Is your roof shot and in need of a replacement? Would you know if you did? At times, the signs can be pretty glaring, but other times they won’t be. A solid roof above your head is extremely important if you’ve become used to having a nice, comfortable, and leak-free home. Here’s how to find and deal with potential problems before they get out of control.
If you’ve done just a little investigating into this question, you’ve probably come across the” 20″ year rule for replacing your roof. That figure is used as a benchmark. The majority of residential roofs need replacing during that timeframe. But, there are quite a few factors at play, and all roofs are unique.
Your roof takes a substantial amount of external wear and tear with every year that goes by. Sunlight, strong winds, debris, vermin, tropical storms, large sums of rain, or chaotic weather conditions – all of these have an impact on a roof’s lifespan. How often your roof needs to be replaced depends on many things:
Local weather.
Timely maintenance and care.
Age of the materials.
Quality of the materials.
Building and design.
Were repairs addressed when needed?
Keeping pests and rodents away.
External debris build up.
Your Roof Is Over 20 Years Old
One of the first things to consider prior to inspecting your roof for cracks, breaks, and other issues is its age. A roof that is 25 to 30 years or more may necessitate a complete roof replacement, even if the roof itself appears in decent shape from the untrained eye. Older roofs were often created with materials no longer in use or considered durable by today’s standards. Suppose your roof is 10, 15, or 20 years old. In that case, it might be time for a thorough inspection and potentially investing in a whole new roof altogether, especially if your roof has overlayed a previously installed roof.
Start By Inspecting Your Roof From the Inside Out
For many people, the first step is to scoop up a flashlight and get to the attic. Make sure you grab a flashlight with a bright beam to make sure no damage is overlooked, and always take proper safety protocols as you perform these kinds of inspections.
Once you are in your attic, try to identify one or more of these four signs that a roof replacement may be necessary:
1) Sunlight Shining In Through The Roof
Prior to turning your flashlight on, see if you can notice any rays of sunlight coming through breaks or punctures in your roof. If you do spot any light coming through your roof, fix it or replace your roof as soon as possible. If the light is getting through your roof, then water is getting through your roof.
2) Dark Streaking & Stains
This one is also simple to find. If there are dark stains or dark streaks on the underside of your roof or running down the walls from the base of your roof, then your roof is probably leaking, and moisture is causing damage to both your roof plus your home’s interior structure.
3) Sagging Areas
Much like how a soggy cardboard is weak, water can also make the structure of your roof begin to sag. If you uncover sagging sections of your roof, use your hand or a broom to carefully prod at the sagging spot. If the spot is wet or bends easily with a touch of your broom, you know you have moisture damage.
4) Leaks
Besides just looking for dark streaks and saggy areas, be sure to check for any clear signs of water leaking or rotting your roof on the inside. If you find any clear signs of water damage, it’s advisable to contact a roofing company to inspect your roof immediately.
Missing, Loose, Or Cracked Shingles
Checking out the shingles on your roof is another recommendation to determine whether or not your roof is in need of additional attention or a replacement entirely. While checking out the outdoor shingles on your home’s roof, be on the lookout for any cracks, dilapidated shingles, or shingles that have curled or angled upwards.
Shingles that are curled, cracked, or misshapen may necessitate a further examination to identify whether or not they must be replaced one by one or if you are better off investing in roof replacement.
Locating small granules on your roof or piling up in your gutter can also indicate that it is time for a total and thorough roof replacement. Excessive asphalt granule loss is a big sign that the roof’s condition is not where it needs to be to provide maximum durability and insulation for your home.
Moss, Dark Spots And Algae Growth
Moss can start to grow on a roof that doesn’t get a substantial amount of sunlight, particularly in colder climates. In addition, moss holds water against the surface, which can cause damage.
Is there fungus or other types of nature growing on top or out of your roof? If so, don’t worry. Nature has a tendency to grow over any structure in its path if it is not adequately cared for and maintained.
When inspecting your roof and the moss you have discovered, make sure to do so by examining both the inside and outside your roof. While most plant growths are likely to be visible from the exterior of your roof, if there is a more severe issue on deck, nature may also be showing up on its own inside the attic without your knowledge.
In most scenarios, eliminating the moss from a roof is a way to quickly remedy the issue without further investments or repairs. But, if you do notice substantial growths on your roof or even inside your home, it is highly advisable to call a roofing company to identify the root cause and reason for the growth.
When a roof has been covered in growths in nature, there’s a strong probability the roof needs to be replaced in its entirety to stop the process in its tracks.
Fortunately, moss growth and accumulation are not typically indicators that you need to repair or replace your roof. Instead, algae are more of just an eyesore on your roof and are pretty common in humid areas like Florida.
If your roof needs a full roof replacement, there then becomes a number of decisions in the near future. Beginning with the roofing material to use, will you stick with asphalt or consider tile? Which Hollywood roofing company will you hire? If, by chance, there’s a valid insurance claim. For many homeowners having the cash on hand to get a new roof may not be a possibility. There are financing options accessible for qualified homeowners offered by reputable companies. Be sure to do proper research before making any final decisions.
