No matter what your plan is for your house, you want to ensure that your roof is in good condition. The roof is a critical component of your home. It is incredibly stressful when your roof is leaking or has other problems. While you can sometimes repair your roof, that is not always the case. There are many indications that it may be time to replace your roof. When you see any of the signs listed in this guide, it could mean it is time to find reputable roof replacement services for your home.
There Are Leaks
When you begin to notice leaks in your roof, it is time to contact reputable roof replacement services for your home. It would be best if you had the leaks inspected as soon as possible. There are many reasons why you may have a leak in your roof. A contractor roofing business will assess your roof and look for missing or broken shingles, warped metal, and any cracks. In addition, you should expect regular wear and tear to your roof as a result of its exposure to the weather and elements. If you have regular inspections, you can prevent wear and tear from becoming a leak.
It is critical to understand that it can be challenging to track down the source of a leak. You may see water spots on your ceiling, but they might not be anywhere near the leak. Water can easily move into small spaces like light fixtures and areas between insulation. Leaks can also be caused by poor insulation, damage to the roof, or ice dams. When you see water damage or find leaks, they are good indicators that you may need to consider replacing your roof. It would be best if you did not ignore these signs. Keep your eye out for water spots, water stains, streaks, or puddles.
There’s Mold Growth
If you begin to notice mold growing on your roof, you need to find reputable roof replacement services for your home. Sometimes the mold can be removed, but you may need a roof replacement. A mold infestation on your roof may cause your family to get sick because they have negative health implications. In addition, mold on a roof can break down the shingles and cause them to degenerate. If you have a leaky roof, it can cause mold to grow. Most often, when you notice dark spots on the shingles, it is an indicator of mold. When moisture seeps into the wood, it can cause rot and mold to grow. If you see wood discoloration and condensation inside your attic, it could be an early sign of rotting wood. It could be an indication that you need a new roof installation.
Some other signs include a musty or moldy smell in your home. That typically means there is mold somewhere. You want to check your attic, basement, and other rooms for mold. If you see mold in your attic, it is often a sign that your roof is the problem. Typically, mold appears as black spots but may be white and look like strings. There are some types of mold that look like dirt or soot. This mold may be black, green, gray, or brown.
Shingles Are Missing
There are a number of reasons you may need reputable roof replacement services for your home. One major reason could be that your roof is missing shingles. If your roof is old and ready for a replacement, your shingles could start to fall off. Most often, you can see missing shingles while you are standing on the ground. This could be the time when you contact a roof contractor. When your roof loses shingles, it becomes less effective at protecting your house. Shingles are the doorway, or protector, for your roof.
When functioning properly, shingles lie flat against the roof. In addition to missing shingles, you may also notice damage or discoloration around your vents or damage to skylights and chimneys. If you begin to see shingle granules around downspouts and gutters, this could be a sign that they have begun to disintegrate. As they age, you can expect them to begin to disintegrate naturally. A roofing contractor will also check the seals of your chimney, vents, and skylights to look for breaks or cracks.
It’s More Than 20 Years Old
When it comes to determining if you need reputable roof replacement services for your home, the age of your roof matters. Your roof is intended to be durable and protect the inside of your home from extreme weather. However, it withstands a lot as it takes a beating from mother nature. Every roof is going to have an expiration date. It is typical for asphalt shingles to last for about two decades. You should expect your roof to last for at least 30 years. There are roofs made from heavier shingles that can last as much as 40 years. Some roofs last longer than others. For example, metal and clay roofs tend to last longer.
After a certain number of years, your roof begins to show wear and begin to break down. This is why the age of your roof makes a difference when you are considering your options for replacing or repairing your roof. Residential roofers can assess your roof and look for signs of age. Some of these signs include curling, missing, or blistering shingles, sagging roof, or moss covering your roof. They also look for any granules in the gutter. You may want to get more than one assessment and estimate to see if they tell you the same thing about your roof.
