The roof over your head is the first defense against inclement weather, rodents, and fires. Roof damage can be detrimental to your home’s structural integrity. How do you know when it’s time to replace your roof?
There are plenty of telltale signs that your home needs a roof replacement. Read on for the top signs that you need roof repairs or replacement.
1. Water Damage or Leaks
Water damage or leaks indicate that a roof replacement is needed. If there are stains in the ceiling or walls and these areas have become soft or rotten, water from the roof will likely get in. Small puddles of water forming in basements or attics after heavy rainfall is also an alarming sign of a failing roof.
Look for other signs, like wet spots along ceilings and walls or bubbled and peeling paint caused by moisture. The roof needs to be replaced if the water stains on the ceiling and walls cannot easily be cleaned or dried. Going up on the roof to visually inspect is another way to determine if a replacement is in order.
2. The Ceiling Is Sagging
If your home’s ceiling is sagging, it strongly indicates that your roof needs replacement. This issue is often caused by water damage due to a roof leaking. The leak may cause discoloration and a light damp feeling on the ceiling if the leak is small.
However, if it’s larger, it can cause the ceiling to sag. If so, you should call a roofing expert immediately to inspect your roof and determine the best solution.
Situations like this can be resolved with repairs, but if the damage is severe, a roof replacement is needed. If there is a need for roof replacement, it’s best to call your local roofing company to prevent further damage.
3. There Are Dark Streaks
One of the most common signs that a home needs a roof replacement is the presence of dark streaks. These dark streaks are caused by algae growing in roof areas where moisture accumulates. If these streaks are found to spread throughout the roof and seem to be growing, then it’s likely time for a roof replacement.
Dark streaks may also alarm potential buyers because they can signal moisture damage and attract pests and other dangerous creatures. Other tell-tale signs that a roof needs to be replaced include noticing granules in the gutters or water damage in the attic or walls. In any of these cases, it’s best to seek the advice of a roofing professional and get a free estimate for replacing the roof.
4. You See Light Shining Through Roof Boards
One of the most obvious signs that your home needs a roof replacement is if you can see the light shining through roof boards. It is a sign of weakened or rotted roof boards, which can cause several problems and become increasingly damaging over time. It can also be caused by missing shingles, nails that have worked through the boards, and more.
If you notice this issue, it’s recommended to contact a professional to inspect the roof, identify the problem, and quickly take necessary measures to repair or replace the roof before it becomes a more significant issue. Taking the time to get it checked out sooner rather than later could save you a lot of time and money and potentially even risk down the road.
5. It’s Over a Certain Age
If your home is over a certain age, consider a roof replacement. An aged roof may be more prone to damage and thus need frequent maintenance or replacement. Visible signs that the roof is getting old include patches of discolored or missing shingles, major cracks in the surface, and blistering, which can be seen from the ground.
As the roof continues to degrade, these signs will become more apparent and can begin to affect the house’s structure. Also, water may enter through the roof and accumulate in the attic, damaging any stored items. Thus, if you think your roof is over a certain age, it may be time to consider replacing it for your home’s structural integrity.
6. You’ve Had Wildlife Damage
Another sign that your home needs a roof replacement due to wildlife damage is if you have noticed shingles or asphalt strewn around your property. Animals such as woodpeckers, mice, and squirrels can cause damage to your roof as they search for food or try to build a nest.
You may notice more frequent and larger holes in your roof and increased noise in the attic. Also, you may spot droppings or nesting in your eaves or attic. If you see any of these symptoms, it’s best to call a professional to assess if you need a roof replacement.
7. There Are Decaying Shingles
If you notice decaying shingles on the roof, it is one of the most obvious signs that your home may need a new roof. You may find the shingles curling and turning light brown or splitting into two or three pieces. Other signs could include missing or loose shingles, large-scale cracks in the roof, and moss or algae growing and settling in small patches.
8. You Have a Lot of Gutter Build-up
When you notice a lot of build-up in your gutters, it signifies that your home needs a roof replacement. Old or worn shingles, improper installation, broken pieces, or damaged flashing can all contribute to water getting under the shingles and into the underlying layers of your roof. It results in debris and debris build-up in your gutters, blocking them from doing their job correctly.
Also, if the gutter build-up is left unchecked, it can cause water to back up and seep into your walls and down into your foundation. It leads to more serious and expensive damage. If you’ve already noticed a lot of build-up in your gutters, it’s essential to consider a complete roof replacement.
9. There’s Visible Moss
If you notice visible moss growing on your roof, that could be one of the signs that your home needs a roof replacement. Moss typically grows on roofs, particularly in wet climates, because it washes away the granules of shingles, which leaves them more exposed to the elements.
Once moss forms on your roof, it can never be removed entirely and will inevitably cause damage to your shingles. So it’s important to take action immediately.
10. Peeling of Paint
Signs that your home needs a roof replacement can include the peeling of paint on the exterior walls. It can commonly occur due to a faulty roofing system that leaks and can cause water damage to the walls. Also, paint with an unpleasant scent or blistered appearance may be a warning sign that your home’s roof needs immediate attention.
If you notice large cracks on the exterior walls, this can also result from a faulty roofing system. When your home’s roof is old or dated, the peeling of paint is due to leaking roofs and water damage.
11. Holes or Cracks
If you have a cracked or leaky roof, it’s important to determine whether a repair or a complete roof replacement is necessary. One sign that your home needs a roof replacement is if you notice holes or cracks in your roof, especially those larger than a quarter.
If the holes or cracks are scattered across multiple areas of the roof, or if you find them in multiple planes or layers, this could indicate rot or structural damage, which could require a full replacement. Another sign that a roof replacement is necessary is if more than one layer of shingles is missing or if a large portion has been worn away.
12. Falling Mortar
Falling mortar is one of the clearest signs that your home needs a roof replacement. It is when parts of the mortar surrounding your brickwork, tiles, chimney, and skylight appear in your driveway or garden below. Falling mortar is a result of a weak or aged roof structure.
13. Electrical Shorts
When it comes to signs that your home may need a roof replacement, electrical shorts are a major warning sign. Electrical shorts occur when electrical wiring is exposed to too much heat or moisture, causing the system to be overloaded.
With age, the roofing materials deteriorate and allow water to enter between the roof and attic, setting off electrical shorts. It creates a hazardous electrical situation and can present a shock hazard or even a house fire in worst-case scenarios.
Learn More About Roof Replacement Today
It’s important to pay attention to changes in your roof that indicate it may need replacement. Contact your local certified roofer for an inspection and repair estimate if you see any warning signs.
Proper maintenance and timely roof replacement will protect your home and help you save money in the long run.
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