A good roof is essential for protecting your home from the elements. If your roof has extensive damage, a replacement roof may be the only viable solution. Most homeowners ignore roof problems until they cause them inconvenience. However, timely repairs help you maintain your roof’s structural integrity.
It is not too late to replace your roof if it has a few damaged spots. The signs below may call for a roof replacement.
1. An Old Roof
Roofing materials have varying lifespans. For instance, asphalt roofing lasts between 20-30 years, while slate tiles can last over a hundred years. If your roof is past its lifespan, it is time to start exploring replacement options. If you are unsure of your roof’s lifespan, consult your roofing contractor.
If you bought your home with the roof already installed, check the home improvement records to determine how long ago the former owner installed the roof. If you have an asphalt shingle roof that needs replacement, ensure your contractor does not install new shingles over the old ones, as this shortens the roof’s lifespan.
2. A Rotten Roof
Roof root is a sign of moisture damage that is common on wooden roof decking. Roof rot often happens after prolonged exposure to moisture, which causes fungus growth on your roof. After fungus grows, it deteriorates your roof, compromising its structural integrity.
Other signs of roof rot include:
Sagging or Bowing
If some spots on your roof look droopy, your roof has structural damage. Saggy spots result from moisture damage on the roof’s supports. When your roof deck absorbs too much moisture, it starts to swell, making your roof appear to have sunk.
Eventually, the decking caves in due to the moisture damage. If your roof collapses, it may also injure you and anyone else occupying your house.
If your roof looks saggy, try and get to the top and touch it to feel for soft spots. Spongy spots are a sign of water damage. If you are queasy about heights, hire a roof inspector to check your roof for moisture damage.
Interior Damage
Roof rot spreads to other wood structures in the home when unchecked. It may even cause damage to wiring covered by wood structures. The attic is the first interior structure to bear the brunt of roof rot. As the attic starts rotting, it loses its insulative properties. As a result, your home loses its energy efficiency. So if your electricity bills have suddenly increased, consider having your roof inspected for damage.
You cannot fix roof rot with repairs, and it continues to grow when ignored. The best way to deal with a rotting roof is to replace it with a new roof.
3. Roof Punctures or Cracks
If you can see sunlight through your ceiling or attic, your roof has holes. If you live in a storm-prone area, your roof is vulnerable to damage from debris that the wind picks up. Sometimes the force of debris may be enough to puncture your roof. Though rare, hail occasionally punctures the roof.
If you have a shingle roof, you can replace the damaged shingles. But if the holes and cracks on your roof are extensive, consider getting a roof replacement. Punctures are a source of water leaks when it rains. So if your roof has many punctures, you risk water damage to your home. Pests also enter the home through holes in the roof. Therefore, treat roof punctures as an emergency.
If you have observed any of the above signs, get in touch with your roofing contractor to discuss the best course of action. Rays Harford Home Improvement Contractors, Inc. offers roofing services throughout Harford county. Contact us today to get free estimates.
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A good roof is essential for protecting your home from the elements. If your roof has extensive damage, a replacement roof may be the only viable solution. Most homeowners ignore roof problems until they cause them inconvenience. However, timely repairs help you maintain your roof’s structural integrity.
It is not too late to replace your roof if it has a few damaged spots. The signs below may call for a roof replacement.
