A home is one of the most important investments a person can make. However, for a house to stay functional and aesthetically appealing the roof must be in good condition. Roofs can vary based on the style of the home. The common factor in all of them is that they eventually will need to be replaced. A worn out roof can leak and expose valuable items inside your home to severe weather conditions that will damage them. To ensure your property is safe and not destroyed due to faulty roofing, you should make sure you know the warning signs that your roof is getting old. Some of these warning signs are:
- Curling and buckling of a roof’s shingles: It’s important to check and see whether your roof’s shingles are noticeably curling and buckling. If you notice this on your roof, it might be a clear sign that you need to purchase a new roof. If the shingles are in good condition and don’t show any signs of curling and buckling, you can just repair the damaged structure instead of replacing it right away.
- Your roof’s age: If you know when your roof was installed you can estimate when you will need to replace it. Many manufacturers and experts suggest you replace a roof once it’s approximately 15-20 years old. If your roof is within the recommended age, you might consider having it replaced. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions since some roofs have a longer lifespan than others. For example, slate roofing, can last approximately 100 years. Slate will most likely last a while as a roof material due to its long lifespan and its ability to endure severe weather condition. Therefore, you should understand your roof’s average lifespan before considering replacing it since it might have several more years. It’s also important to note that some roofing materials may not hold up as promised by the manufacturer. Therefore, you’ll need to frequently inspect your roof and make sure it’s in good condition.
- Your chimney is flashing: The chimney can indicate to you whether or not your roof is worn out and needs to be replaced. If your chimney shows signs of flashing, such as tar and cement deposits, it’s time to purchase a new roof. You should consider replacing cement with a waterproof roofing material, such as a metal flashing system.
- Shingles are missing: When some shingles are missing from your roof it might be an indication that your roof is getting old and needs to replaced. During the roofing process, technicians always ensure that each shingle is in the right position. With time, however, the shingles might become loose and fall out. If you find numerous shingles missing, especially after a storm, it could be a sign that your roof is old and needs to be replaced. If you realize that a significant number of the shingles are missing from your roof, replace it as soon as possible. Without sturdy shingles you could end up damaging the inside of your home during a severe weather storm.
- Your roof is sagging: When a roof is first put on your home, it’s built to be very sturdy and durable. Therefore, if you notice it’s sagging, this could be a sign that it needs to be fixed. Several roofing experts acknowledge a sagging roof is a sign of an underlying structural issue that needs to fixed immediately. You’ll have to hire an inspector to determine the underlying problem. In extreme conditions, the inspector will recommend that you have a replacement roof installed.
- Your roof valleys: Roof-valleys are a key part of the drainage system of a home. If they are compromised, this could be a sign of overuse. Roof-valleys play a critical role in ensuring that rainwater is collected and directed to a collection base where the water is accumulated and utilized in different ways. If your roof is 10 – 20 years old, you’ll need to monitor the valleys more frequently to ensure they are working properly and don’t have any shingles in them. The presence of shingles in your roof’s valley could be an indication that you need to replace your entire roof. Displaced valleys can lead to leaking roofs, which means you need to detect them early.
- Shingles with algae and moss: If you find out that your roof’s shingles are covered with algae and moss this could be an indication that you might need to replace your roof. Although algae and moss might not compromise the effectiveness of your roof, you should consider changing it if you are concerned about the aesthetic appeal of your roof. The presence of algae and moss is not an urgent concern that will require your attention immediately although it’s important to ensure you address the issue early enough before any type of damage occurs.
- Sunlight is visible through your attic: If you can see the sun shining in your home through your attic, your roof might be too old for your home. Therefore, you will need to invest money in installing a better roof to avoid any leaks when it’s raining outside. Rain will compromise the boards used to construct your roof and therefore can ruin your roof’s structure.
- Ice dams: Your roof may need to be replaced if you spot any ice dams on it. To avoid ice dams completely, you’ll need to ensure your roof has proper insulation, ventilation as well as an ice and water shield.
- High energy bills: If you realize your energy bills are higher than usual, it might indicate your roof is no longer effective. A worn-out roof doesn’t insulate your home properly and can cause a spike in your energy bills. However, just because your energy bill seems higher than in the past doesn’t immediately mean you have a faulty roof. There might be other underlying reasons why your energy bill is going up. As a result, you need to consult a professional before you conclude that you need another roof.
These warning signs can help you decide whether or not you think you need a new roof. However, it’s important to not just rely on these signs and to check with a professional roofing expert before you decide to replace your entire roof. An expert is highly skilled at determining whether or not you should invest in a new roof.