A worn and old roof presents all sorts of risks. According to Vertec Roofing Canberra, among the many issues leaks are the most common. Leaks can cause mould on the interior and are a sign of exterior damage to your roof. A sub-par roof may also cause drafts and ventilation issues. Is it time to replace your roof? Here are 9 warning signs to keep an eye out for.
- Roof Age
Some roofs make it to the end of their lives without ever experiencing an issue, but the age of your roof is a big indicator as to whether or not a replacement is needed. Most asphalt roofs last around 20-25 years. If your roof is nearing this age, you may want to have a new layer of shingles installed as a preventive measure. For roofs with several layers already, it’s best to take the existing layers off and replace them with a fresh layer of shingles.
- Problematic Valleys
All roofs are designed with valleys so that rain and snow can flow through them and into the gutters. If the shingles on our roof are missing or damaged in these areas, water is more likely to build up on the roof. This leaves your home highly susceptible to leaks.
- Missing Shingles
Obviously if your roof is missing shingles, they should be replaced ASAP, but, if several shingles are missing, it may be a sign that the underlying asphalt cement may need to be replaced. In this case, it makes sense to install a new roof versus patching the missing shingles.
- Buckled or Curled Shingles
Take a look at your roof. Are the shingles flat or are some of them buckled and curled? If so, this is a good sign that a new roof is needed. When shingles are past their life expectancy, they tend to lose their shape. Shingles that are buckled or curled can cause water to puddle on your roof. This can cause leaks and other types of water damage.
In some cases, the impacted shingles can be replaced individually, but, if the problem persists throughout the roof, total replacement is the best option.
- Shingle Pieces in Gutters
Over time, shingles start to crumble, especially as they are exposed to various elements throughout the years. As shingles age, they tend to lose granules which often end up in your gutters. When this happens, the shingles should be replaced. Granules can cause gutters to become clogged, so be sure to clean any debris to prevent water back-ups.
- Problems in the Attic
Your home’s attic is the highest place in your home, meaning it’s the best location to get a feel for your roof’s health. Is your attic’s insulation wet or damp? Can you see sunlight through the roof boards? If so, your roof is in need of repair or replacement.
- Growth on the Roof
Roofs with dark streaks on them typically have some sort of airborne algae growth. While this isn’t an immediate threat to shingles, it makes the roof look old and worn. Moss may also cause streaks to form on the roof. When moss grows, your roof holds moisture and in colder temperatures, the moisture can freeze and damage the shingles.
- Spongy Feel
If you’re able to get on top of your roof, walking over it can indicate its health. Roofs that feel spongy or bouncy typically have decking that is full of moisture. This weakens the structure and is a good indication that a new roof is needed.
- Chimney Flashing
If your home has a chimney, you likely have some sort of flashing installed around it. Older chimney flashing uses roof cement or tar to seal the area. Over time, flashing can wear away or start to cave in. To best protect your home, have a water-tight option, such as a metal flashing system, installed.
The Next Steps
You’re 100% sure that you need a new roof, but what’s next? Unless you’re an experienced roofer, chances are you don’t want to take on the job of installing a new roof on your own. To protect the integrity of your home, it’s best to find a local roofing expert that can professionally repair and restore your roof.
If you know anything about new roofs, you know that the price can range in the thousands of dollars. Like many homeowners, chances are you don’t have the cash needed to pay for home roof repair services outright. Thankfully there are all sorts of options for financing these costly repairs.
One of the top options for financing roof repairs is a home equity loan. This allows you to use the equity in your home as a form of payment for roof repair services. For homeowners that don’t have equity in their home, a personal loan or even a credit card is an option for roof replacement costs.
While roof repairs are costly, you don’t put your home at risk by ignoring the problem. If your roof shows signs of needing repair or replacement, contact a professional roofer immediately!
