Getting a new roof is arguably one of the biggest decisions for every homeowner. You might feel hesitant and overwhelmed about this big investment. And the only thing that can make this situation worse is not being completely sure about whether or not you actually need a new roof.
To help you make the right decision, below are 11 tell-tale signs that you need a new roof.
1. Damaged Shingles
Damaged shingles can indicate many problems. For example, curled shingles can result from poor attic ventilation, whereas missing shingles allow water to penetrate inside and cause damage to surrounding shingles and your roof sheathing.
If you only have a few damaged shingles, it won’t be much hassle as you can easily get those repaired or replaced. But if the damage is consistent and there’re signs of wear and tear, discoloration, peeling, or granule loss, then you’ll have to get them replaced altogether.
2. Sagging Roof
Roof sagging can be a sign of improper attic ventilation or extensive water damage. If the sagging is only in a small area, a roofer can repair it by finding and fixing the cause of the damage.
But if the sagging covers a larger area, it increases the risk of your roof collapsing. In this situation, you’ll have to act fast and contact a professional to help replace your roof, fix water damage, and improve the attic ventilation.
3. Water Damage
Apart from sagging, there’re many other signs of water damage, including discoloration on the ceiling, bubbling or cracking paint, mold growth, musty odors, and soft or spongy decking. But identifying these signs of water damage is easier than finding the actual cause of the leak, as the water often travels around the sloped surfaces of your roof.
There’s also a chance that even though the visible damage looks small, the underlying problem might be much more severe. Thus instead of spending a lot of money on costly repairs, you’ll be better off getting the roof replaced entirely.
4. Storm Damage
A storm often leaves a trail of destruction. Thus the first course of action after the storm has passed should be to check for the damages your house might have sustained. Start by checking for damages to shingles, gutters, downspouts, metal flashing, and water leaks. Make sure you take pictures of the damage for the insurance adjuster.
Then you should contact a roofing contractor to determine the scope of damages and get a roof replacement estimate.
5. Age of The Roof
The average life span of an asphalt roof is 20-25 years, with proper care and regular maintenance. However, this can change depending on the material that was used and how the roof was installed.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to get a new roof when your current roof is near the end of its life so it doesn’t fail completely, causing damage to your home and your family. It’s recommended to replace the roof when it’s around 80-85% of the manufacturer’s specified lifespan.
6. Roofing Material Fails Prematurely
There’s a chance that your roof can fail prematurely due to improper installation and inadequate attic ventilation. If the roofer doesn’t use the correct technique to install the roof, it can void your manufacturer’s warranty. In such cases, you can only rely on the workmanship warranty issued by the roofing company for a roof replacement.
7. Your Neighbors Are Getting a New Roof
Old homes in a neighborhood are usually built around the same time, and they experience the same wear and tear and weather conditions. If your neighbors have started facing problems with their roofs, you should have a professional roof inspection performed too.
8. High Energy Bills
Your attic is responsible for your home’s energy efficiency. A properly installed attic insulation reduces the use of AC and furnace system, which results in lower energy bills. But this system can get damaged with regular wear and tear.
Apart from high energy bills, improper attic insulation can also affect your roof by damaging the shingles, causing the decking to sag, and leading to mold growth.
If your roofer is able to identify the problem with attic insulation during regular roof inspections, you can get it repaired immediately. But if the damage has extended to the roof, you’ll need a roof replacement.
9. Flashing Damage
Roof flashing prevents water from entering the openings and cracks of the roof. It’s installed around the chimney, roof edges, skylights, and vents.
While examining for roof damage, a roofer looks for rusting in flashing to determine the integrity of the metal. Loose flashing is also a common problem that can lead to a water leak inside your walls and ceilings.
If not repaired on time, minor flashing damage can cause irreparable damage to your roofing structure.
10. Light Passing Through The Roof
Do you see light coming through the roof in the attic? If yes, then your roof board has small cracks and holes that need to be repaired immediately. A roofer will inspect the damage and advise you whether it’s repairable or do you need a new roof.
11. Missing Gutter Apron
A gutter apron ensures the water goes into the gutters and doesn’t get absorbed by the fascia and soffits. With regular use, the gutter apron can get damaged or can even go missing after a storm. This increases the risk of water sweeping behind the gutters, causing irreparable damage.
Roof replacements might be the only option in such situations.
Get a Free Professional Opinion
Every homeowner wants the roof damage to be repairable instead of getting a complete replacement. But neglecting substantial damage can compromise the integrity of your house and endanger your family members.
If you want a professional opinion about getting a new roof, then contact the roofing experts at Pro Roofing & Siding. We provide free roof inspections and estimates to help you make the right decision.
