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Protecting your home over the years, the roof goes through a lot. It’s exposed to the elements, so it has to hold up against wind, rain, hail, branches, leaves, and plenty more. When it’s starting to reach the end of its life, it’s time to replace it. Is it time to replace your roof? Use the following information to find out.
The Age of the Roof
A standard shingle roof is only going to last for around 15 to 20 years before it starts to break down and will need to be replaced. If your roof is nearing this point, it may be time to start thinking about getting a new roof. Even if it’s in good shape now, it may not hold up to severe storms or other damage, so now’s a time to start saving up and looking into your options. You might still have a few years, but you don’t want to wait until there are major problems that could mean a more expensive replacement.
Significant Damage to the Roof
Storms can end up causing damage to the roof, and in some cases, repairs won’t be sufficient or possible. If tree branches hit the roof and cause a lot of damage, the wind has removed many shingles, or if there’s hail damage apparent on numerous shingles, the entire roof may need to be replaced. A reputable roofing contractor will be able to let you know what your options are and whether you can have the roof repaired or if it might be a good idea to go ahead and have it replaced.
Granules or Shingles are Missing
Over time, the shingles can start to wear out because of their exposure to the elements. Though they’re designed to last, when the roof starts to get a little bit older, you may notice bald spots where granules are missing or even missing shingles on the roof. A few of these can be replaced easily, saving you money. However, if this is happening all over the roof or a majority of the shingles are impacted, it’s time to think about having the roof replaced.
Shingles are Misshapen
Shingles can start to cup or bend over time. If the shingles don’t lay flat on the roof anymore, they can cause water to get trapped under them, which can lead to water getting through the roof and into the home. This can cause a significant amount of damage, so it’s something you’ll want to prevent. At the first sign of misshapen shingles, work with a roofing contractor to find out what work needs to be done. If some shingles are cupping or bending, a new roof may be needed.
Cracking Noticed in Shingles
Cracked shingles can happen with age or due to damage. They can also happen if there’s a manufacturing defect or the installation was done incorrectly. When the shingles are cracked, water can easily get through them and into the home. It’s important to make sure they’re replaced right away. If the damage is widespread, this may mean getting a new roof, as it can be more cost-effective than just fixing one shingle at a time.
Interior Water Damage Appearing
Have you noticed water damage in your walls or ceiling? This may be because of a damaged roof. When the roofing system is compromised by any type of damage, it can let water into your home. This can cause discoloration, mold, and more. Replacing the roof may be necessary to prevent more water from getting into the home and to minimize the amount of interior damage you’ll have to fix to keep the home safe.
Roof is Sagging
There are multiple layers to the roof, including a sublayer made from plywood. If this sublayer is damaged by water or isn’t strong enough to hold the roof, you may notice the roof is starting to sag. This is going to allow water to start collecting in parts of the roof, which will cause further damage to the roof and enable water to start leaking into the home. If the roof doesn’t look flat or it looks like it has low spots, have an expert take a look to see what needs to be done.
Previous Installation Was Done Wrong
If you didn’t work with an expert roofer when the previous roof was installed, you may find that the installation was done improperly. This can lead to the roof failing earlier than expected, leaks inside the home, expanding damage to the roof, and more. It is crucial to make sure you always work with a reputable roofing contractor to prevent this from happening. If you do notice issues and believe it’s because the roofing contractor didn’t do the installation right, you will want to have a new roof installed.
Water Pooling on the Roof
After a storm, do you notice water still sitting on the roof even though the rest of it is dry? The roof should be installed at an angle, called the pitch, to make it as easy as possible for the rain to flow off the sides of the home. If the roof is sagging or has low spots, water can accumulate on top of it and take longer to dry out. When it takes longer to dry out, it increases the chance for water to leak into your home. If you notice any water pooling on the roof, have an inspection done right away, as you may need to install a new roof.
If you’re worried about the condition of your home’s roof or you’ve noticed any of the above signs, it might be time to start looking into having a new roof installed. Take the time to make sure you are working with a reputable contractor and review all of the options available. While you may not have planned to install a new roof yet, if it’s time, take advantage of the opportunity to choose the perfect style and shingles so you can increase the curb appeal and value of your home.
