21 Jul How to Know When it’s Time to Replace or Repair Your Roof
Spoiler alert: your roof won’t last forever. At some point, you’ll need repairs or even a full roof replacement.
While any work on your roof can be a hefty investment, it’s important not to panic. The roof of your home is a foundational element involved in its structure and knowing what to look for, along with regular inspections and maintenance by professionals, you can feel confident about your home’s exterior. Below are some signs that it may be time for your roof to be repaired or replaced.
Your roof is old.
When shingle roofs are installed properly, they can last 15 to 20 years while maintaining their integrity. These years can fluctuate based on the weather and several other factors. Once a roof reaches 15 to 20 years in operation, it’s time for a replacement, even if it appears to be in good shape. If you don’t know when the roof was last replaced, you should consider a detailed roof inspection.
Mother Nature is making her way inside.
Many think roof damages can only be felt on the outside of a home, when in fact many complications can arise indoors as well. When looking for signs indoors, start with your attic. It may be easy to spot water leaks as these typically form spots, stains and streaks in the attic. Your roof can also leak light. Light beams in the attic are a surefire sign your roof needs work.
Your shingles are curled, cracked or missing.
Any of these signs mean your shingles are nearing their end. Roof shingles put up with a lot (rain, heat, hail, snow and more). It’s no surprise when they start to show signs of aging. Curled and cracked shingles may mean just a repair to a few shingles, but it could also be a sign for full roof replacement.
Your roof is missing those important granules.
When composite or asphalt shingles begin to wear, they shed their granules – oftentimes ending up in your gutters. Roofs tend to lose granules over time, but if you start seeing them in your gutters, yard or landscaping, your roof may be losing its weatherproofing properties. To check to see if you are missing granules, inspect your gutters for granule build-up.
You have unplanted/unwanted growth.
As your shingles age, you may begin seeing new growths of plants on your roof. There is a type of algae that feeds off the limestone used to make shingles. Over time, the more limestone the algae consumes, the less durable your tile will be. There is also moss that results in trapped moisture and can lead to a ruined roof. When inspecting these new unwanted houseplants, it’s important to have the interior and exterior of your roof inspected.
Your energy bill increases.
Missing shingles or inefficient insulation allows more cold air to enter your home in the winter, driving up your heating bill. In the summer, a damaged roof can’t reflect the heat, causing your air conditioner to work overtime. If your energy bill continues to increase during these months especially, it may be time to schedule a roof inspection.
As a homeowner, it’s important to know and understand these signs and more to ensure you’re properly caring for your roof. However, it doesn’t mean you can fix it yourself. Your roof is an extremely complicated system and fixing it can be dangerous. Instead of attempting repairs on your own, you’re much better off leaving the work to a professional roofing contractor.
Our expert team at Hoosier Contractors offers no obligation roof inspections that walk you through what signs they are looking for, what they find and the right remedies to your roofing issues. Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection!