Do you need a new roof? Roof replacements are an essential aspect of homeownership, so it's vital to recognize the indicators that your roof is impaired. Leaks are more likely in damaged shingles or have outlived their useful life. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, roof repairs and replacement are required at least once every two years. Although periodic roof maintenance can help keep your roof in good condition for as long as possible, eventually, every roof must be replaced, so you'll want to know when it's time to replace yours. Many homeowners want to get a new roof before they are ready. Some people believe they require a new roof after finding a leak in their current one. In this article, I will discuss, 'what are the 5 signs you need a new roof?'
5 signs that show you need a new roof
If your current roof is reaching the end of its useful life, if it appears old and worn, or if you have persistent leaks, it may be time to replace it. If you detect any of these symptoms on your roof, they might still be repairable with a minor roof repair. Call a local roofing firm to have an inspection.
Age of the roof
Before you go for a roof replacement, you should first understand the lifespan of your current roofing material. This is one of the essential things to think about. Depending on the type, asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of 15-50 years in residential homes. If your roof is more than 15 years old, consider having it inspected by a professional. Asphalt shingle roofs loosen over time owing to the granules falling off of the shingle, making walking on them considerably more dangerous. That's why it's advised to hire an expert company to come out and look at your roof.
Granule Loss
The granules on Shingles' first line of protection from the sun's UV light are its tiny rocks, which are coated with paint and make up an asphalt shingle. If you're standing on the ground and looking at your roof, you'll see what appear to be "bald areas" on the shingles where the texture, pattern, and depth aren't as apparent as they are on other shingles in the neighborhood. You could also see granules building up in your gutters or downspouts. Granule loss on shingles indicates age, wear, and possible storm damage. Fortunately, some homeowners may choose to have a minor roof repair instead of a complete roof replacement in certain situations. However, you should get advice from a professional if you're thinking of replacing it.
Read more: How often should you replace your roof shingles?
Missing Shingles
It may seem obvious, but we speak with homeowners all the time who didn't realize they were missing shingles or thought it was okay to lose a few. Missing shingles are a warning that your roof may be failing or need to be replaced. A roof that missing shingles are more likely to leak. You may be able to repair the few missing shingles as a bit of roof repair, but your roof should still be inspected for any water damage that occurred without shingle coverage before you decide whether or not to fix it. Water can seep through the spaces in your roof shingles if there is a leak, causing water-damaged roof decking and enabling mold to develop in your living area.
Read more: How often should you replace your roof?
Leaks
Finding water inside your home is perhaps the most obvious indication that you need a new roof. Check your attic, especially after rain, and look for clues of water penetration. Because significant leaks in your house are most likely to start there, look for signs of water penetration. However, keep in mind that water may travel a considerable distance from the entry point to where it finally appears.
Ice dams are caused by melting snow on the roof, which runs down to the eaves and freezes. When more water flows down and collides with the ice dam, it may flow up and under the asphalt shingles, potentially damaging the roof deck.
On the other hand, a complete roof replacement is sometimes not required to address an issue. Some shingles may have blown off, or some flashing may have come free, exposing the Roof Deck to the weather.
Regardless, no matter how minor the problem appears to be, do not hesitate to get it looked at and fixed right away before it gets worse or becomes more expensive to repair. The majority of skilled roofers provide low-cost roof inspections.
Curling Shingles
When you observe your shingles curling, it's an indication that the asphalt in the shingles is drying and contracting with time, causing them to become brittle. If you don't repair your roof immediately, it will be more prone to high winds because the wind will start catching beneath the shingle and lifting it, causing the shingle to curl and eventually detach. While a few curled shingles may be restored, you will almost certainly require a complete roof replacement if this is a widespread problem.
Costing For New Roofs
The expense of a new roof may be frightening to homeowners, and we understand why. Roofs are one of the most expensive aspects of your property to maintain, and they play an essential role in real estate transactions for buyers and sellers. The cost to replace your roof and have a new one may vary substantially depending on your location. The national average for replacing a roof and getting a new one is between $5,000 and $30,000. The expense of a new roof is determined by the size of your property, the type of roof you want, and the materials you use.
There are websites, such as this roof cost calculator, that can assist you to have an idea of how much it will cost you to replace your entire roof. However, we recommend employing a local roofing business and requesting a free inspection and estimate instead of using a website. Having an expert come out to double-check exact measurements and give a thorough examination might help you obtain a more accurate quote.
Homeowners insurance usually covers the replacement of your roof if it is damaged by wind, hail, lightning, or active god parallels. If you think your roof has storm damage and want to know whether it is covered under your homeowner's policy, consult with a roofing business in your region to assess it. A professional contractor can help you with the entire insurance claim procedure, which includes: meeting with your insurance adjuster to review the damages, filing a claim and making sure the inspection is done correctly, establishing the correct scope of roof repair, ensuring that the carrier is allowing for all of the necessary things to bring your property back to pre-loss status.