Sometimes, your roof doesn’t just need repairs – it needs replacement. As a savvy homeowner, it’s important to be able to recognize the tell-tale signs that you need a new roof. Once you spot the signs, your best bet is to hire the best roofers in the business to ensure that your new roof is properly installed and your home is adequately protected.
Don’t wait to buy a new roof until your roof is in bad shape. Instead, check to see if your roof is experiencing any of the problems and act quickly to save yourself time, money, and a lot of headaches.
Serious Leaks
When your roof develops serious leaks, it’s one of the major signs it needs to be replaced. A leaky roof can cause significant water damage in your attic if not fixed quickly. Thankfully, leaks can be pretty easy to spot. Simply look for any areas that are letting beams of light into your attic. If water damage has already occurred, you’ll also notice some unsightly stains on the walls or ceiling.
Another long-term issue that can be caused by a leaky roof is the growth of mold and mildew, which tend to thrive in high-moisture environments. Getting a new roof is the fastest way to eliminate any serious leaks that may cause more serious issues down the line.
Damaged Shingles
There are many ways in which shingles can be damaged. For instance, the shingles may start to slowly decay, causing them to become brittle and crack easily. Similarly, you may notice many missing or broken shingles. If a big portion of your roof contains decayed or damaged shingles, then your roof is probably due for a replacement.
Another sign of damaged shingles is the accumulation of granules and increased wear and tear. It’s important to check your gutters to see if there’s enough build-up of granules to indicate that your roof’s shingles are losing granules at a faster rate than normal.
Old Roof
When your roof has outlived its lifespan, you’ll have no choice but to invest in a new roof. To find out the age of your roof, you can view your home’s home improvement records. You should also review the records to check whether the roof’s warranty is still active. Generally, your home’s old roof will need to be replaced if it’s older than 20 years.
If you’re not sure when the roof was last replaced, most roofers will be able to give you an accurate estimation after an inspection. In any case, it’s not that hard to spot an old and outdated roof because of its lack of curb appeal.
Structural Weakness
When the structural integrity of your roof is compromised, your roof will start to sag. This is not an easy problem to fix and it can be especially alarming because it’s obvious your home no longer has the protection it needs.
Typically a sagging roof can be caused by many things. For starters, if the roof is poorly installed, it won’t be able to hold up for longer. In addition, moisture damage can also occur, leading to rot that weakens your roof’s overall structural strength.
Increased Energy Bills
It’s typical of old roofs to have poor ventilation, meaning that an old roof can make your home less energy-efficient. If you don’t replace your old roof, you’ll have to deal with increased cooling and heating costs in the long run.
That’s because your roof will offer poor protection against outdoor temperatures and humidity and your home’s interior environment will become less comfortable. To fix the situation, you need to shop around for an energy-efficient upgrade. If you need help making the right selection, most roofers will be able to advise you. Generally, you need to consider factors such as solar reflection, ventilation, color, and energy star rating when purchasing an energy-efficient roof.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?
If you notice any of the signs we have outlined, we strongly suggest replacing your roof instead of trying to patch things up with repairs. Sure, in some instances, a roof replacement is not necessary, but the majority of times, a roof replacement is the better option. This is why roofing replacements make up the bigger portion of the roofing industry in the United States.
For instance, According to Roofing Insights, in North America, roofing replacements constitute over 90% of the market’s volume and value. That means you’ll find many companies that specialize in roof replacement, like us. If you’re in the market for experienced and reputable roofers, contact us, and we will provide the best service for you and your home’s needs.
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