Roofs are built to be durable, especially since they are exposed to harsh weather patterns throughout the year. It doesn’t matter if the wind is blowing or the hot summer weather is baking, it’s essential that the shingles and roofing materials hold up strong against these elements.
While many roofs can last as long as 20 – 25 years, eventually the roof will start to experience wear and tear. Some of these issues can be solved with repairs over the years. But there will come a time when the entire roof needs to be replaced.
As a homeowner, it’s essential that you pay attention to the quality of your roof so you know when it’s time to call a roofing contractor for assistance. Here are a few signs that will indicate you might need to replace the roof:
1. Age of the Roof
How long has it been since the roof was installed? It’s important to keep documentation about construction and major home repairs, such as roof installation. Most roofs with asphalt shingles will last between 20 to 25 years. If you are beyond this timeframe, then it’s time to schedule an inspection and consultation with a roofing expert to see if you should consider replacing your roof.
The lifespan of your roof depends on the types of shingles and installation that was completed. Only a professional roofer can help you determine the ideal timeline for replacement.
2. Roof is Leaking
When water or moisture is seeping through any area of the roof, then it’s essential that you call a roofing contractor without delay. Any sign of a leak is a major issue and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Not only does a leak indicate problems with the roof. But if the leak is left untreated, then it can result in water damage, mold, mildew, and more. These issues can be quite expensive to renovate. So, the best thing that you can do is fix the roof as soon as possible before the leaks turn into more serious issues.
3. Missing Shingles
As you are looking at your roof, can you see any areas where the shingles are missing? You might notice gaps in the roof because the shingles have been pulled off by the wind. Or, look for signs of shingles on the ground around your home.
One or two missing shingles doesn’t mean that the entire roof is failing. Sometimes, a quick repair is sufficient to get the roof back into good condition again. But if there are many missing shingles, then major renovations or a full roof replacement might be necessary.
4. Shingles are Starting to Curl or Warp
Even if all of the shingles are in place, you might still notice issues because of the appearance of the shingles. Look for areas that are starting to curl, cup, or warp. For example, you might see that shingles are peeling away from the roofing materials underneath. If any portion of the shingle is pointing upward instead of lying flat, then it’s a sign that there are issues with your roof.
These shingle problems are typically the result of roof failure, extreme weather conditions, or the age of the roof. Regardless of the cause, if the shingles aren’t lying flat then it means that you should call a roofing contractor for a consultation.
5. Buildup in the Gutter
Have you noticed that granules or grit are starting to build up in the gutters because parts of the shingles are falling off? Not only is it a warning sign that your shingles are coming apart, but the grit can be a problem for the gutter system because it can back up the water flow in the gutters.
The granules on asphalt shingles are designed to be a barrier between the shingle and the sun. It’s normal for a little bit of this texture to fall off. But if a lot of granules are collecting in the gutters, then it’s a sign of big issues that need to be addressed.
6. Sagging Roof
When you start to see signs of your roof sagging, then it means that you have serious issues on your hands. A sagging roof is one of the most obvious signs that it’s time for re-roofing.
Usually, sagging occurs due to a structural issue located under the shingles. For example, you might have a broken rafter or severe water damage. It doesn’t matter what the issue is: a contractor will need to remove the roof to see what is happening underneath. Once the underlying problem is fixed, then the new roof can be put in place to avoid these issues in the future.
7. Light Seeping Through
Even if you don’t see any signs of water damage, there could be issues with gaps in the roof. Go into your attic during the daytime. Keep all of the indoor lights off, and look to see if you can identify any areas where sunlight is coming inside through small cracks or gaps in the ceiling. Pay attention to areas around skylights, vents, and chimneys.
In the situation where there is light sneaking through, it means that you have a problem with your roof. Depending on the severity of the issue, a small repair might be sufficient, such as upgrading the metal flashing system to improve the durability of the roof. An expert roofing contractor will be able to offer recommendations about the best solutions to close the gaps and ensure the durability of your roof.
Our Roofing Team is Here to Help
If there is ever a question about the quality of your roof, rest assured knowing that our team is here to assist. We invite you to reach out at your convenience to book a consultation and roof inspection. We’ll evaluate the quality of your roof and offer recommendations for necessary roofing repairs or replacement services.
We are proud to be one of the leading home improvement and construction contractors in Menomonee Falls, WI. Better View Home Improvements is here to help with anything that you need. Contact us at your convenience when you are ready to schedule a consultation and discuss these services: (262) 415-7011.