Life Expectancy Of The Roof
According to most roofing experts, a standard roof should last between 20-25 years, depending on the initial installation and upkeep. If your roof is reaching the end of its life expectancy or is in a bad state of repair, you must arrange to have it replaced to avoid any damage to the interior of your home.
Entire Shingles Are Missing
From a functional standpoint, there should be no problem with just replacing a few shingles here and there. “What you do need to be prepared for is the fact that it’s just about impossible to get a new shingle to match the color of an old one,” says Graham. “Granule colors have changed pretty significantly over the years. Plus, the colors change slightly with weathering.”
How much time you’ve got left: You can keep patching until a bigger issue presents itself, but if a roof starts to look like a checkerboard, people often opt to replace the whole thing.
Sign #: Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the material placed around objects that protrude from roofs, such as your chimney and roof vents. Flashing is designed to prevent the movement of water into your roof by averting the water away from seams where water runoff is greater. It is made up of thin pieces of impenetrable materials aluminium and galvanized steel are most popular.
Your flashing may be damaged as a result of the caulking material under the flashing drying out or deterioration of the material caused by weather and oxidation. Loose flashing is another common problem having loose flashing can cause water to seep, leak inside your walls and ceilings and cause extensive damage such as mould and mildew growth and rotted wood, which can cause irreparable damage to your roofing structure.
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Time For A New Roof 10 Signs Your Roof Needs To Be Replaced
Installing a new roof is a significant expense, and its one you dont want to face too often as a homeowner. Whether your roof is leaking and obviously damaged, or its just approaching its expected lifespan, there are some tell-tale signs to help you decide if you need a roof replacement. Capitol Improvements has been installing and replacing roofs of all types for over 30 years. In this article, well use our expertise to help you determine whether or not you need a new roof. Here’s how to tell if you need a new roof.
Check The Outside Of Your Roof
Interior roof checks only help determine if your roof has already suffered a breach. Checking the outside of your roof is how you identify and mitigate any problems before they affect the interior structure of your roof as well. Here are the most important things to pay attention to when performing an exterior roof check:
- Rotting A rotting roof cannot adequately protect your home from water damage. Rotten tiles can easily be broken off during a strong storm. Since Florida is prone to hurricanes, a rotting roof structure can compromise your entire home.
- Moss and Algae Build-up Moss and algae growth is common on many Florida rooftops, mainly because of the regions hot and humid climate. Although moss and algae build-up is more of an eyesore than a direct sign of rood decay, excessive growth can lead to rapid roof deterioration due to humidity.
- Missing or Decaying Shingles If you notice any spots with missing shingles, your roof is due for a repair and likely a complete replacement. If there are any places on your roof with several cracked, curling, or buckling shingles, you should consider installing a new roof.
- Granules in your Gutters Regardless of your roofs age, you should regularly check your gutters to make sure theyre draining correctly. While inspecting your gutters, pay attention to any shingle granules. A chipping roof means that a replacement is due, as shingles tend to lose more granules toward the end of their life cycle.
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Curling Or Buckling Shingles
When shingles start to curl or buckle, its a sign that theyre not longer properly attached and have likely already sustained damage. The curved surface can be caught by a strong wind, leading to further damage next time it storms. In some cases, a qualified roof repair company can replace specific shingles, but the problem can signal a larger problem.
Need A Roof Replacement
Aside from the subtle to not-so-subtle signs of damage we talked about, theres one more reason you might consider getting a roof replacement. That reason? Youre selling your home.
A compromised roof can complicate a housing sale very quickly. Even in a brisk sellers market, a damaged roof makes the home less desirable to buyers.
Your first thought may be to sell the house as is and let the buyer worry about it. Most of the time, this strategy will cost you a lot of money.
- Buyers want more than the price of the roof for a discount.
- Lenders dont want to extend a mortgage on a house with roof damage.
- Insurance companies inspect homes and deny coverage to houses with bad roofs.
Bottom line: Unless youre willing to take significantly less than your home is worth and limit buyers to those who offer cash, a good roof is required to sell your home.
When you need a new roof, contact Long Roofing at 844-602-LONG or visit us online today to request an estimate.
