7 Signs You May Need a Replacement Roof Immediately
Have you been worried that you won’t replace your roof soon enough? Read on to learn about the signs that it is time for a replacement roof.
As with anything in life, homes require maintenance to ensure that they are doing their job and keeping you comfortable and safe.
It’s easy enough to tell when certain parts of your house need maintenance. When your air conditioner stops working, you should get a new one. When the color of your walls starts to fade, it’s time to repaint them.
But how do you know when it’s time to get a replacement roof?
As the barrier between you and the elements, it’s essential that you make sure your roof is doing its job.
Keep reading for 7 signs that it may be time to replace your roof.
1. Your Neighbors Have Already Replaced Their Roofs
While this may be dependent on the age of your house, if all of your local neighbors have already had a roof replacement, it may be a good idea for you to do the same.
Even if your roof appears to be in decent shape, if it is 25 to 30 years old, it may contain hidden damage. Older roofs use materials that are no longer considered as strong or useful.
If your roof is less than 20 years old, a good inspection will be able to tell you if you need to do any replacements. At McCoy Roofing, we pride ourselves on absolute honesty. If your roof doesn’t need replacing, we’ll tell you! It’s always important to get an inspection from a reputable company that you trust.
As homes in neighborhoods are oftentimes built in the same time period and in a similar fashion, paying attention to their upgrades can help you determine when you should as well.
2. Shingle Issues
When looking at the exterior of your house, look for any noticeable shingle damage present.
Materials such as wood and asphalt can experience rot, but a shingle roof should not be decaying. If you find areas with missing shingles or places with curling, cracking, or out of place shingles, you may need a replacement roof.
Although windstorms can be powerful, a solid roof should be able to withstand it and stay flat.
You should also look for pieces and particles of your shingles in the gutter. If you find them washed down in there, this could mean that your roof is vulnerable to water damage and decay.
3. Visible Streaks and Discoloration (Inside and Out)
When you’re inside your house, check for any dark streaks or stains on your roof’s underside. You can also look for them running from the roof down your walls. Streaks and discoloration can indicate that there is a buildup of moisture.
You can also check for discoloration on the exterior of your house. Just like when inspecting the interior, look for any dark stains or streaks present on the surface. If something looks off, there’s a good chance that it is!
Streaks and discoloration may not mean you need a total roof replacement. You should still take note of their location, however, in case they are a sign of a deeper problem.
4. Leaks and Water Damage
One clear way to know that your roof has a problem is if it’s leaking. Oftentimes you can notice this in the attic of your house.
Leaks can occur after rainstorms, as well as when the snow melts. No matter how small the leak may seem, it’s essential that you get your roof repaired.
Exposed nails on the exterior of your roof can also signal leaks or cracks.
If you don’t take measures to fix the leak, it can cause additional damage to the other parts of your home and foundation. Water can cause rotting, as well as promote the growth of mold. Aside from affecting your home, this can also affect your health.
5. You Can See Daylight
A skylight is an enviable house feature, while a hole in your roof is not.
In the daytime, perform an interior inspection. If your house has an attic, you can start by looking there.
If at any time you see a stream of light filtering down into your home, replace your roof immediately. It’s a sign that your roof has a crack or even a hole.
If the light is able to come through your roof, that means that water or moisture can as well. Get it fixed before more serious problems develop!
6. Sagging Areas
Have you ever seen what happens to a box when it’s wet? Just like a wet piece of cardboard will sag, your roof can do the same. In the Midwest, snow can pile up for weeks and even months. The combination of weight and moisture could be the cause of a sagging roof.
When you are inside your house, look for sagging areas on the underside of your roof. Once you identify them, take a broom and prod them gently. If the areas feel wet or soft and bend once you tap them with a broom, your roof has moisture damage.
As with any type of water damage, not only is it unsightly, but it can also pose a serious health threat.
7. Your Energy Bills Are Inexplicably Rising
Your energy bills should be consistent from month to month. If you notice that they are gradually increasing, it may be due to a problem with your roof.
Roofs are built to insulate and protect. If they are doing their job correctly, they will work to maintain the temperature of the home. When a roof is not functioning well, your HVAC system will have to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Rising energy bills may signal that it’s time for residential roof replacement.
Let Us Help You With Your Replacement Roof
As one of the most important parts of your house, it’s essential that you maintain your roof. Part of that involves knowing when it’s the right time to get a replacement roof.
When left unchecked, damaged roofs can not only affect the rest of your house but also your health.
Pay attention to these 7 signs, and make sure that your roof is working as it should.
Give us a call at 402-616-7304 today for any of your roofing replacement or repair needs!