5 Signs It’s Time for Roof Replacement
Roofing problems aren’t something that many homeowners are concerned about. Roofing materials are durable and long-lasting, frequently enduring for over two decades. However, when a roof leaks or collapses after a particularly strong storm, many homeowners wonder where they went wrong. Most roof problems are avoidable; you just need to recognize the warning signs. So, if your roof has been giving you problems although you’ve serviced it every year, it may be time to consider a new roof. Yes, we understand that installing a new roof can be costly and time-consuming. However, if you replace your roof, you will have peace of mind for the next 20 years. Therefore, if you want to know if installing a new roof is the right choice for you, we are here to talk about the six signs it’s time for roof replacement.
1. If You Have Curled Shingles
If you see curling or buckling shingles, it’s time to call in a professional roofer for assistance. Curved shingles indicate that the shingles are no longer securely attached to the roof. This means that the next time a thunderstorm strikes, your shingles may fall off, causing additional damage to your roof. Roofers can generally repair curled shingles. However, if a large portion of your roof has them, repairing them means merely treating the symptoms of a more significant issue. If you find yourself in this situation, we strongly advise you to replace your roof.
2. If Shingles Are Missing, You Should Consider Roof Replacement
Replacing missing shingles as quickly as possible is critical if you want to avoid water damage to your home. If your roof is missing shingles, it could be due to deterioration, high winds from thunderstorms or snowstorms, or even damage from flying debris. Depending on the number of missing shingles, replacing them may not be a viable option. Rebuilding your roof may be necessary if the number and location of missing shingles are too extensive.
3. If You See Water Damage
If you discover brown, gray, or yellow stains on the ceiling or peeling paint on the walls, you have a leak in your house. Check for leaks in your attic or crawlspace. You can also hire a professional to do a basic examination. A roofing inspection may save you a lot of money by detecting minor damage before it becomes a significant issue. If you see warning signs of water damage and don’t do anything about it, moisture in your house may undermine the structure of your home and provide an environment for fungus and mold to develop and flourish.
Mold can destroy your home’s structure, including ceiling tiles, floorboards, and drywall. This can ultimately cause your ceilings to collapse and your floors to sink in. In addition to that, mold is also a health hazard. Mold exposure causes not just sneezing and coughing but also major allergic responses and possibly irreversible lung damage. It aggravates people who have asthma, respiratory problems, or heart problems. For this reason, if you have extensive water damage on your roof, the best option is to replace the whole thing.
4. If You Can See Light Coming Through Your Roof
Another way you can spot if your roof has extensive damage is if you can see sunlight beaming through it. Roofs are supposed to be watertight. However, if the light can shine through it, water will most likely find its way in as well. As we’ve already explained, this can lead to extensive water damage that can destroy your home from the inside. If you walk into your attic or crawlspace and see light streaming into it, that’s clear evidence of roof damage. This warning indicates that your roof needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Thus, if you decide to go with a roof replacement, it is a good idea to prepare yourself for the project.
Roof replacements are extensive and time-consuming. As a result, it is a good idea to find another place to live for the duration of the work. Furthermore, renting out a storage unit for your possessions is also a good idea. Hiring Long Beach movers is a good idea in this case. You should rely on experts to transport your belongings into a storage unit if you want to ensure that everything is secure.
5. If Your Roof Is Really Old, It’s Time for Roof Replacement
No matter how good your roof is, how strong the material or the craftsmanship is, every roof has an expiration date. For the most part, you can expect your roof to last about 20 to 50 years, depending on the materials:
- Clay tiles can endure 40 years
- Asphalt shingles can last for 20 years
- Metal roofs will last 30 to 50 years
If you don’t know how old your roof is, it’s always a good idea to go through the house’s documents that list home modifications, remodels, and roof replacements. However, if you don’t have the necessary documentation, getting a roof inspection is always a good idea. If you leave an old roof on, it is only a matter of time before it starts to fall apart and cause irreparable damage to your home.