Wondering whether to repair or replace your old roof? We’ve got the answer for you.
The roof of a house remains as one of the “make or break” factors for prospective homeowners. It’s the part that will grab your eyes most when you are in the market for a new home.
However, it’s also the easiest to neglect because a roof is not something you inspect on a daily basis–and this can cause you trouble. That being said, it’s important to inspect your roof at least twice a year for signs of damages.
That way, you’ll be able to determine whether there are damages, and if any, whether they can be repaired or a roof replacement is necessary.
You Might Need A New Roof If…
If you find any of these signs, it’s more likely that you may need a roof replacement.
Missing Shingles
If your roof shingles are missing or falling apart, it’s a definite sign you need a new roof. It’s as simple as that.
What problems arise from missing roof shingles?
When roof shingles go missing, they open up the only shielding your house has against strong winds, heat, cold and moisture. This exposure can lead to roof leaks, structural damage, dry rot, and weatherproofing damage.
If the missing shingles problem is not addressed in time, your roof and home could sustain permanent damage.
Strong winds can blow shingles off the roof. Shingles can also be weakened by strong weather fluctuations over time. If several shingles are becoming loose or have gone missing, that’s a sign it’s time to replace your old roof.
Water Damage
If you notice spots on your exterior walls or water stains on your ceiling, that’s a clear indication that your roof is damaged.
Most homeowners think that a leaky roof is just a structural problem.
The truth is a leaky roof can lead to serious health risks due to the growth of molds, fire hazards due to electrical wiring as well as costly damages due to compromised structural integrity.
You could go the easy way and have the damaged shingle replaced or a nail hole sealed. However, if the cause of the leakage was an aging roof or weak roofing, you can be sure the problem will recur.
In such cases, a roof replacement would be the better solution.
Missing Granules
Missing granules are a red flag that your roof is losing its weatherproofing properties.
To find out whether your roof is losing granules, check the gutters for granules build up.
Granules are also likely to accumulate in your downspout splash pan, so be sure to check that one too. You can even shake it, and if you hear rattling, that’s a clear indication that your roof is losing granules.
Among other reasons, granules are likely to fall apart if your roof is aging. Consider replacing your old roof if you notice missing granules.
Curled Or Buckled Shingles
Buckled shingles are a clear signal that your roof is aging.
Asphalt shingles usually curl over time as the asphalt layer gets separated from the backing material.
Look at the slopes of your house that get exposed to direct sunlight, and if you notice curled shingles, it could mean your shingles are past their lifespan.
You should be able to see the curled shingles whether they are bending towards the edges or in the middle.
Curled shingles can also occur when moisture in the attic space forces nails to push up and out of the roof’s decking. If this happens, your roof can get exposed to elements, making the shingles prone to being blown off easily.
Your Roof Is Showing Signs Of Aging
Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 15-30 years. However, even if your shingles roof is under 15 years, at times, you might notice some signs of premature aging that may call for a roof replacement.
Premature aging can occur due to many reasons, such as prolonged exposure to hot sun or moisture. Regular climbing on the roof can also cause premature aging.
Homes in wet climates or where tree branches sit on the roof are likely to have moss or algae growth on them. Such roofs are susceptible to premature aging.
If roof shingles are missing, losing granules, feel brittle to touch or look old and weak, that’s a clear sign your roof is nearing the end of its usable lifespan.
In a nutshell, if your roof looks faded, worn, old, or shabby, you may want to replace your old roof before putting your house on the market.
Falling Mortar
In roofing, mortars are often used for bedding roof junctions such as verges (outer edges of a roof) and ridges (the horizontal area where two sloped roof areas meet).
Mortars usually have a short lifespan. As such, they should frequently be checked for any signs of degeneration that may occur as a result of exposure to extreme weather fluctuations.
The verges and ridges are prone to cracking, mainly due to frost and may be dislodged and blown away by strong winds.
Falling mortar is a typical mishap for aging roofs where mortar was used as bedding for the tiles. If the mortar begins to fall off, that’s a clear sign it’s time to replace your old roof.
Keep in mind that roofing professionals maintain it’s better to replace the mortar than to do repairs.
Daylight Through the Roof
If the light is coming in through your roof, it could mean your roof has cracks or holes.
One way to find out whether light is getting in through the roof is by turning off the light in the attic and looking up at the roof.
The best time to do this is at sunset since with the lights out, it will be dark enough inside and bright enough on the outside for you to see the beams of light coming through.
Roof repair can fix some minor holes. However, major cracks are a sign of a weak and worn out roof. In such cases, only a roof replacement will work.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Old Roof: The Bottom line
There is a common fallacy that a new roof should last for 10 to 15 years.
Well, that should be true based on the fact that manufacturers don’t say otherwise.
However, there are a few factors that may invalidate that number. For instance, if you live in a region where weather frequently becomes extreme, that number might not carry much weight.
If you think its time to repair or replace your old roof, get in touch with us today for a free quote. We can even provide in-house financing for certain jobs, so we are here for you in every way.