There Was a Heavy Storm
If you are lucky, you have never witnessed the damage a heavy storm can do to your house and surrounding areas. However, if you have experienced damage from a storm, you may need reputable roof replacement services for your home. Storms can bring heavy rain, ice, hail, tornadoes, and hurricanes can do horrible things to a roof. Even if your roof was new before the storm, a hurricane or tornado could rip right through it. High winds rip shingles right off the roof. They can also lift and crack them. If you are missing shingles, a leak in your roof is sure to follow if you do not address it. If you have wind followed by rain, the areas missing shingles are wide open to leaking and water damage. Strong winds can carry debris to the top of your roof and damage it.
Some water damage is obvious if water is flooding into your home. It does not have to appear that severe actually to be that severe. Water damage can appear as water spots, stains, or streaks. You might find this in your attic or the walls and ceiling in your house. Keep in mind; water damage doesn’t just come from a bad storm. There are many other ways it can occur, such as bad plumbing, a burst pipe, or a leaking appliance. However, if you are seeing signs of water damage in your attic, at the top of your walls, or ceiling, it is most likely caused by your roof. You do not want to delay; you should contact a roofing services professional immediately to understand how much damage there is.
You Want an Energy Efficient Home
There are many places in your home where you can lose energy. Typically, you think of drafty doors and windows and areas with little to no insulation. Believe it or not, your roof is another area where you can lose energy. As your roof gets older, it breaks down and is less effective. The temperature and humidity from outside seep into your home and make it difficult to maintain one temperature. Before you begin to look for reputable roof replacement services for your home, there are some considerations you must understand. First, you want to ensure that any roof replacements you consider include Energy Star shingles. These shingles have been proven to lower the temperature of your roof by as much as 100 degrees. This can help keep your home cooler and require you to use less air conditioning.
When you contact local roofers, you should consider the color of the shingles you want to place on your home. The darker the color of the shingles means, the more likely they are to absorb heat. If you live in a climate that has more cold weather, then darker shingles may be ideal for you. If you live in a warm climate, you should opt for lighter shingles.
You Want to Sell Your Home
Another reason you may be thinking about contacting reputable roof replacement services for your home is that you want to sell your home. All roofing contractors and realtors will tell you that a new roof on your house not only increases the resale value of your home but also helps it sell faster. A potential buyer wants a house they can move into without having to do much work or put out any additional money. A new roof is a significant expense. Many potential buyers won’t even make an offer on a house that needs roof repair. In addition, it gives the impression that you didn’t care for your house. Potential buyers wonder what else is in disrepair if you don’t care for something as important as the roof.
You Want a Different Roofing Material
It is possible that you are ready for your house to have a new look. One of the best ways to do that is to change the facade, including the roof. Now may be the time you want to find reputable roof replacement services for your home. If you are having your house painted or the siding replaced, it may also be time for a new roof. It might surprise you just how much a new roof changes the look of your house. Roof specialists can help you pick out a roof that matches the style of your house. They can also help you select something that is different than what you currently have to change the look completely. You may want to keep in mind that whichever roof you select, you want it to help your resale value and not hurt it.
Shingles Are Curling
When you notice that your shingles are beginning to curl, it is a sign that they have come to the end of their life. This is the ideal time to contact reputable roof replacement services for your home. If you live in an area with a high humidity level, you may begin to see the shingles blister. This happens when shingles come into contact with moisture and poor ventilation. When shingles are exposed to extreme changes in temperature, they expand and contract. However, the edges can curl out or in when shingles do not have enough moisture. This can also happen when the temperature is too hot for extended periods of time. It doesn’t matter which way the shingles curl; it can be a problem. In addition to extreme weather and temperatures, age also causes the shingles to shrink. When the edges of shingles lift, it allows water to get under them. This is never good for roof shingles and could mean it is time for new roof installs.
If you come across any of these nine signs when looking at your roof, you should contact a professional for an assessment. If you notice any of these problems, you should not ignore them. Even if you find these signs at an early stage, it’s a sign of what’s to come. It also means you shouldn’t ignore them and contact someone immediately.
