Roof Replacement Tips: How to Tell If You Need a New Roof
A roof is a very important part of a house or commercial building because it literally protects us from the elements when it’s functioning properly. While roofs last for many years, the time does eventually come for replacement. Installing a new roof is one of those parts of being a home or building owner that no one really wants to think about but at some point, your roof will start to show signs of wear and tear. In this post we discuss roof replacement tips with seven signs that your roof needs to be replaced.
Roof Replacement Tips: 7 Signs that Your Roof Needs to be Replaced
It’s best to be proactive when it comes to taking care of your roof. If you’re wondering how to tell if you need a new roof, read on for these seven signs that it may be time to look into roof replacement:
The age of your roof
An aging roof will need to be replaced at some point; it’s only a matter of time. Once a roof reaches or pushes past its average lifespan, it is likely to start needing expensive roof repairs that will eventually lead to roof replacement. Here is the typical lifespan of the most popular roofing materials:
- Asphalt shingles: 15-40 years
- Wood shingles/shakes: 20-30 years
- Metal roof: 40-60 years
If your roof is reaching the end of its life expectancy soon, it’s probably time to start researching new roofing systems and local roofing contractors. The sooner you replace your roof, the more money you save in the long run. This is because your roof becomes increasingly damaged as time goes by until it is replaced. Replacing your roof sooner than later also decreases the probability of any additional damage that may occur from roof leaks.
Extensive damage or decay to shingles
If you have several areas or a large area of your roof with buckling, curling, cracked, or otherwise damaged shingles, it may be time to start looking into a new roof. In addition, if your shingles are missing, lifting, or there are excessive roof granules in your gutter it is time to have your roof evaluated by a professional.
Large leaks and water damage
While it is possible to repair a small leak, a large leak or multiple leaks that are causing obvious signs of water damage should be addressed immediately. If your ceiling or attic has dark stains, peeling paint, or sagging and rotting areas; call a roofing company for help. If leaks are left unaddressed they can lead to more extensive repairs than just roof materials, including sheet rock, insulation, flooring and framing.
Daylight shining through roof boards or decking
If you go inside your attic and see any signs of daylight shining through the roof boards or decking, it can be an indication that you need an immediate roof repair or replacement. Damage of this kind can get worse very quickly if it goes untreated.
The roof sags
A home’s roof should appear straight along its lines, so if you see sagging and slumping, it’s a sign that something is very wrong with your roof. Specifically, sagging is a sign that trapped moisture has damaged the substrate under the asphalt or metal. If your roof is sagging or drooping, it needs to be replaced before further damage is done to your home.
Moss, mold, or fungi have taken over your roof
It’s wet much of the year here in the Pacific Northwest and that means our roofs are prone to moss, mold, and fungi. Annual maintenance can help keep this growth under control. If your roof has been taken over by moss, mold, or fungi that doesn’t come off with a stiff brushing, it’s time to call a professional roofing company for an inspection.
When a roofing inspection from a reputable roofing company determines repairs won’t save your roof
If you’ve called a reputable roofing contractor to come out and do an inspection of your roof and they determine that the issues with your roof cannot be repaired or that your roof has systemic problems, it’s time to think about replacing your roof.
If you have any questions about a new roof, our roofing experts are ready to help! We will assess whether a roof replacement is recommended and help you choose the best roofing type for your home or building. We have put together some tips for what to look for in a roof installation bid and we hope you find them useful.
Trust Skyline Roofing & Construction for your roof maintenance & Installation needs
At Skyline Roofing & Construction our roofing professionals always strive to add value to your home or business for the long term – that includes installing quality roofing and maintaining your roofing investment. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation for a new roof, roof repair, roof maintenance, or roof cleaning services. Skyline Roofing is located in Bellingham, WA and we presently serve Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties.
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