The roof is one of the most important parts of your home. When it becomes compromised, that can really cause problems not just for the inside of your house, but for the structural integrity as well. Besides buckets lining the floor of your home, it actually can start to warp the wood, both of the flooring and walling. So when this happens, it’s imperative to get help as soon as possible. Here are some signs your roof might need replacement.
”The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” - John F. Kennedy
Flashing Issues
One of the more common problems that roofs generally encounter is an issue with the flashing. It is one of the more frequent signs of roof damage that you can plainly observe. If anything is noticeably off, or looks damaged, the flashing may be a good point to start. If you’re in doubt, get the opinion of a professional.
Here are some things to look out for:
- Rust
- Weather
- Heat expansion
- Cold compression
- Basic erosion
- Cracked roofing cement
- Compromised caulk
- Loose material
A Physical Hole
Worst case scenario: there's an actual, clear opening in your roofing. Of course this will allow rain, snow, and pests into your home without offering much resistance, so this needs to be patched up right away. You can only have a bucket under the gap for so long. A roof patching kit might not cut it in this scenario. A hole is one of the surest warning signs you need a new roof.
Sagging Roof/Ceiling Tile
If you notice your roof is sagging or drooping in an area, there’s a chance that it's related to water damage. Depending on the grade it is sagging at, this might be a more immediate danger than not. In any case, sagging should be dealt with ASAP, because it’s just easier and safer to deal with a minimized area than an entire roof. In any case, noticeable sagging is the answer to the question, “when does a roof need to be replaced?”
Moss, Mold, or Algae
Unfortunately anything growing on your roof is not a good sign. With a little luck that can be fixed simply by a solid pressure cleaning from a power washer. However if that growth persists, replacement might be the only option. Depending on the situation you can always consult with an expert. And if you need a new roof but can't afford it, this would be the time to start saving.
Were you aware that the cost of replacing a roof changes based on where you live? For example, in Birmingham, AL it can cost an average of $6,713 while in Roswell, NM, it can cost an average of $7,514. Want to get a more accurate estimate for free? Get in touch with a roofing expert near you!
Gutter Issues
On a new asphalt roof, you won’t have to worry about finding any granules in the gutters. This is a normal byproduct of installation. However, if you’re noticing more and more tiny little pebbles and pieces of black material in your gutter systems, that might be one of the things to consider when replacing a roof.
Cracked, Curling, and/or Missing Shingles
When there’s an issue with your shingles that’s one of the surefire signs of roof damage. Should you notice shingles that are out of place, misaligned, broken, or in pieces, you’ll want to get those fixed sooner rather than later. The real problem is that when a few start to fail, it can potentially create a chain reaction. So it’s best to nip that in the bud.
The 20-30 Year Lifespan of a Roof
So, how long do roofs last on houses? Unfortunately, roofs are prone to a lot of wear and tear over the years. This means that most roofing structures for residential homes only have a lifespan of twenty to thirty years. So ideally you can go twenty five years without having an issue, but on your roof’s birthday that year you may want to think about getting a replacement.
Trying to figure out what to watch for when it comes to your roof? Want to get a professional to make sure everything’s working okay? Call a pro for more info!
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