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The Entire Roof Is Sagging
This is when you should panic. “A sagging roof is typically an indication of a structural issue,” explains Graham. There could be a problem with the decking in the attic or, worse, with the supports in the foundation. “You’re not necessarily in imminent danger, but this is the kind of thing that’s a lot easier to take care of when it’s small and localized, than when it has progressed.”
How much time you’ve got left: Not much, if you do nothing. If you see a depression or a droop, call in an expert as soon as you can.
Missing Shingles Or Granules
In Florida, strong thunderstorms and hurricanes put a lot of strain on roofs. The extremely high winds often cause shingles to lift or fly off completely. Sometimes you can replace a shingle or two, but the potential for repair depends on the missing shingles location and the condition of those surrounding it.
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Your Flat Roof Is Torn Heat
Flat roofs are also prone to aging due to heat and UV exposure. If your flat roofs membrane is discolored or cracking, it may be time for a full replacement.
Built-up roofing and modified bitumen systems are prone to tearing from impacts like falling trees, as well as wind damage that can lift the upper tar layer. Look for torn sections or pieces that may be missing altogether.
The most critical issue to look for if you have a flat roof is pooling water. If the roofing structure underneath the top membrane is beginning to warp, your roof may be suffering moisture damage from standing water. When this is the case, your roof system may need to be replaced, including both the underlying roof platform and upper membranes. In addition to residential roofers, we’re also commercial roofers who can replace the flat roof.
Properties Around You Are Installing New Roofs
If you live in subdivisions or housing developments, you should pay attention to what others homeowners around you are doing.
Most developments buy and install elements like roofing simultaneously.
All things being equal, your neighbor replacing their old roof is a sign you should at least consider replacing yours.
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Cracks Puncture Holes Or Splits On A Flat Roof
Felt flat roofs often fall victim to cracks, puncture holes or splits round the edges of the roof caused by extreme weather. In turn, this can lead to water leaking through the gaps and can escalate to excessive water damage inside your home. Therefore, you must address this problem as quickly as possible and have your existing roof replaced.
As an accredited member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors , here at Abbey Roofing we recommend that your roof is inspected by a professional at least twice a year to ensure it remains in top working condition for many years to come. As a leading roofing company serving throughout Hertfordshire, we have a wealth of experience in providing first-class roof repairs, installations and replacements for:
Shingle Pieces In The Yard
Shingles dont always fall off in full strips. For deteriorating roofs, it can be just as typical to see small chunks of shingles in the yard, and its not always easy to see where theyre coming from. Homeowners that notice small pieces of shingles in their yards after a few different windstorms should consider getting a closer look at their roof or calling in a pro to inspect it.
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Your Shingles Are Cupping Clawing Or Curling
Cupping, clawing, and curling are some tell-tale signs that you need another roof. They often follow when you spot cracked shingles and notice disappearing shingle granules.
Cupping and curling shingles will peel away from the roof bed, pointing upwards. In clawing shingles, the ends of the asphalt roofing shingles will stay on the roof while the center parts lift upwards.
All of them are signs that your roof has lost its efficiency and that you should talk to a qualified roofing contractor about installing a new roof.
Remember, you dont have to re-install asphalt roofing shingles you can consider another roofing material. For example, metal roofs dont exhibit curling.
Bottom Line: Do I Need A New Roof
To prevent getting a new roof prematurely, take the time to do bi-annual inspections. With proper upkeep and regular inspections, you can stay on top of issues that could cause further damage to your home, and you might even be able to avoid buying a new roof. And while you may be able to complete some repairs, it never hurts to call a professional.
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How To Repair Your Roof
How to DIY a shingle repair
If your roof is less than 20 years old, but you still are considering repairs, make sure you do your research. You can often patch or repair a roof without having to replace the whole thing.
If youre confident in your DIY abilities, you can replace damaged shingles and underlay material yourself. Heres how:
- Locate the damaged shingle, lift it up with your fingers and pry out the nail with the back of your hammer
- Remove any old roofing cement residue with a wet rag and paint scraper
- Round off the back corners of the new shingle with a sharp knife or box cutter
- Slide the new shingle into place and secure it with roofing nails into each upper corner
- Cover the nailheads with roofing cement
You can buy shingles, roofing cement and nails at any home improvement store. Take a piece of your old shingle with you so an employee can point you towards the correct shingle.
