How To Figure Out When Your Roof Needs A Replacement
By: John Garcia | Date Posted: November 3, 2021
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Roofing is often subject to severe weather elements that can cause damage over time. Sometimes the roof can complete its lifespan even without showing signs of failure, or it can just look old and worn. How then do you know when it’s time to replace the entire rooftop? Read on to learn how to figure out when your roof needs a complete replacement.
Missing Shingles
You must inspect your roof at least once a year to check for missing shingles. Over time, the shingles will break and fall off as a result of high winds and heavy rains. If you see the shingles beginning to curl, it is another indication that your roofing might need replacement. The shingles may appear to be okay, but the granules may not. If you observe missing granules after a heavy storm, it means that you need to pay attention to the entire structure. Rotting wood supporting the roof is the main cause of missing shingles which can spell disaster if the problem is not resolved.
Consult Experienced Roofing Contractors
The easiest way to know if your roof needs complete replacement is to consult an experienced roofing contractor. If you are based in Portland, many roofing specialists can offer excellent services. When you call Portland roofing replacements and repairs experts, they will inspect your roofing to check if there are missing granules and shingles. The good thing about consulting experts is that they have the right equipment to use when inspecting and replacing the roof.
Another advantage of consulting roofing specialists is that they provide free quotations and give you professional advice about the measures you can take. After inspecting your entire structure, an expert can tell you exactly how to go about replacing your roof. When you enlist the services of professionals to handle your work, quality will be guaranteed, and your project will be completed on time.
Your Roof Looks Old and Worn
When your roof looks old and worn, it might be time to consider replacing it. After a certain number of years, you may need to replace it. The lifespan of a roof is usually 20 to 25 years depending on the materials used. Tile and metal roofs have a longer lifespan, but at some point in time, they will need replacement. The shingles and other materials used today are produced for durability, but different factors can accelerate the aging process. Poor ventilation on the roof can negatively impact it. When you buy a new home, you should check how long ago the property was built so that you know when you should replace its roofing.
Water Stains and Mold
Water leaks also indicate that your roofing needs attention. You must climb into the attic and check for light streaks that penetrate inside. If there are leaks, you can also observe water stains on the ceiling or attic. Additionally, the presence of mold indicates that your roofing lacks proper ventilation. This is a sign of structural issues that may require attention to prevent serious damage to your house. The danger with mold is that it can weaken and ultimately ruin the roof if you do not address the problem in a timely manner. Therefore, it’s a good idea to replace your roof since excessive moisture impacts the wood that supports the roof’s structure.
Damaged Flashing
Damaged flashing around different places like chimneys, skylights, and vents can indicate that your roof needs to be replaced. If you repair the problem and it keeps recurring, you must install a new roof to avoid structural damage to your home. In old buildings, the flashing consists of tar or cement, but you need to replace it. For added durability, you must put metal flashing on your roof.
You must check the roofing felt or synthetic underlayment that is designed to offer protection. If it is damaged, it means that the level of water intrusion might not be good for your home. This can cause more problems, so the best thing to do is to replace the entire roof. Some problems are not immediately apparent, but they can damage your home in the long term. Damage to flashing can affect the walls which will compromise the quality of your property.
Follow the Trend
If your neighbors are installing new roofs, it means you can also follow suit. In most cases, housing units within the same neighborhood boast similar structures, and they may also be experiencing similar weather conditions. This means that your rooftop may also be nearing its lifespan considering that the houses were constructed around the same time. You must replace it before it is too late if you want to prevent costly expenses that you may incur when the entire structure gets damaged.
Presence of Moss
Moss on your roof signals potential damage. Its growth traps moisture, harming granules and potentially causing unseen damage. If moss spreads, consider a roof replacement, especially if a professional roofer finds severe damage during inspection.
Sagging Roof
A sagging or droop roof requires immediate replacement before further damage is caused to your home. Rotting boards indicate the presence of excessive moisture which is not good for your roof. You must check for sagging spots to ensure that you take corrective action.
A roof plays a critical role in any building since it prevents severe weather elements from causing structural damage. However, at some point, your roof may need complete replacement once it reaches its lifespan. Different factors can help you determine if it is time to change your roofing. With these tips in mind, you can take appropriate action to protect your home.
Thank you for reading!
