It’s hard to overstate the importance of a good, reliable roof — it protects you from rain and snow, helps you stay warm at night, and safeguards you and your loved ones from the outside world. This is why it’s important to keep a close eye on your roof and inspect it regularly for any signs of failure.
Do I need a new roof?
Sometimes a roof can naturally reach the end of its useful life without experiencing a roof failure. It just looks old and worn, and if you are doing preventive maintenance on your home the time always comes.
If replacing an old roof is delayed, however, it could result in bigger problems down the road. So, watch for the warning signs to be sure to give yourself plenty of time to contact Degraff Construction to replace your roof.
If you recognize any of the following roof warning signs and take action right away, you could be avoiding more expensive repairs down the road.
Potential Signs That Your Roof May Need To Be Replaced:
- Roof Leaks. Roof leaks are one of the most obvious signs your roof is on its way out. To check for roof leaks, go up to your attic regularly, preferably right after a rainfall. Look closely for any signs of water intrusion, as serious leaks in your home are most likely to originate here.
- Checking the outside of your roof for ice dams is also crucial. Ice dams form when the snow of your roof melts, runs down to the eaves, and freezes up again. As water continues to run down the roof and encounter the ice dam, it may begin to run under your shingles and possibly make its way into your home.
- If the leaks are confined to a certain area on your roof, you may not need a complete roof replacement, but in any case, you should not hesitate to call a professional to inspect it. Putting off roof repairs may cause the problem to become more serious and require more extensive and costly repairs. Keep in mind that professional roofers tend to offer affordable roof inspections.
- Shingle edges are curled or shingle tabs are cupped.
- Bald spots where granules are missing.
- Cracked shingles.
- Your roof is at least 20 years old; while many shingles today are produced for durability, many factors can accelerate the aging of shingles. For example, if your roof is not properly ventilated, it can negatively impact your shingles.
- The roof just looks old and worn.
- Neighbors are getting new roofs. Homes built around the same time period can be experiencing the same types of weather conditions can mean that your roof is nearing its useful life.
- Dark streaks. Airborne algae cause dark streaks on roof decks. While this may not necessarily harm the roof shingles, it may not look good.
- Moss can grow on roof surfaces that don’t get much sunlight, especially in cool, moist climates. Moss growth can be more than a cosmetic issue. Moss holds moisture against the roof surface and overtime in freezing climates can cause damage to the granules on the top of the shingles. Moss can be brushed off but it won’t prevent it from growing again; take care not to damage the shingle surface. You may need to contact a professional roofing contractor.
- Poor Energy Efficiency. Have your heating bills been increasing little by little every winter? If so, it could be the result of a poorly insulated roof. Although most homeowners focus on insulating their doors and windows to decrease their energy bills, it is often the roof that is the culprit. A poorly insulated roof allows air to come in and go out more easily, which can lead to exorbitant energy bills, especially during the coldest months.
Heading into fall and winter means it’s a great time to check your roof and contact us!