Most roofs made out of modern roofing materials are supposed to last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, but they may need to be replaced sooner if they’re damaged by severe weather or if they develop leaks. If you’re finding it difficult to determine whether your roof needs to be replaced, we’ve got a list of a few things you can look for that will help you determine whether it’s time to replace your roof.
1. There Are Leaks in Your Roof
A leak should be a very big red flag that prompts you to consider whether you need a new roof. At the same time, a leak may be due to some specific cause that can be remedied without replacing your entire roof. Anytime you have a leak, though, it is absolutely crucial to act quickly to find the source of the leak and get it addressed, because a leak can cause serious damage to your home if it is not taken care of right away.
Call in a roof specialist like Precision Gutters and Roofing to help. If it is just a cracked shingle or missing tile, then only a quick roof repair will be needed. If the problem is more pervasive and you will need a new roof, your roofing company can still provide some protective covering for your roof to prevent further leaks and damage to your home until you can have your roof replaced.
2. The Roof Is Sagging or Has Structural Damage
A sagging roof is also a tell-tale sign that your roof suffers from a design flaw or has been damaged by the elements. If the roof isn’t properly supported, it will sag under the weight of the shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials you have. High winds can also cause damage that ends up putting pressure on the structure of the roof. Over time, this pressure may cause a roof to sag or even to collapse.
Structural damage can also be caused by gutters that are not properly angled or not large enough to handle the load, which will cause water to spill over the sides. If you suspect that your gutters may be to blame for damage to your roof structure, then it might be time to consider upgrading your home’s gutters.
3. There’s Daylight Coming Through the Roof Panels
Over time, roof panels can become worn and damaged, allowing daylight to shine through. It is a good practice to climb up into your attic space on a nice bright day now and then to see if you notice any places where light is shining through, especially around the edges of chimneys or other roof joints.
There are several reasons why you might spot cracks. The most common is that the sealant around the edges of the panels has deteriorated, allowing light to pass through them. In some cases, the panels themselves may have cracked or broken, letting in sunlight. A reputable roofer will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action–whether a relatively simple repair, or a whole new roof.
4. Shingles Are Missing, Cracked, or Curling
Shingles can curl or crack for several reasons, including age, exposure to the elements, or improper installation. This means you’ll either need a full roof replacement, or a thorough repair to extend the life of your roof. In either case, it’s important to contact your local roofing company sooner rather than later to avoid further damage to your home.
5. The Roof Has Hit Its Expected Lifespan
Different types of roofs have different estimated lifespans. For example, asphalt shingles typically last between 15 and 25 years, while built-up roof (BUR) can last up to 20 or 30 years. Slate roofs, on the other hand, are estimated to last 100 years or more. Clay or cement roofs usually fall somewhere in the middle, with a lifespan of 50 to 100 years. If you are hitting these limits or coming close to them, or if there are irregularities or damage to your roof that are visible–even if you have no leaks or other obvious problems–it is time to call in an experienced roofer to assess when you need to replace your roof.
The next time you are outside inspecting your home, take the time to inspect your roof yourself, even if you’re not an expert. If you do spot any of these signs, contact us at Precision Gutters and Roofing and set up an appointment. We think it’s important to make sure that your home is in the best condition possible, because if you take care of your house, your house will take care of you.