Most people don’t give much thought to the roof over their heads, not until it leaks! Don’t simply disregard your roof until water enters the ceiling and you’re forced to break out the buckets. To avoid this scenario, homeowners should clear debris from rooftops, drains, gutters, and downspouts while inspecting for damage signs. Here are a few indicators that your home needs a new roof:
1. The Roof Is About to Turn 25
Homeowners should look through their receipts and home improvement records to determine when their roof was last updated. Asphalt shingle systems typically have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. If that time frame has elapsed, most homeowners can begin considering a roof replacement project.
It should be noted that shingles laid on top of an existing layer of shingles may not survive as long. This type of roof shingle application often lasts twenty years.
2. Missing Shingles
Missing shingles is a surefire sign that you need a new roof. This happens when the shingle itself gets weaker, and the glue holding the bottom to the course below starts to come loose. At that point, all it takes to get a shingle to fall off is the right gust of wind.
But one or two missing shingles won’t bring the house down. In some cases, a bad installation could be to blame. The roof could be fixed pretty quickly, but the color of the shingles might not be a perfect match.
3. Cupping, curling, or clawing Shingles
Cupping, curling, or clawing are all signs that a roof is getting close to the end of its life. Cupping and curling both look like the ends of the shingles are drifting away from the roofing frame below them, and their edges are starting to curl upward.
Clawing is when the middle of the shingle lifts off the roof while the ends stay in place. Neither case is a good sign for your roof. These conditions are usually caused by high temperatures, wrong installation, lack of airflow, or old age. Call a roofing company near you if your roof has one of these issues for an immediate solution.
4. Sagging Roof
One of the most apparent indications that it’s time to replace your roof is if it’s beginning to sag. Sagging occurs when an issue with the roof’s framework isn’t visible from the surface, such as extensive water damage or a damaged rafter. Whatever the case may be, a roofing contractor will have to remove the roof shingles and plywood sheathing to get to the root of the issue.
5. Water Damage
Water damage on the inside of the house clearly indicates that the roof is failing to keep the outdoor elements out. Ice dams, broken shingles, rusted flashing, or sloppy installation could all contribute to this problem. Whatever the cause of the leak, it’s important for homeowners to address the problem as soon as possible.
A roof leak can cause the growth of mold and the invasion of unwanted insects like carpenter ants. And to prevent this from happening in your home, it’s best to call the best roofing company to inspect your roof as soon as you notice water damage.