The Top Three Signs That’s It’s Time for a New Roof

No one wants to hear “it’s time to replace your roof”. But look at it this way, it’s better to hear that than “the roof’s leaking!!”

Roof maintenance and replacement is one of the more unique home renovation and maintenance issues. Homeowners generally think very little about their roofs. But when it comes time to replace them, they do everything they can to avoid doing so because of the perceived high costs of replacement. They end up walking a dangerously thin line between squeezing every extra year of life out of their roofs and suffering a catastrophic leak that could be easily prevented.

The ideal situation would be to maximize the roof’s lifespan, but with little or no risk of a serious leak. There’s no sure way to get absolutely the most use from your roof without risking a problem, but looking for and spotting any of the following gives you a better chance of enjoying the best of both worlds.

A Pattern of Shingle Problems

If you spot one shingle that is curled, or one that is bare, it doesn’t mean you need a new roof. If you spot isolated signs of wear like this, it’s best to try to determine the cause, correct it and replace the shingle(s).

But if there are a number of signs of aged, worn or cracked shingles, in a number of different areas of your roof, the clock is ticking on how soon your roof will spring a leak.

Moisture, Mould & Mildew in Your Attic

If you don’t already, it pays to check your attic regularly. Not only can you clearly see the underside of your roof’s deck, but you can check on your home’s insulation. Look for signs of leaks, including damp spots, mold and/or mildew on the roof deck and rafters. Not only can a leaking roof damage the structure of your home, it will reduce the effectiveness of some types of insulation.

Your 25-Year Shingles are Celebrating Their 30th Birthday

If they are, and you haven’t had any problems with roof leaks, you’re lucky. While weather conditions, debris and foot traffic can affect your roof’s lifespan, once you are past the shingle’s warranty rating, you should start thinking about a new roof. Shingles can deteriorate quickly after their warranty is over.

One of the best ways to know if it’s time for a new roof is to have it inspected by a roofing specialist. However you do it, it’s always better to replace your roof before it needs to be replaced.