Everything has its lifespan, from your car to your small devices. Similarly, your roof has its lifespan; more so, the roof, which defends against elements like the sun, hailstorms, wind, and snow. Most roofs will last for between two to three decades, or longer depending on factors such as the roofing material. Also, exposure to elements, such as hail storm and snow and time can take a toll on your roof, causing damage over time. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until you have roof leaks for you to tell that it is time to replace your old roof with a new one. Old roofs begin to manifest some indications that they need replacement, though some homeowners do not figure that out until the damage is severe. Roof replacement, unlike roof repair, requires re-installation of a new roof or placing a new one on top of the old roof. You need to call a roofing contractor anytime you notice these warning signs to have your old roof replaced.
Eroded shingles
Damaged or eroded roof shingles are a visible sign that your home needs a roof replacement. Asphalt shingles curl over the years as the asphalt layers detach themselves from the backing material. If you notice cracked, dark, curled, moist, dirty, or missing shingles, you should call a roofing contractor immediately to check on your roof. Mostly, these signs indicate shingles old so you require a new roof.
Granules in gutters
If you notice granules of eroded shingles, which look like large sand grains on your gutters, then it is time you invested in a new roof for your home. You will probably notice these granules once the rain washes the shingles off to the gutters. However, it is normal to find a few of the granules on the gutters because the gradual washing away of pellets results from a waterfall. But, a lot of granules in the gutters and runoff indicate that your asphalts are becoming lost from the backing material. If this happens over a long period, you will realize bald shingles. Besides, roofs tend to lose a lot of granules as they get old or towards the end of their lives. Therefore, a huge amount of granules is an indication of advanced wear on your roofs; thus, you need to hire a contractor for a new roof installation.
Leaks
A leak on your roof is the clearest indication that you need to replace your old roof. Also, it could be a sign of massive roof damage. Moisture buildup, water trails and dark spots on roofs are all signs of water damage. One of the ways you can spot this sign is by looking in your attic space.
In most cases, by the time you realize roof leaks, it must be happening in several areas on your roof. Therefore, you need to re-roof your entire house before the roof falls on you. Additionally, discolored roofs, pipes, chimneys, and vents are also a sign of roof leaks. Presence of algae and moss on roofs is also an indication of roof leaks because they thrive in moist and wet areas, which means that your roof has enough moisture to encourage their growth.
Sagging flat roofs
When your roof is exposed to extreme weather conditions, it gets damaged because the conditions impact its functionality. The board of the roof begins to break and buckle due to the weight of the water, which causes sagging of the roof. A sagging roof is a hazard to the residents because it can come down on them anytime. Therefore, make sure you replace the roof immediately. Also, a sagging roof can be an indication of other issues, such as the decking in the attic, or worse still the support of the foundation.
The 32nd birthday of your roof is approaching
Asphalt shingle roofs last for 20 or 30 years. Therefore, if you have a 40-year roof, you should replace it before it becomes a worse problem that it is. Also, the condition of your roof affects your monthly energy bills because the warm or cold air could be leaking through your roof.
