Replacing your roof can be a difficult and expensive undertaking, one that you might have been putting off for a long time. No matter how long you wait to fix or replace your roof, there will come a time when you will have to get it over with, so you can keep your home and your family safe. Roofs don’t just add value and aesthetic appeal to houses; they also protect against the elements for those living under them. If you are unsure of the condition of your roof and don’t know whether it is time to replace it, here are some indicators that your roof needs to be replaced.
Sagging and Water Leaks
The first place you need to check to ensure that your roof isn’t damaged is the attic. Grab a ladder and a flashlight to take a close look at the underside of your roof. If your roof is old, you might notice some sagging in its deck, which is a bad sign, indicating that the roof’s condition is deteriorating and may lead to leakage. Water leaks are the last thing you want inside your home; they can shorten your roof’s lifespan and compromise your home’s foundation. So, if you spot any signs of water damage, then it might be time to replace the roof. Make sure you contact a construction expert or company and let them inspect the roof for you. Thanks to their extensive training and experience, they will be able to determine whether your roof needs replacing and will handle the rest of the work from there.
Light Leaks
Another sign you should look out for is light beams or holes in the roof that let light in during the day. If you live in Texas, for example, and can see those bright Texas sun rays coming in through the roof, you need to either fix or replace your roof entirely because it is not providing enough protection. Roofing experts at Ez Roof and Construction in Houston explain that stains on the roof are also another sign of aging. Brown stains that appear on the ceiling of your home indicate that your roof is suffering from external environmental damage and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Due to the constant exposure to the elements, your roof might be susceptible to leaking, which means that water will make its way into your house whenever it rains outside. This is not a situation you would want to put your family in. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so get your roof inspected by a professional before these stains grow more extensive, and you find yourself dealing with more than just sunlight coming in through the roof.
Cracked or Missing Shingles
Now that you’ve checked the inside of your house for roofing problems, it’s time to take a look outside. Use a ladder and get up there to the rooftop to examine the shingles. Your shingles should lie flat against the roof; however, some shingles may be damaged over time and will bend, break, or crack. If you find any areas in the roof where the shingles are broken or curled due to the excessive heat exposure, you can make a few repairs to fix the damage. However, if your roof is losing a lot of shingles, this is a clear sign that it may need to be replaced entirely.
Damp Spots and Moisture
Having moss, or any similar moisture-loving plants, grow on your roof is not a good sign. Damp environments promote mold and fungi growth, so if you suspect that your roof is trapping moisture, you need to take immediate action. Water damage could lead to severe problems that might affect the integrity of your foundation. Of course, it’s better to remove such plants right away before they can cause any problems. Still, it’s better to leave it to the professionals to ensure that you do not leave any plants behind that might contribute to the growth of mold or moisture accumulation.
Inspect your roof regularly and make sure you consider its age. If it’s too old or was replaced more than 15 years ago, then you’ll probably need to replace it soon. Familiarize yourself with the materials your roof is made of to estimate its life expectancy and know when it is time to have it replaced or repaired. If you notice any of the above signs, then it might be time to call a reliable roofing company and have the professionals inspect your roof to fix any underlying issues.