How to find a roofer
If you think you need to replace your entire roof, research and find a reputable contractor. Make sure their license is authentic and up-to-date. Pay attention to whether their references recommend them without hesitation. You can also check sites like HomeAdvisor or Thumbtack for verified reviews of contractors in your zip code.
Contact Huber & Associates To Restore Your Historic Roof
If you’re the owner of a historical property and your roof is showing signs of age, Huber & Associates has the knowledge and experience to restore your roof to its original glory. Our award-winning roofing professionals specialize in historic roof restoration of any material including copper and slate on plantations, estates, courthouses, and various other types of historical residences and buildings.
To find out more about our services, contact us by filling out our form or calling 487-1040.
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Sign #1: Rotting Underlay
Roofs rely on the underlay and tiles working together to keep water out. If there is a single tear in the underlay, then you may be able to patch it, but since there is already an existing tear somewhere from the roof, it can be an area where water may seep through.
If you look at the outside of your roof, you might not be able to notice a roofing problem. A tiny leak in the roof can go undetected, and thats what makes it riskier. These leaks tend to grow in size, and youll only notice when water has already seeped through the underlay.
If the underlay is already worn out and rotting, then it will need a replacement. Rotted underlay can weaken the foundation of your roof and cause it to collapse. In this case, a new roof will be required, as its impossible to replace only the underlay of a roof.
What Are My Options
The greatest asset to a homeowner is a home inspection. If you get your roof inspected yearly, you will have all of the information regarding any necessary repairs. Keep in mind that roof maintenance is very important for ensuring no major damage has been caused. There is a roofing checklist that can assist you in making sure that all of your roofs working parts are in good shape. Always remember that a good roof should last between 15 and 20 years. A lot of the time depends on the environmental conditions. Homes that are in natural disaster scenarios will likely lose their roofs longevity.
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Your Roof Is Hit By Extreme Weather
The weather where you live and the kind of storms your roof faces factor into how much wear and tear it goes through. But its the extreme weather that hits your roof that will lead to roof replacement.
If a tornado hits your home, theres a good chance your roof has extensive damage. If the strong winds from the tornado rip up your shingles or a tree falls on your roof, then clearly, youre going to need a new one.
Straight-line winds will rip your shingles off your roof if theyre not properly installed and, depending on the extent of the damage, could lead to a roof replacement. If you have a metal roof system, then hail damage to your metal panels will lead to a replacement if the integrity of the metal is compromised.
But for an asphalt shingle roof to be replaced from hail, it has to cause damage to the soft metals that are on your roof. If any of this extreme weather causes heavy damage or your roof is a total loss, youll have to get a full roof replacement through your homeowners insurance.
To learn more about how the weather in your area can affect your roof, read this article on how the weather impacts the life of your new roof.
What You Need To Consider Before Replacing Your Roof
You just learned that you should get a roof replacement when its the right time for one. You also learned the 3 signs that its the right time for a new roof.
Before calling a roofing contractor or jumping right into the roof replacement process, there are some things you need to consider. To help you even further, we’re going to give you the 5 main things every homeowner should think about before getting a new roof.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided the residents of Nashville and surrounding areas with high-quality roof replacements since 1990. We take pride in our reputation and are proud to provide you with a lifetime warranty to protect your roof investment. If youre local to Nashville, dont hesitate to contact us for a free no-obligation roof assessment from one of our experts today.
To learn what you need to consider before getting a new roof, check out this article on the 5 Things You Need to Consider Before You Replace Your Roof.
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Daylight Shining Through Roof Boards
One of the first places to start when trying to determine if its time for a roof replacement is actually inside, up in the attic. Go up to your attic and look for any signs of daylight shining through the roof boards or decking .
Any signs of light can be a sure indicator of needing repairs or replacement immediately. While youre up there, you should also look for any dark streaks or stains, which are signs of water damage and should also be addressed immediately. Dont avoid damages like these, as they can get worse very quickly and lead to a roof replacement.
Its More Than 20 Years Old
Not every homeowner is a master record-keeper, and thats OK. If you no longer have the paperwork for your roof, you may still know the approximate age of the roof.
If you know your roof is approaching 20 years old or older, its a good time to have the roof inspected by a licensed contractor.
It may not be necessary to replace the roof quite yet, but having it inspected can help you repair minor problems and keep your roof intact as long as possible.
How long does your roof last? Below are the approximate lifespans of different roof types:
Roof Type |
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