A roof is meant to have a lifetime guarantee, but what happens when that lifetime runs out? While some homeowners may be able to get away with keeping a roof for a little longer past its shelf life, there are times when noticeable signs will tell you that it’s probably time to get it repaired, partially replaced or fully removed to make way for a new one.
While a roof is a durable part of the home, once it’s compromised, it can impact other parts of the home, including the property’s structural integrity.
With that being said, here are some clear signs that your home needs a new roof.
Damaged shingles
Damaged shingles can often be one of the first things that are spotted when it comes to getting the roof checked and potentially repaired. If there are any cracked, blistered, curled or missing shingles, this can often be a sign of wear and tear, making it a necessary sign that something needs to be done fast to fix it.
Granules in the gutters
A lot of shingles have this grit that can go into your gutters over time as the roof tends to wear down. For anyone unsure of what that means, it basically indicates that the protective layer of the roof is failing. When the protective layer of the roof is no longer effective, it’s a pretty big tell that a repair or replacement is on the cards.
Sagging or uneven roofing
This is one of the most noticeable of signs, especially if you’re taking a good look at your roof on an almost daily basis. Just like anything, visible differences to your home or belongings are often a tell-tale sign that something is wrong, and the roof is no different.
A visible dip or hump in the roofline can indicate structural issues, and when this is present, it means you want to act pretty fast in order to get it fixed.
Moss and algae growth
This is perhaps one of the less crucial signs that your roof is damaged, but it probably acts more as a warning signal.
Most roofs will be susceptible to algae and moss growth on the roof tiles themselves. As debris gets blown onto your roof, these materials can grow, and it’s extensive moss or algae growth that can trap moisture and damage the healthy shingles.
It’s therefore important to get this removed before it does any major and expensive damage.
Damaged flashing
Rusted or cracked metal flashing that’s found around chimneys and vents, is a problem. It can let water into your roof, which can cause major damage and leaks in the rest of the home.
If flashing is damaged, it’s not necessarily noticeable until someone professional is up on the roof, which is why getting your roof checked annually is essential.
There are a number of interior signs that would suggest you need to get in touch with the recommended HUP! Installers to get a new roof. Let’s take a look at what these are.
Water stains and peeling paint
Over time, every room in your home is likely going to need a lick of paint in order to update the space and keep it fresh. Wear and tear can result in peeling paint or rips in wallpaper, etc. However, one visible sign that there might be a compromise in your roof space is water stains and peeling paint, which cause brown, yellow or dark spots.
This is a classic sign that a leak occurred, and usually dried water stains may indicate that the leak has stopped for now. It’s essential that you find the source of the leak and that it’s addressed before it continues to do any more structural damage.
Mould/mildew and musty smells
As you navigate your home daily, you’ll start to notice its little quirks, the way the home should usually feel or smell.
Photo by michael schaffler on Unsplash
Smell is a very distinctive sense and something that can be noticeable in the home when the scent is a new one or isn’t typically smelled around the home.
Dampness from leaks will foster mould growth, which will often be found in attics or in upper rooms. Therefore, it’s a good idea to look at where the smells are coming from and to address these problems sooner rather than later. It can often indicate a compromise that is damaging your home’s structure, particularly the roof in general.
Daylight in the loft
It’s a pretty noticeable thing when you’re up in the attic, and you can see daylight shining through your roof. This is a fairly obvious problem, and when there’s a gap in the roof space where daylight can be seen, then there’s a chance its presence has already been causing some damage.
From weather damage to potential pest invasions, gaps in the roof need to be addressed as soon as you spot them.
High energy bills
Of course, high energy bills aren’t uncommon in this day and age and often point to increased usage of heating, particularly in colder months. However, when there’s a significant and unusual spike in your energy bills that’s not justified by price increases made by the company, that can usually be a sign of a problem with your home’s energy efficiency.
It might not be a problem with the roof per se, but it’s definitely a part of the home that should be looked at to see if it’s the sole cause or contributor to the high energy bills.
Roof age
Most standard roofs will last around twenty-five years, with some pushing past fifty depending on the quality, maintenance and upkeep.
Therefore, it’s good to take a look at the roof’s age and to consider the time in which it was installed, as not all homeowners will have been in the home when it was first put in.
If it’s older than twenty-five years, then you might see signs that would indicate it’s time to replace it.
Multiple repairs have already been done
Had multiple roof repairs for the roof? From small patches of issues to more substantial repairs, there will come a point where you’ve had enough one-off repairs and now need a replacement to make it more cost-effective.
Being aware of potential roof problems is always good so that you can address them sooner rather than later.
Leave a Reply