The roof needs constant repairing and maintenance. Over the period of time, the roofing material gets worn out, and the color of the roof fades away. Many warning signs indicate that it is time for you to consider roof replacement. You can get your roof replaced by the same roofing contractor, or you can contact a new roofing company.
For choosing the roofing material for your home, one must go with reliable roofing, as it is more durable. One should keep an eye on the roof, maintain it, and consult a roofing contractor if there are any signs of failure. If you recognize the damage early, roofing repairment will cost you a lot less money than roof replacement.
Here are the 5 warning signs you should look for:
What are the Warnings Signs?
-
Roof Cracks
Cracks can develop in roofing mostly due to strong winds and harsh weather conditions. If a few shingles are cracked, you can get them repaired. If the cracks are dispersed and evident on the complete roof, it indicates that you should get new roofing.
Once you have noticed the wide-spread cracks, do not wait for a more extended period of time, as it can cause damage to life as well. Contact your nearest roof replacement contractor and save your family from an unexpected tragedy.
Look for missing granules too. An easy way is to spot any patches on the shingles. Granules protect the asphalt in shingles against UV rays. So no granules mean the shingles are going to deteriorate drastically.
-
Mold Growth
Due to leaky roofs, plumbing issues, mold and mildew can grow on the walls and ceiling. If you see algae, mold, mildew, and moss growing, then get it repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, roof replacement will cost you more.
The fungal growth can be not only disastrous for your roof but also cause serious health issues for you and your family. The reasons for such growth varies and so do the consequences.
Black and green algae can cause the roof to rot and eat away the shingles. The humid and damp climate favors the growth of algae, and it is mainly found in the gutters. Mold forms in the moisture and can be a major warning sign for your roof. It has a disgusting smell and forms on wood and dries well.
Mildew is also formed on wet surfaces and has a powdery appearance. It spreads faster than any other kind of growth. During the rainy seasons, all these growths can develop in your roof, thus causing it damage.
There are chances that you will see these growths on time; otherwise, you have to get your roof replaced before the following season.
-
Roof Leaks
A roof leak is one of the warning signs that indicate that you must get your roof replaced. During rainfall, water can enter your attic and damage the material. And if it’s snowing, the damage can be even worse. Flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys also get worn out and could lead to leaks.
If you see leaks confined to a particular area on the roof, it may not need a roof replacement. In that case, roof repairing will solve your problem. But, if there are more than a few leaks, you must consider getting the roof replaced.
-
Poor Insulation
A poorly insulated roofing might not directly be the reason for roof replacement, but your heating bills will touch the sky in the winter season due to bad insulation. Either you can keep paying high bills for many seasons or invest some money in roof replacement. While deciding the material, there are many factors that one must keep in mind, and insulation is one of them.
-
Age of Roof
Every roofing material has a certain life expectancy; some work for a shorter time, while others might last a few more years. If your roofing is at the end of its life expectancy, you should get it replaced without any alarming warning signs.
The life expectancy of wood shingles is 30-40 years, and wood shakes 20-40 years, metal 70 years. Slate has a life expectancy of 100 years or even longer than that. Most of the homes were built in the late 1960s, but it’s 2021 now, and a roof replacement is overdue.
What is the best time to replace a roof?
You don’t want to replace your roof in extreme snowy weather. Apart from snow and ice, freezing temperatures make roofing material brittle, and sealants don’t hold properly. Similarly, hot summer days come with their own challenges.
So, when should you replace the roof?
Spring and fall seasons are your best bet to get your roof replaced. The temperatures are ideal, and the weather poses no problems to any equipment or roofing material. Nonetheless, contact your roofing contractor, and they’ll work with you to schedule the best time to replace your roof.
One Caveat: Due to the high demand for roof replacement in spring and fall, the rates go up, and time slots become limited. It’s better to book a meeting with the contractor beforehand.
Conclusion
There are many warning signs for roof replacement, and if you keep putting the task off, more severe problems can occur. Your life can be at risk, and more delays will cost you a lot more money. Leaks and cracks can develop in the roof, or fungal growth makes a home in the attic during the rainy seasons. Your roof material might be outdated, and all these are the warning signs for you to get your roof replaced.
Can you replace your own roof? Not really. Many roofing companies offer roof repairing, roof replacement services, and valuable consultancy. Ping your nearest roofing contractor immediately if you spot any of these warning signs.
