People don’t really think about the roof over their heads…until it springs a leak! Don’t wait until water is pouring in through the ceiling before you pay some attention to your roof. Here are some key things to consider when deciding if it’s time to replace your roof.
Age
The age of your roof is a significant factor when determining its longevity. Most roof materials in North America, are expected to last up to 20 or 30 years with proper maintenance. If your roof is at the upper end of this range and is showing signs of damage, it’s probably best to replace your roof.
Deterioration
Cupping occurs when edges of asphalt shingles turn upward, and curling occurs when the edges remain flat while the middle part starts to come up. Both are caused by weathering, which can later lead to leaks. Concrete and clay roof tiles will show signs of deterioration by cracking and crumbling. If your roof exhibits several areas with these telltale signs, it’s likely time to replace it.
Leaks
When water is getting into your home through your roof, you have a big problem. Once moisture infiltrates your home, you can be faced with all kinds of structural damage. It may be a simple flashing that needs replacing or it could be a larger issue. You don’t want to procrastinate on this one. Schedule a meeting with your local roofing contractor promptly to figure out what is going on right away.
Sagging Roof Line
A sagging roof should raise red flags because it’s not a safe situation. Your roof is compromised and might even collapse. There’s a good chance you’re dealing with a structural issue or possibly even trouble with the foundation. You really won’t know until you have a professional inspect your roof. Seek out a reputable professional to get it looked at right away.
Missing Pieces
From a functional standpoint, there should be no problem with just replacing a few shingles here and there. The new shingles won’t be an exact match to the old shingles, but you can keep patching until a bigger issue presents itself. Of course, once your roof starts to look like a checkerboard, it’s probably time to replace your roof.
Moss
Moss may seem harmless, but that dense green plant is capable of serious damage. It can trap moisture against your roof’s surface, causing wreckage to the shingles over winter. To do away with moss that collects in shaded corners of your roof, use a stiff brush but be careful to address any underlying problems. Removing moss before those long cold winter months is an effective strategy and can go a long way to prolonging the life of your roof. If the moss on your roof has gotten out of control, it may be a sign of underlying moisture issues. You should contact a roofing professional to discuss if it’s time to replace your roof.
