The weather can have a dramatic effect on your roof. In extreme conditions, water, ice, and other natural elements can create cracks or holes in your roof that will gradually get worse over time. You need to be proactive and inspect the condition of the shingles regularly to avoid costly repairs later on down the road. There are six signs it’s time to replace your roof and how to spot them.
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1. Broken or Damaged Shingles
If you notice any loose, missing, or damaged shingles on your roof, it’s time to replace it. These broken shingles can lead to water damage and leaks in your home. To spot broken shingles, look for any missing granules on the shingles or cracks in the shingle. This is a sign to call a contractor and there are many benefits to using a professional Roofer for this job.
A professional will know how to properly install the new shingles and will also clean up any debris from the old shingles. Additionally, broken shingles might just be a sign to replace those specific shingles. However, if too many shingles are broken, it would be a better investment to replace the entire roof and invest in better roofing materials.
2. Shingles are Curling or Buckling
When shingles start to curl or buckle, it’s a sign that they are reaching the end of their lifespan. Shingles should lie flat on your roof. If you notice them curling or buckling, it’s time for a new roof. These curled shingles are more susceptible to damage from wind and rain. They can also cause leaks in your home.
3. Your Roof is Leaking
If your roof is leaking, it’s time to replace it. Even if the leak is small, it can cause water damage to your home. Water damage can lead to mold growth, which can be dangerous to your health. To prevent water damage, have a professional inspect your roof and repair any leaks. Leaking can be spotted in a few ways. One way is if you see water stains on your ceiling. Another way to tell if there’s a leak is by inspecting your attic during the day. If you see sunlight coming through, that means there’s a hole in your roof and it’s time to replace it. To prevent water damage, have a professional inspect your roof and repair any leaks.
4. Improper Shingle Placement
If your shingles are not placed properly, it can cause problems with your roof. Shingles should be overlapping each other by at least two inches. If they’re not, it’s time to replace your roof. Improperly placed shingles can lead to leaks and water damage.
5. Your Energy Bills Have Increased
If you’ve noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills, it could be due to poor insulation in your home. If your attic isn’t properly insulated, heat can escape through the roof. This causes your furnace to work harder, which uses more energy and raises your energy bill. To improve the insulation in your home, have a professional add additional insulation to your attic. This will help keep the heat in and lower your energy bills.
6. Your Roof is Older than 20 Years
If your roof is older than 20 years, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it. As roofs age, they become more susceptible to damage from the elements. They also start to lose their protective coating, which makes them more vulnerable to leaks. If your roof is older than 20 years, have a professional inspect it and determine if it needs to be replaced. An old roof may also have experienced some of the other signs on this list, so it’s important to have it inspected as soon as possible. A clear sign of old age is a sagging roof.
So, if your roof is sagging, it’s a sign of structural damage and it needs to be replaced immediately. A sagging roof can collapse at any time, which puts you and your family at risk. Sagging roofs are usually caused by moisture damage or poor construction. If you notice any sagging, have a professional inspect your roof and determine if it needs to be replaced. This should be done as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to replace your roof. Replacing your roof is a big investment, but it will protect your home from further damage. Hire a professional to inspect your roof and determine if it needs to be replaced. They will also be able to recommend the best type of roof for your home.
