Top 6 Signs You Need A Roof Replacement
New year, new roof? It’s often difficult for our clients to decipher whether or not they need a total roof replacement. Many times, people wait until a problem actually occurs – and water is pouring in – before they address a much-needed replacement. But how can you, as a homeowner, know when it is time to start fresh? Check out the 6 signs below to decide if a reroof is right for you!
Review Your Existing Roof Records: The best place to start is by looking at your existing roof records. If you know when the roof was installed, it will provide you with more insight into the lifespan of the materials. While a typical architectural shingle roof can last 20-25 years, the manufacturer and contractor warranty on it may be shorter, which in turn can cause insurance companies to drop your coverage unless the roof is replaced. In Florida, insurance companies tend to start looking for roof replacement anywhere from the 10-18 year mark on tile and shingle roofs, and a bit longer for metal roofs. Knowing this ahead of time can prevent you from the “surprise” of your insurance company stating that they are dropping coverage.
Don’t Avoid The Attic: The first place to check for any signs of roof damage is in your attic space. If you see any cracks where light is coming through, stains, drips, or soggy spots – this is signaling a leaky and damaged roof! It is best to get to the root of the problem before it manifests itself as a larger issue that is more expensive to fix. Remember, rotting wood can be expensive to replace if you allow water damage to get out of hand and spread throughout the entire roof decking.
Focus On The Flashing: Flashing – the material used to prevent water from entering the openings and cracks of a roof around walls, chimneys, pipes, roof valleys, etc. – is a common place where damage can occur over time. In older homes, this flashing can be made of roofing cement or tar, but it is best to upgrade to a metal flashing system which is less likely to have cracks or breaks which allow water in.
Set Your Sights On Your Shingles: Shingles should always be lying flat against the roof. If large patches are buckling, cracked, or torn – it is most likely time for a roof replacement. Also check the shingle composition – if your asphalt shingles are missing a lot of granules, and you see granules lying in your gutters or downspouts, it is a sign that your roof is nearing the end of its life.
Remember To Check For Rot: If you look at your home’s roof from the outside and notice drooping, sagging, or soft spots – this is surely a sign that your roof needs replacing. This means that moisture is most likely trapped in the roof’s decking and has the potential to cause severe water damage to the inside of your home if the issue is left untreated.
Don’t Put Up With Plants: – Moss, fungi, algae, and leaf debris can spell trouble for your roof if left untreated. If you have extensive moss, fungi or algae growing on your roof – it could be an indicator of trapped moisture. Likewise, fallen leaf debris can wreak havoc on shingle roofs and create areas of mold and dry rot. Sometimes, you may be able to get by with cleaning and repairing the area – however, if the moisture has caused large sections of the decking to become warped, it is time for a roof replacement.
If all of this sounds overwhelming – don’t panic! Code Red Roofers is here to help. We provide FREE ESTIMATES and can assist you in figuring out if a roof replacement is right for you!