How to Know It’s Time to Replace Your Roof
Having an elegant roof rightly fixed above your head gives you a warm and cozy environment. If your roof is approaching its 25th birthday, there might be a future problem, even if it looks good from outside. Below are some of the signs that it is time to replace your roof.
- Curling Shingles
Shingles tend to curl when there is cupping or when they are clawing. The former happens when the shingles’ edges have turned upwards, whereas the latter occurs when the shingles’ tips remain flat as the middle parts begin to come up. These two signs indicate weathering and could lead to potential leaks. When this becomes a clear sign, you do not have much time remaining. Look at the degree of the curling shingles and plan to change your roof.
- Missing Shingles
If you notice some missing shingles on your roof, continue fixing it up until you see a more prominent issue presenting itself. For instance, if the roof starts taking the appearance of a checkerboard, you can replace the roof. You can get a new shingle that will match the texture and color of the old one. Colors change from year to year in a meaningful manner, whereas other colors wither, and you should, therefore, be keen when looking for the best color.
Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
- Cracked Shingles
When strong winds blow over the wind regularly, the roof develops cracked shingles. If only a few shingles have broken, they can be replaced. If the shingles have cracked randomly and not just in one specific area, this is sign enough that it is time to think about a new roof.
- Presence of Granules in your Gutter
The presence of granules in the gutters of your shingle roof may not be a problem. These granules may be some loose and extra particles that help to keep the scorching rays of the sun off the roof. However, when too many granules begin to fall off, the shingles start to swelter, and the quality of the roof begins deteriorating quickly, it is time to replace your roof. If you have noticed granules in the gutter, it is a sign that the shingles are half of their lifespan, and the roof needs replacement.
- Shingles Covered with Algae or Moss
The presence of moss or algae is a just cosmetic issue and should not bring a panic mode but should spell trouble. Moss, mold, algae, and fungi show that moisture is trapped in the roof, and this can ruin it. Most shingles are algae or moss-resistant, but people will still prefer to replace their roof if the shingles have changed their aesthetic value. This aesthetic value can never be restored by scraping or power washing. Washing may chip off granules and render the shingles useless, a sign that it is time to replace your roof. If you want to replace the roof, go for algae-resistant tiles or find some zinc strips and install them at your roof peaks.
- Sunlight Through the Attic
If you start noticing the appearance of sun rays through your attic, this may not be a good sign. If sunlight can enter, then cold air, rain, water stains, and snow can also come. If any of these is present, it means that you have a leak, and the extent of damage is too large to be assumed. Larger holes are a sign of structural damage and should be replaced as soon as possible, rather than later.
- Sagging Roof
You are allowed to panic when you notice a sagging roof. It is a This is a clear indication that there is a structural issue. There might be a problem with the supporting foundation or with the attic. This does not necessarily mean that you are in imminent danger, but it is communication enough that your roof is shot.
h. The Temperature of the Attic is Different from the Outdoor Temperature
The outdoor temperature should be the same as your attic temperature. The consistency is crucial as it shows that there is sufficient ventilation brought by good air circulation in and out of your roof. The ridge vent in a roof is designed to remove the excess moisture and heat, and this can significantly save your energy bills and inhibit the interior paint from peeling prematurely. Poor ventilation prevents the formation of an ice dam. If you notice that the attic is colder, warmer, or inconsistent with the outside temperature, it means that your home might be having ice dams. Ice dams make the exterior paint to peel or blister since the attic is poorly ventilated.
i. Presence of Ice Dams
The appearance of ice dams or huge icicles at the edge of your roof is a sign that you should replace your roof. Ice dams can be stopped by ensuring proper ventilation and insulation and installing a durable ice and water shield on the roof.
k. Unreasonably High Energy Bills
Inadequate insulation and ventilation in your roof and attic results in very high cooling and heating bills. Once you notice that your energy bills are extremely high, it might be a sign that your roof is under-performing. You can rely on this sign to help your family cut unnecessary costs and install a roofing system that will serve you a lifetime.
Conclusion
Not all roofing repairs are do-it-yourself activities. If you feel that your roof has reached the end of its life span, be sure to contact a reliable roofing contractor. This licensed contractor will help discover all the underlying problems with your shingles and help to repair them appropriately. Do not wait for more signs lest you end up bring the entire roof down into your house.