A good, experienced roofer who specializes in repair is invaluable. They can prevent minor weather-related damage from becoming a big problem, and preserve the life of your roof with quality maintenance. However, there are times when there’s simply no way around replacing your roof. Here are five red flags that every homeowner should take seriously.
1. It feels unstable when you walk on it.
When you bring a professional out to determine whether or not you should repair or replace your roof, the first thing they may do is go up there. Once they are, they’ll take a few steps, if able. If the roof feels “soft” when walked upon, or there’s any type of sinking, you’re going to need to replace your roof. The decking base beneath the shingles is likely rotted, which is a major hazard to your home.
2. There are shingle granules everywhere.
You might notice some sandy granules from your shingles in the yard. If you don’t, look carefully next time you clean out your gutters. When a roof is set to expire, the shingles begin to disintegrate, and these granules will end up everywhere. If you’re not sure how long those shingles have been in place, retrieve one. Try to have a pro identify it, and you can determine whether or not the manufacturer offered a warranty. This can give a new homeowner more information about how old the materials really are, and if it’s high time to replace.
3. Leaks.
Sometimes, the best indication of what’s going on outside is what’s happening inside. Are there water spots or any type of discoloration on your ceilings or walls? If you have an attic, access it and inspect the damage up there as well. Chances are, if there are signs of water damage in the attic, then it means your roof is leaking. You should also go up to the attic when there’s full sun outside, so you can see if any light is peeking through anywhere.
4. Curling and fallen shingles.
Missing shingles? Shingles curled up around the edges? These are two signs you need to take a closer look at your roof. A lot of us haven’t owned our homes long enough to know what year the roof was last replaced, and this is one sign that too much time has elapsed.
5. Dark spots and moss growth.
It’s always a good idea to have your roof professionally cleaned from time to time. However, if you have moss, algae, or dark, mouldy-looking spots, it’s likely you need more than a routine cleaning. This probably means moisture is locked into the roof, spurring the growth. In addition to cleaning this off, have a professional look it over and determine the underlying cause of plant and spore growth.
Ultimately, any roof that hasn’t been replaced in 25 years is probably due. Age is the main deciding factor, as no roof is designed to last forever. Start planning today, and you’ll have enough time to find the best deal on a new roof for your home. After all, a good roof protects your entire structure, as well as everything it contains.
