No one wants to buy a new roof before it is necessary, but waiting too long can create additional expenses and headaches. Determining when you need to contact your local roofing contractor about a new roof may not be obvious. Let’s look at some signs it might be time to have an expert assess your roof.
1. Storm Damage
A roof can go from healthy to destroyed in only a few minutes if it is battered by severe weather. Heavy rains, ice, hail, or intense wind can wreak havoc on even brand-new roofs. After bad weather, take a moment to assess the condition of your roof, looking for visible signs of damage including sections where materials have blown or fallen off. When in doubt, have the roof inspected as damage might not always be visible from the ground or to the untrained eye. It’s best to catch it before it becomes a bigger problem.
2. Interior Leaks
If there is water inside your home, you have a problem. Puddles or drips during wet weather mean the roof is no longer sound. Water is likely seeping through shingles, cracks, seams, or other gaps in your roofing materials. This can cause significant damage to the interior of your home. The longer you let it go, the worse your roof will become. Time is of the essence, and a quick call to your roofer may mean the difference between a simple repair and a much larger fix or total roof-replacement.
3. Interior Water Damage
Perhaps things haven’t progressed to the point where you have standing or dripping water inside, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still water coming in. Stains, streaks, or dark spots on the ceiling or walls are another clear sign that your roof isn’t doing its job. If caught early, the damage may be minimal enough that it can be repaired, but even a small water spot may be a sign of a much larger problem. At the first sign of damage, contact a trusted roofing contractor.
4. Missing or Damaged Shingles
If you can see problems with your shingles from the ground, it is time to call a professional. Cracks, discoloration, asymmetry, or sections that don’t appear to be aligned correctly all point to problems with your roof. Don’t just look up when assessing your roof’s condition. If you see shingle pieces or other roofing material on the ground or in the gutters, you know there is damage.
Pay particular attention to areas around chimneys, skylights, or vents, as those are especially prone to water intrusion and other problems. If something doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t. Your trusted roofing contractor can help you assess the damage and decide on the best path forward.
5. Mossy Shingles
We are all trying to live greener lives, but green isn’t good when it comes to your roof. It is an indication that, at a minimum, your roof probably needs to be cleaned. Plant life can hold moisture against roofing materials, increasing the likelihood of water intrusion or rot. It is also a welcoming situation for pests and can add extra weight that puts a strain on supporting materials. If your roof seems to be going green, contact a roofing contractor to address the situation before it gets worse. If you don’t, the next green you see might be money from your wallet when you pay for roof repairs or a full roof replacement that could have been avoided.
6. Sagging Roofline
Take a careful look at the lines of your roof. They should be straight. If the lines are curved, sagging, or crooked, that could indicate you have water saturation in your roof deck, causing it to sag under the weight.
It could also be a framing issue, but an inspection by a trusted roofing contractor should get to the bottom of the concern and rule out roofing problems. If the problem is with the roofing materials, it might be possible to address it with minor repairs, or it could necessitate a new roof.
Check the edges of the roof as well as the flat surfaces. Sagging or curving could occur in either place.
Once you spot damage, it is critical that you address it immediately. Otherwise, the sagging could lead to a cave-in, which is a much more expensive fix and could even damage your property or injure someone.
7. An Old Roof
All roofs have an expiration date. The most significant determining factor in how long your roof can be expected to last will be the type of roofing material. Wood shake or shingles typically lasts 25-30 years, while a Zinc roof may protect your home for 100 years. Storms, improper installation, and other environmental factors can decrease the lifespan of your roof, or you may be fortunate enough to have something that lasts longer than expected.
Consider scheduling an inspection if your roof is getting up there in years. A roofing professional can catch issues before they become expensive and tell you whether your roof is nearing the end of its useful life. If they determine it is time for repairs or replacement, they can help you find the best solution. If nothing needs addressing, you can rest easy knowing a sound roof protects your home.
Your roofing contractor is your ally when it comes to assessing your roof and protecting your home from future damage and your budget from avoidable expenses. If you notice anything concerning about your roof, it is best to reach out immediately. They have the expertise to get to the bottom of the problem and develop the best solution to keep your home safe.
If you see any of the worrying conditions mentioned here and need help selecting a roofing company, here are some questions to ask when searching for the right roofing contractor.
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