Your roof is designed to withstand elements and serve you for many years. But even the most durable roofing material will wear down at some point. The durability of a roof will depend on various factors like its material type, quality of craftsmanship, and maintenance levels. Watch for these six signs that indicate you need to replace your roof.
1. Old Roof
Your roofing material will determine when the roof is old enough to be replaced. For example, 3-tab asphalt shingles usually last 20 to 25 years. Therefore, if you have an asphalt shingle roof that is over 25 years old, you need to consider a roof replacement.
Other roofing materials like clay, concrete, and metal can last over 50 years. Consider the material you have on your roof and its age to determine if the time for a replacement has come. If you’re unsure about your roof’s age, you can schedule a professional inspection to assess if a replacement is necessary.
2. Sagging Roof
A sagging roof is dangerous. In the event of a large impact or extreme elements, the entire roof could collapse and damage your belongings or injure people inside the house.
Roof sagging is a symptom of structural damage, which could happen due to water damage, too much weight on the roof, poor roof installation, or old age. While repairs may work for minor sagging, major sagging that compromises the structure of your house will need a complete roof replacement.
3. Wind-Torn Shingles
If a vast windstorm hits an aging, unmaintained roof, it may result in shingles being broken, torn, or blown off completely. Failure to address the problem quickly will result in additional issues such as leaks.
Repairing or replacing only the missing or damaged shingles can fix the problem. But if a large section of the roof has missing shingles, consider a roof replacement. Besides, replacing the roof allows you to address any other internal roof damage that the windstorm may have caused.
4. Deteriorated Flashing
If the flashing around your home’s ventilation or chimney is loose, cracked, or deteriorating, there is cause for alarm. Flashing aims to prevent water from penetrating these areas of your roof, so you can expect leaks and water damage as the flashing deteriorates. If it is old and made of tar or asphalt, consider having a new roof with a metal flashing system to prevent leaks.
5. Animals on the Roof
While a friendly flock of sparrows is nothing to worry about, there’s cause for worry if animals like woodpeckers, raccoons, and squirrels build their nests on your roof. These pesky creatures can chew or tear apart your roofing materials.
Ignoring these animals will result in severe problems such as roof punctures, leaks, and broken shingles; hence, seek roof replacement services as soon as possible. If there is severe damage already, it may be time to get a new roof.
6. Frequent Leaks
Your roof isn’t made up of a single sheet. It has multiple layers, moisture barriers, and joints, all working together to insulate and keep the interior of your house dry.
Over time, different parts may fail, causing leaks inside the house. If you’re always repairing leaks, but the problem keeps recurring, it’s likely multiple parts are failing; thus, the most reliable option is to replace the entire roof.
If you have seen these warning signs on your roof, call a professional to inspect and replace the roof before more serious issues crop up. At Precise Roofing & Contracting, our expert contractors have been replacing, repairing, and maintaining roofs for years. Contact us today for exceptional roofing services.
