Most properly installed roofs can last about 30 years on average. If your roof is approaching this age, then you may need a new roof soon. We cannot overstate how important a good and reliable roof is to your home. It protects everything below it, which includes you, your family, and your property. For this reason alone, you need to keep an eye on any signs of wear, tear, and damages that could lead to dangerous situations. In this post, we present a comprehensive guide on all warning signs that you need a new roof.
Table of Contents
1. You Are Experiencing Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are by far one of the most telling signs that you may need a new roof. Some of the leaks may be obvious, as your ceiling could be sagging or stained. However, it’s imperative for you to go up to your attic on a regular basis, especially during the rainy season, to catch any leaks that may not be visible.
Examine closely to catch any water intrusion because serious leaks are most likely to come from the attic. It’s also essential for you to look at the top of your roof to check for ice dams. Ice dams form due to snow during the winter season. Once the snow melts off the roof and runs down to the eaves only to freeze up again, it forms the ice dams.
When more water runs down the roof to find those ice dams, it finds its way under the roof into your home. If you encounter only a few leaks confined to a certain area, a roof replacement might not be necessary. However, it’s still vital for you to call in a professional roofing contractor to repair those leaks.
If you do find leaks that would be too expensive to repair, then roof replacement may be the best option. A professional roofing company in Madison wi will help you decide the best option, depending on the condition of your roof.
2. Mold and Mildew Growth on the Roof
If you happen to encounter mold or mildew in your home, specifically on your walls or ceiling, it could potentially be a sign of a leaking roof. Of course, it could be that you’re dealing with a simple plumbing or condensation issue, but you have to get to the bottom of it.
Beyond this, there are some more telltale signs that you need a new roof, depending on the type of growth on your current roof.
If you have mildew, you should be worried because it grows on wet surfaces. It comes in various colors such as black, pink, light gray, etcetera and has a powdery appearance. Mildew is dangerous because it poses a threat to your health if you’re exposed for a prolonged period.
If allowed to grow on the roof, it will cause inadequate drainage and eventually lead to rot. Mildew also spreads the fastest among various roof growths, and if it’s thriving on your roof, you may need to replace it. Mildew is also mostly accompanied by mold.
Mold causes even more serious health issues, and it comes with a repugnant odor that could make your home unbearable. It’s also slimy and ugly in appearance. Mold thrives in moisture and develops mostly in surfaces that easily absorb water, such as carpets, drywall, wood, and different types of roofs.
3. Algae and Moss Growths
You may also be dealing with algae growth on your roof. Algae is a green or black organism that can eat away at your roof if left to grow for a prolonged period of time. It’ll eventually lead to roof rot, and you may have to replace your entire roof.
Algae is mostly caused by deposits of moisture inside the shakes or shingles of your roof. It’s commonly found in the gutters as they’re always wet. It is also mostly faced by homeowners who live in damp in humid climates, such as the Pacific Coast.
You could also be facing moss, which you can easily identify by its green color as well as fuzzy texture. A lot of people find it attractive, but it can be detrimental if it grows on your roof because it will bring moisture with it. Depending on the type of your roof, moisture could make it rot, so you’ll have to check whether it’s time for you to replace your roof.
If you encounter any of these growths on your roof, it’s vital that you call in a professional roofing contractor to gauge whether you need a new roof.
4. Roof Cracks
More often than not, wind damage is usually the major cause of cracked shingles. If you notice that you only have a few cracked shingles, it may be more practical to just replace those. However, if you notice that the cracks are random all over the roof, it would be more practical to replace the entire roof instead of conducting minor repairs.
One of the best ways to find crack shingles is through the attic. If you have an attic, go up there, switch off the lights, and then look at your roof. If you notice light coming in, it’s a telltale sign that you have large cracks and holes that need to be fixed immediately. Consult a professional roofing contractor to determine if getting a new roof is the best option.
5. If You Notice Roof Rot
If your roof is rotting, you could be facing very serious structural problems for your property. If you have a wooden roof, it will rot if exposed to moisture for a long time. It will also allow fungus growth that will slowly deteriorate your structure.
It’s vital for you to be able to identify when your roof is rotting so you can install a new one without compromising the rest of the property. Some of the telltale signs of a rotting roof include missing shingles or torn flashing.
Water happens to be the biggest enemy for your roof, and the moment the moisture protection system is compromised, it starts allowing in water, which eventually leads to rot. Take a good look at your roof using binoculars and check for torn flashing or gaps in the shingles.
If you do find any, it could be because the roof deck has been compromised, and the roof is vulnerable to all the harsh elements. If it’s already gotten to the point where it’s rotting, you need to prepare for new roofing. You should also look for excessive growth of moss and algae, as well as a sunken roof deck.
6. Look for Dirty and Clogged Soffits
Attic ventilation is an important part of your home, especially the soffit vents. These are necessary because they move the warm air from the attic through the roof vent. It’s important that the soffits remain clear at all times to prevent moisture buildup, which could eventually lead to mold growth.
If you find that you have dirty and clogged soffits, it could be that you have moisture and mold problems that will eventually lead to roof rot. It’s critical for you to have this investigated to determine whether replacing the soffits would be sufficient or whether you need to install a new roof.
7. Granules in the Gutters
Granules usually fall away from worn-out shingles, and they leave behind dark areas on the roof. The granules often end up in the gutters, on top of landscaping, or on the lawn.
If you do find granules in the gutters or any gritty and sandy residue when getting your roof cleaned, you should never overlook it. These are telltale signs that your roof is getting old and may need to be replaced.
8. You Find Issues With the Chimney Flashing
Some areas of your roof are most susceptible to damage than others and allow outside elements to get through. One of these areas happens to be the material that surrounds your chimney on the roof, known as flashing. Flashing needs to be incredibly sturdy as well as waterproof to keep the water out of your house.
If you realize that the flashing is damaged, you may want to consider repairing it. However, if it happens to be one of the many issues you find, it may be ideal to install a new roof. A roof replacement expert could come over and examine your entire roof to determine whether the repair would be sufficient.
9. The Roof Is Sagging
A sagging roof is a telltale sign that you need a roof replacement. A sagging roof can be an indication of damaged roof decking, underlying structural damage, or poor-quality installation. If your roof experiences too much weight from snow or ice, it can lead to sagging.
Regardless of the cause, you cannot afford to overlook a sagging roof because it could damage the rest of the house. You would risk collapsing, interior water damage, and costly damages to all other properties beneath it. You could also be risking physical injuries if it caved in unexpectedly.
It’s imperative that you avoid all these issues by replacing your roof with a new one as soon as possible. Hire a professional local roofing contractor and have them inspect and install a new roof.
10. Buckling Shingles
Buckling shingles are also a major sign that you may need to consider new roofing. Shingles buckle when they dry out and pull away from each other or from the roof. The most significant problem with buckling shingles is that they let in water or moisture, ultimately damaging the rest of the roof, roof decking, and insulating foam.
Do I Need a New Roof? Signs You Need a New Roof
These are some of the telltale signs you need a new roof. If you notice any of these signs, it’s advisable to start looking for the best roofing contractor in your area. They will conduct a roof inspection and advise you accordingly, and help you choose the best roofing for your home.
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