Signs It’s Time for a Roof Replacement

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Signs It's Time for a Roof Replacement

 

 

Your roof is an integral part of your home. It works hard to stand up to natural wear and tear, withstand inclement weather and protect your family. You want your roof to be functioning at its full capacity so you can enjoy your home with peace of mind. It is crucial to be able to identify when it is time for a roof replacement. A delay in replacing your roof can result in bigger, more serious, and more expensive fixes down the line. We have collected some critical signs so you know when it’s time for a roof replacement.

 

 

 

Mounting Energy Bills

Forego a trip up to the roof to spot this one. Your roof serves to insulate the house against extreme hot and cold temperatures. The roof is not doing its job if it’s allowing the outside air to enter your house. If your HVAC unit has to work overtime to maintain a steady, comfortable temperature inside the house, your energy bills will skyrocket. Your HVAC unit can also exhaust itself to the point of repair or replacement from all the added work.

 

 

 

Deteriorating Shingles

Shingles possess a few telltale signs when they are at the end of their life span.

  • Curling up along shingle edges.
  • Cupping forms in the middle of shingles.
  • Cracked shingles.
  • Shingles breaking apart and shedding granules. Granules will collect in your gutters and yard, and appear as dark, thick sand. The shingles will show bad bald spots.
  • Missing shingles can be replaced, but can only mask a significant problem for so long.

Shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against the elements. You want to ensure they are in good working order and functioning at 100%.

 

 

 

Leaking Attic

Water damage in your attic indicates a roof leak stemming from precipitation entering your roof through holes and cracks. Vulnerable areas can also leak light; if sunshine is pouring through your roof, it’s time for a roof replacement. If light and precipitation can enter your roof, your roof is vulnerable to more severe damage.

 

 

 

Old Age

Roofing warranties generally last 20 years, and then it is time for a replacement. Roofing materials deteriorate after 20 years and do not offer the same amount of safety as they did previously.

 

 

 

Poor Curb Appeal

Observe how your roof looks from the street. Are there noticeably worn areas around the chimney and vents? Large patches of disrepair? Are there dark streaks? Dark streaks are created by airborne algae and can be removed with a 50:50 bleach and water solution. Algae is not an immediate threat to your shingles, but it is unsightly. Curb appeal is an important factor and you want to make sure your roof is cohesive with the rest of your home’s appearance.

 

 

 

Widespread Moss Growth

When a roof does not receive ample amounts of sunlight, it acts as a breeding ground for moss growth. Moss goes beyond just being an unattractive nuisance, and can actually damage your roof. Moss, which thrives in cool climates, holds moisture and traps it against the roof. The buildup of moisture can damage the granules on top of the shingles and leave your roof vulnerable to further damage down the line. A professional roofing company will have to come out to treat the moss; merely brushing it off will not rid your roof of future moss growth. If the moss growth is not treated right away, it can lead to more costly repairs down the line as well as an eventual roof replacement caused by severe damage from the widespread collection of spores.

 

 

 

Roof replacement is an expensive investment, but worth the price to protect your family and home. If you procrastinate on a necessary roof replacement, you will have to shell out more money down the line to not only replace your roof but to repair the corresponding damage that distributes through your house (HVAC replacement, water damage). A new roof gives homeowners peace of mind with enhanced safety, limited maintenance, and a boost in curb appeal.