Having a solid roof above your head is quite crucial if you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from harsh weather. Generally, the service life of the roof lasts about 20 to 25 years. What are several factors that indicate the need for a roof replacement?
The Age Of Your Roof:
The age of the roof plays a vital role in deciding whether you need to replace the roof or not. Usually, people opt for asphalt shingle roofs because they last 20 to 25 years before they need to be replaced. If new shingles were installed over old shingles, you may need to replace the roof sooner. But if you are aware of the roof’s age, it would be smart to start budgeting for a roof replacement when it turns 20 years old.
If you don’t know the roof’s age, get a professional roofer to assess it. He or she would give you a complete analysis regarding the roof’s age and a report on its condition. You can also ask the roofer for a professional opinion regarding the stability of the roof and how much longer it will stay strong. Expert roofers recommend that it is always better to replace the roof before it fails completely.
You Notice That The Shingles Are Curling:
Shingles can curl in two ways: There’s cupping, which happens when the edges of the shingles turn upward, and clawing, which is when the edges stay flat and the middle starts to come up. Both are signs of weathering and indicate that you might have potential leaks. Depending on the extent of curling, you can decide how much time you have got to replace the roof. Generally, it could be anywhere from a year to five years before you need a new roof.
Shingles Are Cracked Or Missing:
The shingles of a roof can develop cracks due to strong winds. If you observe that there are just a few shingles cracked, you can certainly get them replaced. But if the cracking isn’t limited to one particular area, and it’s random throughout the roof, that’s a telltale sign that you should start thinking about a new roof.
The Roof Is Sagging:
A sagging roof could mean several things. Perhaps your roof could be weak and deteriorating. It could have been installed improperly. Maybe it’s supporting too much weight (snow, ice, etc.). Regardless of the reason for the sagging roof, it is a clear sign that your roof needs to be replaced. If you don’t act soon, it could collapse.
Shingle Granules In The Gutters:
Inspect the gutters to see whether they are loaded up with shingle granules. Roofs tend to lose more granules toward the end of their service life cycle. Inconsistent or darker color(s) on some parts of the roof are another sign that granules have worn away.
Daylight Through The Roof Boards:
You can analyze the condition of the roof by observing any streams of light coming through cracks or holes in your roof. If you do spot any light coming through your roof, it is an indication that you need a roof replacement immediately. Moreover, if the light is getting through your roof, then water might also get in, too, easily damaging the ceiling and walls.
What Should You Do About Your Failing Roof?
The aforementioned points are clear warning signs of a damaged roof– and that you should have a professional roofing contractor get the repair work or replacement done as soon as possible. Roofers are highly skilled and conduct a thorough inspection of your roof to let you know where your problems lie. With all the gathered information and analysis, you can make an informed decision on roof repairs and/or roof replacement. When you need a reputable roofing contractor to do the work contact Born Carpentry LLC for any roof repair, maintenance, and/or replacement needs you might have. We are a full-service company serving Minnesota. We offer free quotes and are happy to provide a second opinion for any roofing need. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Summary:
As a homeowner of an old or aging house, you are probably wondering whether your house needs a new roof or not. The aforementioned points will help in identifying the condition of your roof, which will then assist you in making an informed decision.
