As a homeowner, maintaining your roof should be one of your top priorities. Your roof is arguably the most critical component of your home – it protects you and your belongings from outside elements. However, even with regular maintenance, roofs are not built to last forever. Over time, they will gradually deteriorate, and the trick is to know when it’s time to replace them instead of wasting time on regular repairs. Unfortunately, many people only think about their roofs when there’s a problem, but detecting the early warning signs can save a lot of money and headaches in the long run. In this post, we will share the top signs you need a new roof for your house.
Age
One of the first signs you need a new roof is age. As roofs age, their materials start to weaken and deteriorate, making them more susceptible to leaks, cracks, and other damage. If your roof is over 20 years old, it’s time to consider getting a new one. With regular maintenance and repairs, some roofs may last longer, but you are likely to start seeing more problems beyond this point. There are many benefits to metal roofing if you’re considering a full roof replacement.
Leaking Roof
A leaking roof tends to be one of the most obvious signs you need a new roof. Whether a small drip or a significant leak, water damage can quickly cause serious issues to your attic, walls, and ceilings. If you see water marks on your ceilings or walls, or if your roof leaks, contact a professional roofing contractor ASAP. Your roof may need a quick fix, or it may be time to replace it.
Cracked, Curled, or Missing Shingles
Missing or damaged shingles are another sign that your roof needs a replacement. Shingles are important, as they protect your home from harsh weather. You may notice curled edges, cracked or discolored shingles, or large patches of missing tiles. This kind of damage can result in water infiltration or internal structural damage. If you notice any of these, it’s time to call a professional to replace a few missing shingles, fix the damaged ones, or replace your roof completely.
Granule Loss
Another one of the signs you need a new roof is granule loss. The shingles on your roof are covered with granules that help protect them from harsh weather elements. Over time, these granules will wear off, and you may notice them in your gutters or downspouts.
High Energy Bills
Your roof may be to blame if you are concerned about high utility bills. An outdated, damaged or poorly insulated roof allows an increase in the transfer of heat and cool air, making your HVAC system work harder than usual – causing your energy bills to skyrocket. Replacing your old roof with a newer one with better insulation, such as metal roofing, could help decrease electricity bills by up to 30%.
Your roof is a necessary part of your home’s structure and must be maintained correctly. Paying attention to the signs you need a new roof can be cost-effective in the long run. On the other hand, ignore those critical warning signs, or you might end up with extensive water damage to your ceilings, walls, and attic. If you notice any of the above signs, it might be time to contact a professional roofing contractor like JJ’s Custom Builders and have your roof inspected and replaced, if necessary.
