Depending on the type of roof materials your home has, it can last more than 50 years without needing replacing. Some even last over a century if they’re maintained properly. That maintenance is vital because your roof is so important for protecting your home.
But how do you know when you need a roof replacement? What signs should you look for to indicate that there’s an issue?
Getting a roof replacement service can seem scary if you’re not sure you need it. Read on to learn the signs to look for to know when you need to replace your roof.
1. Mossy Shingles
Moss only grows where there’s moisture. So if you’re seeing moss on your roof, that means that your shingles aren’t drying as well as they should. Water should be flowing off of your roof, into your gutters, and through your downspouts, so the shingles can dry out quickly.
Moss’s growth indicates that this isn’t happening as well as it should. If this is the case, then it’s possible that water is getting through and under the shingles instead. From there, it gets onto your roof deck and insulation where it starts to cause mold and water damage.
2. Sagging Roof
Another major indicator of roofing problems is a sagging roof. This usually means that the roof has had too much weight on it, such as a large amount of snow, for extended periods of time.
The issue is that when the roof starts to sag, this means that your shingles are shifting. They won’t be protecting your roof deck as well as they should be when this happens. The next time it rains or snows, water is going to flow under those shingles freely and onto your roof deck.
This is when you start to see the real damage to your home. Your roof deck will rot and your insulation will get moldy quickly when this happens.
3. Missing Shingles
One indicator that it’s time for a new roof will be obvious from the outside: missing shingles. Shingles keep water from getting onto your roof deck and insulation. This prevents the wood from rotting and the insulation from getting moldy.
But if there are missing shingles, then part of the roof deck is completely exposed. It will start to rot and the insulation will get wet and moldy.
This also opens up your home to larger pest issues. Mice and squirrels love to use downspouts and trees to get onto your roof and into your attic. Having missing shingles gives them an extra place to get inside and causes damage to your home.
Not to mention that termites are more likely to attack rotting wood than solid dry wood.
4. Storm Damage
Make sure you regularly inspect the outside of your home for damage after bad storms. Heavy winds, hail, and snow can all cause major damage to your roof. If you have shifted or cracked shingles after a bad storm, then you might be looking at getting a new roof.
The importance of sturdy and well-maintained shingles cannot be overstated. The last thing that you want is moldy insulation or a rotting roof deck.
Wood rot is like a disease: once it starts, it spreads to all of the wood around it. It’s caused by water saturating the wood. The best way to prevent this is to make sure your roof is in good shape after storms.
5. Visible Leaks
You don’t necessarily have to be outside to know that you need a new roof. If you see visible leaks inside of your home, then this is a pretty good indicator of a problem.
You’ll notice wet spots in your home whenever it rains. You may even see the water dripping down the walls or from the ceiling. During summer showers, your house might feel more humid than it should.
All of these issues start with your roof. The roof is supposed to be keeping that water out no matter how much rain falls on it. It’s supposed to keep the roof deck and your walls dry all day every day.
So if you’re seeing leaks, then you need to get the issue fixed quickly.
6. Bubbling Ceiling
As the water drips from your roof deck and through your insulation, it then hits your ceiling. This causes the water to saturate the sheetrock and plaster that makes up your roof.
You’ll see your ceiling start to discolor and bubble up because of this. If the problem becomes bad enough, the ceiling can even cave in and fall apart under the weight of the water.
This is why it’s best to deal with roof leaks and get a roof replacement service completed as soon as you notice the issue. The longer you wait, the more damage there’ll be.
7. Peeling Wallpaper and Chipping Paint
If there are roofing issues near walls, then those will show signs of water damage as well.
Those who have wallpaper will notice that it’s starting to peel because the water is reactivating the glue and saturating the paper. If there’s paint, then the walls will start to crack near the ceiling and the paint will chip.
If you’re noticing these issues, then it’s time to get a roof replacement company to inspect it and give you a quote for a replacement. You don’t want to wait too long to fix these issues since it’ll just become more expensive as things get worse.
Get Your Roof Replacement Today
If you see any of these issues, then there’s a good chance that you need a roof replacement. The good news is that you don’t need to search “roof replacement near me” to get reliable service.
All you have to do is contact us at Amenity Roofing, Siding, and Gutters, LLC in Naperville. We’re the best in the business for any of your roofing needs, including roof replacement and repair. Our experts will help determine if your roof needs replacing and give you the best price for service
Contact us today and see how we can help fix your roof issues today.
