they licensed?
- Are they insured?
- Are they a shingle master?
- Do they have excellent reviews?
Do your due diligence now or pay later! See more roofing contractor hiring tips here!
What’s the Verdict?
Determining if you need a new roof is a pretty common sense in the grand scheme of things, but that’s of course if you know! Take heed of these signs as they will come in handy as you assess your roof and hope it inspires you to be more proactive about your home’s maintenance. We are here for a reason, to add value to one of your most precious commodities, you’re home.
Feel free to contact us at any time. Your house is our lifelong project!
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