How do you know if your roof has finally come to the end of its functional life? Every homeowner at one point in time faces a roof problem, but it can be hard to know if it is time for repairs or a complete replacement. Here are five surefire signs that mean you need a new roof.
- Age of the Roof
In general, you should be thinking about changing your roof after 25 to 30 years. But this time can vary, depending on the weather in your area and type of roofing.
For instance, roofs made up of asphalt shingles have a 15 to 30-year lifespan, while those made of wood shingles last between 20 to 25 years. You simply need to know the materials that make up your roof.
If the age of your roof exceeds the estimated lifespan of the materials that make up your roof, it’s time for a change.
- Leaks in the Roof
It’s easy to ignore the small blots on your wall or the little water droplets in the attic. But when you start to see stains on the ceiling and the walls, you’ve got trouble.
These stains may look like minor problems coming from tiny holes in your roof, but when left unrepaired, they can grow into significant structural roof damages. Naturally, you don’t want that problem on your hands.
As soon as you notice these blots and stains, you should start thinking about a new roof. Minor damage can be easily repaired, but can be very expensive in the long run if you don’t take care of it. If you are not sure, be sure to contact a roofing company for an assessment.
- Daylight Through the Roof
If you have rays of daylight seeping through your roof into the attic, it’s time for a change. Unfortunately, once sunlight can come through, so can rain and snow. It’s a major red flag.
This problem, however, is hard to notice without a roof inspection since the holes can be very tiny. Therefore, it’s advisable to hire a professional for regular inspections in order to identify these minuscule holes.
You can also try and get up on the roof occasionally to identify any issues, but if you don’t know what to look for, contact one of the many reputable roofers in Longboat Key.
- Inconsistent Shingle Color
If you looked at your roof in its early years, you would notice a consistency in the color of the shingles. Normally, the roof’s color may seem irrelevant, but it can help you know whether or not you need a new roof.
A healthy roof has a fluid color – there are no blotches or spots. When a roof’s hue changes dramatically, it means it is approaching the end of its estimated life cycle and it could be time to replace it.
Examine your roof. Is there a difference in the color of your shingles in different places? Is there anywhere where the wear and tear is more noticeable? One such area is in the areas where leaves and snow have had more time to settle and accumulate.
- Curled or Missing Shingles
Shingles begin to weaken as they become older. Curling of the edges is the most classic sign of roof damage. In this case, wood and asphalt shingles have reached the end of their useful life.
There are two types of curling: cupping, which occurs when the shingle’s edges begin to curve upward, and clawing, which occurs when the edges remain flat but the centers begin to rise. If you notice either of these things happening to your shingles, they’ve reached the end of their useful life and will need to be replaced soon.
Last Take
If your roof checks any of the signs listed above, it’s time for either a repair or complete replacement. Even though some of these signs are not necessarily emergencies, leaving them unchecked only worsens the situation.
