5 Signs You Need A New Roof
Roof problems can be a nightmare for homeowners. Most people ignore the problem until it is absolutely necessary. Re-roofing. If the problems get worse, they can become quite problematic. The roof damage can cause problems inside the house. It is possible to wait for bigger problems, leading to a more costly and complex solution. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse before you act. It is crucial to inspect your roof for any signs of damage, or at the very least maintain it properly. How do I tell if a roof needs to be replaced? These are some roof signs you might need to be aware of.
1. Leaking
We’ll start with the easiest and most obvious signs. It is not uncommon for people to ignore this sign, even though it might seem obvious. People would fix large leaks immediately. Some people ignore the danger of a growing leak and just throw a bucket in the water. Even small leaks may indicate that your roof needs to be replaced or repaired. While it may seem minor, it could indicate that the roof is in need of repair or replacement. However, this problem can be costly and more difficult to fix. You should also inspect the attic if it is located on the roof. This will allow you to spot any potential water intrusions. You should also be aware of water exposure. This can lead to mold growth, dripping sounds, and high humidity. Water stains on walls and ceilings can also be a problem. It’s not uncommon for roofing contractors to offer roof inspections at a very affordable price, so you might want to give it another try.
2. Strange Shingle Colors
Colors are the second most obvious sign. The color of the roof can be used to indicate its health. It may be a sign that it’s strong and healthy, or it could indicate it is weak. Shingles are usually fluid in color when they are healthy. If it becomes blotchy, it can be easily identified and spotted. This can be done while you check for other roof issues. They can be seen in valleys where snow or leaves sit longer and may be easier to spot than you might think. The roof may need to be replaced if it is getting old. There could be set lifetimes for roofing materials like asphalt shingle roofs that last around 15-20 years.
3. Rotting
Roof rot can be detected in many ways. In the worst cases, it can lead to severe damage to the roof structure. A structure can begin to deteriorate if it is exposed to moisture for long periods of time. This could lead to the growth of mold. Wood rot can be dangerous for homeowners and occupants if it is not caught in time. These are signs that wood rot could be detected:
- Weakened decking is a serious problem. Your roof’s base is the decking, which supports all other layers of the roof, like flashings or shingles. Decking damage can also indicate other roof problems.
The decking’s wood rot is likely to be caused by water getting into the decking, causing it to warp, bend, and rot. The decking that is more damaged than the roof will be able to support an entire load of your roof. It can lead to serious accidents and even cause roof collapse.
- There are also torn flashings and missing shingles. Water is a major factor in roof rotting. It’s similar to how weak decking can be caused. Strong winds, lightning, and storms can cause roof shingles to be ripped. Water may be able to get through the sheathing layers.
This rot can be difficult to fix. This problem can be easily spotted from the ground. You can easily see if there are gaps between the shingles and flashing with just a pair of binoculars. If this happens, you should contact a professional because it makes the deck more vulnerable to the elements.
- Indented roofs are another sign that your roof is rotting. A professional should be called immediately. This could indicate serious problems with the roof support beams or studs, most likely caused by rotting. Inadequate roofing material selection can lead to the roof sagging. Poor installation and heavy ice/snow are other factors that can lead to it.
- Attic mold and moss. It shouldn’t be difficult to check the attic for fungal growth and mold. Mold growth can be detected by soggy insulations or a strong odor. Moldy attics can be caused by improper ventilation or water leakage. If not addressed quickly, damage can also get worse.
You should also check to see if there is any green or gray moss on the roof shingles. This could be a sign that there is moisture, which can cause roof damage from the inside. It may seem simple and not cause any harm, but algae and moss can both cause shingles to become brittle and even worsen if they reach the roof deck below. It is possible that spores could be found between the smallest cracks in the shingles. It thrives in damp and dark areas. It could also be due to a drainage problem or a ventilation issue.
4. Gutters with Rubble Filled
Gutters can become blocked due to embedded granules from asphalt shingles. This is because the roof shingles are usually near the end of their lifespan, so the pieces that fall off can cause gutter blockages. The severity of the problem and the number of granules present will determine the need for roof replacement. You might also find clay roofing with pieces of mortar shed. This could mean that they are not doing their job and are no more functional.
5. Age
This topic has been discussed for a while. Material selection is also important when choosing a roof. It determines how long it can last. Metal roofings last the longest, with a life expectancy of between 20-30 years. Concrete Tile Roofs last an average of 20-25 years. Asphalt shingles are very common and can last around 15-18 years, depending on where they are installed and the weather conditions. When Professional roofing contractors can inspect the roof and identify any problems. The roofer may then be given a plan to fix the problem. It is always a good idea to consider the long-term and what would happen to the roof.
This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which is the premier Largo Roofing Contractor! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF, and an achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.