Do you know the signs of a roof in need of replacement? Is your roof leaking in multiple places, showing significant signs of wear and tear, or have you had to pay out-of-pocket for multiple repairs over the last few years? It may be time to consider getting a new roof. These signs indicate that your home may need a full replacement:
Leaks and water on your ceilings and walls
Water leaks can cause serious problems in your home, including mold and rot, damaged insulation, fire hazards, drywall damage and more. If you see water on your ceiling or walls (and no natural cause such as a window or roof vent hole), it’s time to call a roofing professional immediately.
Significant storm damage or repairs from strong winds
Strong winds are capable of causing serious damage to your roof. Any significant damage from storms may be an indication that you need a new roof due to possible underlying problems with the shingles themselves (such as UV damage).
Presence of roofing moss or algae
If you have a problem with roofing issues, you can typically see it right on top. Roofing moss or algae is a sign of trouble, especially if you see significant growth over multiple years (despite cleaning and treatment). Moss tends to grow in dry, warm weather and algae grows in colder weather. If your home is seeing algae growth under your shingles, that’s a warning sign that moisture may be getting into your attic. Any sign of this should be taken seriously by contacting a professional immediately to determine the cause and find a solution before much damage is done. Proper ventilation through proper attic fans can help prevent this from happening.
Water damage to walls
If you notice water damage to your walls, ceiling or other building materials, that’s a major problem. Strong winds can cause problems with roofing systems and make leaks much worse. It’s important to have your roof professionally inspected and treated if you notice significant signs of water damage.
Roof leaks appearing in multiple places
Signs of a roof leak may show up in multiple places, such as along a parked car, in the driveway or garage, on the neighbors’ house or fence line (and even on their lawn!), etc. This type of problem is not only unsightly but also very dangerous as it can easily lead to flooding and even more serious effects if it is not fixed right away.
The roof is approaching the end of its life
Timing is everything, and this is especially true when it comes to roofing systems. The typical lifespan of a residential roof system is between 13-15 years (though some can last much longer). If your roof is nearing the end of that lifespan, it’s important to take action before you experience additional damage and problems. A good rule of thumb: if you’ve had to repair your shingles more than once in the past few years, you may need a new roof.
Your shingles are curling, bubbling, or scaling off
Another sign that your roof is nearing the end of its life is visible signs of physical damage and wear on the shingles themselves. Curling, bubbling and scaling can be a sign that the shingles have been compromised or have been exposed to harsh weather conditions for too long. This can lead to leaks and other problems with your roof system.
Significant accumulation of leaves or debris on your roof
Over time, leaves and debris may start to accumulate on top of your roof. If you notice a significant problem (leaves and debris are more than halfway covering your roof), that can be a sign of other problems underneath. Check it out immediately. It may also be time to call in a professional for a thorough inspection and cleaning of your roof.
Physical signs of erosion or damage on your roof
Physical signs of erosion (such as gaping holes) or damage (such as large cracks, broken shingles or other surface damage) are another sign that it may be time to replace your roof. Typically hail and high winds can cause such problems with your roof, but other causes may include impact from climbing on the roof or heavy hauling activities on the roof of a two-story home. These problems can often lead to leaks, mold and rot, and much worse down the line if they are not fixed right away.
The roof has been neglected for too long
Skipping regular roof maintenance for months or years on end can contribute to damage and serious problems with your roof system. If you haven’t serviced your roof properly in the past, it’s a good idea to find a professional who can conduct a thorough inspection and explain any issues or problems that need to be addressed.
Peeling paint
Peeling spots on your home’s exterior paint may also be an indication of a new roof. The paint may start to peel in large chunks due to moisture penetration that has weakened the materials underneath it. If you see peeling exterior paint on your home, it is worth checking with a professional to ensure that your whole roof isn’t compromised by water infiltration issues.
Smoke damage
If you notice smoke damage in your home, it’s probably due to a fire touching off at one point on your roof. The intensity of the flames will cause extensive damage to any combustible materials that are on top of your roof, which could include shingles and wood.
Conclusion
A lot of people think that their home does not need a new roof until it starts leaking. This is simply not true. A high percentage of homes are sold with broken roofs or roofs that will be in need of replacement within 5-10 years. That does not mean as long as you are happy with your roof you can hang on. Roofs and other building materials will deteriorate over time, often quickly, and if people do not take action to correct a deteriorating roof today they may have to pay more in the near future than they should have to pay and the value of their home will be lost much more quickly than they originally thought.