6 Warning Signs It’s Time To Change Your Roof

Getting a new roof may be one of the most significant home projects you can ever have as a homeowner. An online home services organization estimates that a new roof installation costs USD$8,667 on average, while repairs and replacement could set you back up to USD$ 11,820. There are a few reasons why you may need to replace your roof. The most common reasons are storm damage and general wear and tear. In rare cases, a roof has to be replaced due to incorrect installation compromising its performance. Whatever the reason may be, there are warning signs that indicate it’s time for this Houston’s roofing company and similar contractors to provide their services to those who need them.

Here are a few of the most common signs that say it’s time to get a new roof.

Your roof is aging

A roof’s lifespan will depend on the materials it’s made of and how well-maintained it is during its lifetime. Industry experts from the United States Housing and Urban Development and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors suggest the following median life expectancies for different roofing materials:

·         Asphalt shingles- up to 50 years

·         Concrete tile-up to 100 years

·         Metal-up to 80 years

·         Slate-up to 175 years

·         Wood shingles and shakes- 50 years maximum

Note that these are rough estimates, and you don’t have to wait until these times to decide whether you need your roof replaced, especially during accidents. If you aren’t the first owner of the home, it’s better to ask how long the roof had been installed so you’d know what to expect. Generally speaking, most roofs don’t need to be replaced until they hit the 20 or 25-year mark.

Obvious physical damage

Except for zinc and slate, which are expected to last for at least 100 years, the common roofing materials will show obvious signs of damage to signal a replacement. These include the following:

• Deformed shingles: When damaged, shingles can curl or cup as their edges become deformed. Apart from normal wear and tear, ventilation issues in the attic and improper installation can cause curled shingles.
• Cracked tiles: If your roof is made of ceramic tiles, you’ll likely notice cracks, missing pieces, and bulging tiles as signs for replacement.
• Splitting shakes: If your roof is made of wood, it’s likely to need more maintenance work and earlier replacement than other roof materials. Exposure to the elements can render your wood shakes soft or rotten unless consistently treated.
• Missing shingles: Shingle caps are highly vulnerable to strong winds and heavy rains, and a few missing shingles can compromise the roof’s ability to keep you safe from harsh weather.

Sagging roof line

A sagging roof line is easy to spot, as you will see that the supposedly flat sections of your roof look skewed or have dips, curves, and humps. In some cases, you’ll notice uneven support from the beams inside your home. This is often caused by deteriorated trusses or rafters buckling under the weight of the deck and main roofing layer.

Mold and watermarks

Gaps in the roof board means water can seep through the roof’s surface. This could lead to various moisture-related problems, including mildew and mold formation. These infestations could pose health risks, causing rashes, triggering allergy attacks, and irritation on the lungs and throat. To prevent this, you should check your attic for problems once in a while. If you see sunlight, then that means there’s a small hole in the roof somewhere that has to be sealed. You should also keep an eye out for damp spots or trails along the roof’s support beams, which are also good indications of roof leaks.

An unusually high electric bill

One of the most common hidden symptoms of roof replacement is an unusually high electric bill. If you didn’t change your consumption patterns, your bills wouldn’t spike. However, problems with the roof, windows, and doors can cause poor ventilation and insulation and erratic temperature regulation. This forces your heating, ventilation, and cooling systems to work overtime.

Asphalt granules wearing down

If your roofing materials, mainly asphalt, have granules that offer protection from the sun. When newly installed, it’s normal for some of the loose granules to wear off. However, if you notice asphalt granules wearing off at alarming rates and your roof has been installed for more than a decade; it may signify that your roof needs rework because the shingles are wearing out sooner than later.

Concluding thoughts

Regardless of the cause, roof replacements should be a priority for homeowners, being that a fully functioning one can protect your family through harsh weather. Regular checks can help spot issues early on and extend your roof’s lifespan. Apart from looking at visible signs, some of the points discussed in this article can help you determine when to call professionals for help.