One of your home’s most crucial components is the roof, and it keeps your family warm and safe while shielding you from the outdoors. Therefore, having a sturdy roof composed of top-notch materials is essential.
But, of course, there will come a time that you might need an upgrade, repair, or replacement. All things age, and when this happens, you might want to secure the services of the pros. But how do you know when to call for the roofing experts’ help?
Here are some telltale signs to consider which can assist you in deciding whether or not you need a brand new roof this year.
How Old is Your Roof?
The standard rule of thumb is: Replace your roof if it is already over 20 years of age. At this point, your roof may have endured several environmental phenomena like storms, wind, or hail.
But it is also important to note that your roof’s life expectancy may differ depending on its materials. If you have an asphalt shingles roof, expect it to last about 15 to 30 years. Meanwhile, wood shakes and shingles can last up to 30, and composite shingles for about 40 to 50 years.
It would always be better to check on your roof and assess for damage once it marks its 20th year. Please take it as a maintenance routine because taking care of your roof is as important as maintaining your house’s interiors.
Watch Out For Moss Growth
Moss growth on your roof can be more than an aesthetic challenge for your home. Yes, it may not indicate a critical issue. But it can mean a hidden problem that homeowners must address to prevent further damage.
The problem is that it absorbs moisture, which can defeat the purpose of a roof made of shingles. This roof directs water straight to the gutters, and with moss present, it holds flowing water, entrapping moisture. With this, shingles may break, causing damage to your roof.
Moss can be brushed off. But the bad news is that it can regrow anytime. So it would be best to contact roofing professionals to resolve the problem long-term.
Is There Any Obvious Exterior Damage?
No matter how long your roof has been serving your home, a routine visual inspection could help them perform its function well. Damages may indicate curling, missing, and buckling shingles or cracked parts for metal, slate, or rubber roofing.
Hail storms or high wind speeds may cause your roof’s impairment, and dents from hailstones may cause a leak as time passes. So if you have experienced any recent environmental disasters, it is better to check your roof once it is safe for you to do so.
Keep your eye on areas highly prone to damage when assessing your roof’s condition. These areas can be your roof’s slopes and valleys.
If your valleys are compromised, your home is more vulnerable to leaks because it is mainly responsible for leading water to the gutters. Are you suspecting that your roof is damaged? The expertise of a roofing professional may be beneficial to confirm your qualms.
Some Areas Feel Droopy or Spongy
In inspecting your roof, you might also want to check for the supporting structure that holds it up, which is the decking. Look out of its state from moisture, and if it looks droopy or saggy, it indicates that you need a roof replacement.
To better evaluate its condition, walk on it if possible. Do you feel that it’s spongy because of a little bounce? If yes, you have to reach out to the roofing experts and ask them for help immediately.
You can also determine this by looking at your roofline from afar. Ultimately, it must be straight, so if you notice a curve, it is vital to attend to it as soon as possible to avoid harder-to-solve roof problems.
Missing Granules
Granules protect shingles and your roof in general. So if most of them go missing, expect your roof to decay and wear out quicker. When this happens, a replacement would be best to consider.
If you are using shingles of low quality, then you may lose these small bits faster than usual. Extreme weather conditions and time can cause granules to fall out. As they run down your roof, they may create a build-up in your gutter, where you can confirm if you are losing them.
Regularly inspect your gutter for materials that have plunged into it to prevent leaks and rapid decay immediately.
Check On Your Flashing
Flashing is a roofing material that seals water tightly around the chimney and is usually made of steel or aluminum. Just like any other material, it can be damaged over time, and some of its indications include cracks and rust. Water leaks may be its effect, and when this happens, have your roof checked immediately.
You Can See Light Passing Through Your Roof
This sign may be an obvious indicator that you need a roof replacement. If you went to your attic and peeked through holes in your roof, you better call roofing services now. Generally, if there are water stains or moisture, it’s a sure sign that water can leak from there.
You might want to check your ceiling as well. If it is sagging or feels soft, it might have caught a leak and moisture from the roof. It would be best if you didn’t ignore it, and you have to take action immediately.
Wrapping Up
Roofing damage can worsen over time, so it’s essential to be proactive about roof replacement and repair. If your roof needs repair or replacement, don’t wait any longer. Call a professional today for an inspection.
Big Bear Roofing offers free estimates so you can get an idea of the scope of work and how much it will cost. They understand that replacing or repairing your roof is a significant investment, but their team is dedicated to providing quality service at a fair price. Contact them today to get started.