You cannot overstate the importance of a functional and
reliable roof in your home. It protects you and your belongings from weather
elements like snow and rain and helps you to remain warm throughout the cold
nights. That’s why it’s vital to keep an eye on your roof and watch out for
signs of a failing roof. The lifespan of most roofs is between 20 and 25 years.
Regular maintenance is essential in keeping your roof in perfect shape
throughout its lifespan. Ensure that you inspect your roof at least twice a
year and hire a reputable roofer to fix any issues before they escalate to
costlier repairs or replacements. Here is a guideline to help you know when a
new roof installation is necessary.
Signs You Need a New Roof
It can be hard to know when you need a roof replacement
because you don’t inspect your roof daily. Fortunately, you can watch out for
sure signs that indicate the need for a roof replacement. Climbing onto the
roof is dangerous, so only inspect your roof by walking around your home’s
exterior or evaluate the interior. If you notice these signs inside or outside
your home, call your roofer for roof installation.
Signs of Roof Replacement Inside the House
Visible Leaks
Roof leaks can happen due to different reasons like storm
damage or worn-out roofing materials. When roofing materials weaken due to old
age or storm damage, water seeps through the shingles and gets into the house.
Roof leaks cause water intrusion and visible water puddles inside your house.
If you notice multiple or persistent roof leaks, call a roofer to replace your
roof.
The Sight of Light Shining Through Roof Boards
If you notice small streaks of light or cracks from your
attic or another location inside your roof when the lights are off, that’s a
sign you are due for roof replacement. It indicates missing shingles or roof
damage. An experienced roofing contractor will replace the roof at any
indication of light getting through your roof to the inside.
Mold or Mildew Growth
Mildew or mold growth on your walls or ceiling is a sign of
condensation problems or a leaky roof. Algae and moss growth on your walls and
ceilings also indicate the need for a roof replacement. It’s best to contact
your roofer to install a new roof and fix the leak issue before the mold, moss,
or algae growth worsens.
Bubbling Paint on the Ceiling
If your ceiling paint is cracking or bubbling, it could
indicate roof damage. You may also notice discoloration, rust, green spotting,
or damp paint on your walls or ceiling. They are signs of roof damage that you
shouldn’t ignore. Unfortunately, painting over the cracking or bubbling paint
won’t solve the problem. Hire a roofer to replace your old roof to sort the
issue.
Signs of Roof Replacement Outside the House
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Looped or Coiled Shingles
Warped or curled shingles are a telltale sign of a damaged
roof. Moisture in your attic can cause warping, which exposes your house to
weather elements during strong wind or heavy rainfall. A professional roofer
will replace your old roof and waterproof it for protection.
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Granules in the Gutter
The granules in roof shingles are essential in resisting
fires and reflecting UV rays from the sun. However, the granules come off over
the years due to heat exposure and weathering. Hail storms also cause granule
loss that eventually causes roof failure. A few granules in the gutter
shouldn’t cause panic, but call your roofer for roof replacement if they are
many.
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Loose Roof Tiles
During an annual roof inspection, look out for loose tiles.
If you notice any loose roof tiles, it’s time to replace your roof. A damaged
or loose roof tile can easily cave into your house and harm you or damage your
property.
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Sagging Roof Lines
Rooflines shouldn’t be sagging. Besides being an aesthetic
problem, sagging roof lines indicate a failing roof. Sagging roof lines are
often common in older roofs that are more than two decades old. Seek immediate
attention from a roofer for roof replacement.
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Excessively High Energy Bills
Inadequate attic and roof insulation can increase your
energy bills. Talk to your roof to improve your roof and attic insulation to
help reduce your energy bills. You might also need a roof replacement if the
current roof color isn’t helping to save energy.
Advantages of Roof Replacement
Investing in a new roof has several benefits, including
energy savings and increasing your home’s value. Roof replacements improve curb
appeal because moss growing on a roof and missing shingles make your home
appear poorly maintained and old. A new roof enhances your home’s appearance.
New roofs are designed with modern technologies, so roof replacement helps you
benefit from unique features and developments of new roofing technologies.
What Does Roof Damage Look Like?
Roof damage exposes your home to issues, such as mold
growth, water damage or rot, and wildlife infestations. Unfortunately, roof
damage can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements. How roof
damage looks like on your roof depends on the type and extent of the damage.
Water damage leaves your roof leaking and can cause mold and algae growth. Some
signs of wind damage on your roof may include missing shingles and thin
horizontal lines where granules wear off. Signs of hail roof damage include
indentations in the shingles, large piles of granules at the downspout edges,
round-shaped divots on shingles’ edges.
Does Home Owner’s Insurance Cover a New Roof?
Homeowner’s insurance may cover the entire or part of the
roof replacement costs if the roof damage is due to an unexpected storm or
accident. For instance, some homeowners’ insurance policies cover roof damage
from hail with exceptions like your location and policy. It’s vital to
understand your policy and ask for additional coverage in advance before roof
damages happen. Roof replacement costs vary depending on several factors, such
as the roof size, labor costs, and the season of the year. It’s wise to gather
roof replacement costs from several roofers. In case your insurance doesn’t
cover all the roof replacement costs, you may consider financing options.
A roof replacement isn’t an easy decision, especially if you
are working on a budget. However, a new roof enormously impacts the future of
your home and provides stability and protection against weather elements. If
you notice signs, such as leaky roofs, loose roof tiles, sagging roofline, and
granules in the gutter, ensure that you hire a reputable roofer to replace your
old roof.
