Our home is our sanctuary, a safe haven where we create memories and build dreams. However, it requires regular maintenance to keep it functional and comfortable.
One of the most crucial parts is looking after your roof. But how do you know when it’s time for a replacement?
As your trusted contractor with over ten years of experience under our belt, we’ve seen and handled it all. That’s why we are here to share with you the top five signs that might indicate you need a new one.
Age of Your Roof
If you’ve got a typical residential roofing system made of asphalt shingles, you’re looking at a lifespan of about 20 to 25 years. Now, if you splurged on a metal roof, that could stretch out to a whopping 50 years or more! But remember, this isn’t set in stone. Things like how well it was installed, how much TLC (level of maintenance) it gets, and even the components used during installation can all play a part in how long it lasts.
So, if you’re sitting around with a bit of time on your hands, why not dig out those old home documents and see when yours was installed? A quick bit of math could give you an idea of how many years it has left.
And don’t forget, Mother Nature can be tough on home exteriors. Heavy rain, strong winds, snowstorms can all take years off its life.
Curling or Missing Shingles
Curling shingles look exactly as they sound: the corners lift and curl away, sometimes even forming a cup-like shape.
There could be a few culprits behind this. Maybe they weren’t installed properly in the first place, or perhaps the shingles are just old and worn out. Sometimes, extreme temperatures and humidity can also be a factor.
Additionally, as shingles age and are exposed to harsh weather conditions, they are more likely to detach from the roof during wind storms or even typical weather patterns. While one missing shingle may not seem like a major concern, any amount of moisture traveling beneath a roofing system can pose larger issues.
But, why should we care? Well, these tiles work together as a team, each one overlapping the other to form a watertight seal against rain and snow. So when one or more tiles go missing, it leaves that gap, making it an easy target for water damage. And trust me, that’s a battle you don’t want to fight!
Granules in the Gutters
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Who has time to regularly inspect their gutters?” But here’s the thing: They can tell you a lot!
You see, your shingles are coated with granules. Their job is to shield the shingles from the sun’s harsh UV rays and help them shed water. But as your roof ages, these granules can start to loosen up and take a dive, landing right into your gutters–which is totally normal!
But here’s the kicker. If one day you notice your gutters have more granules than normal it could be a sign that your tiles are already singing their swan song.
And while we’re on this topic, have you seen any areas where the color seems a bit off, or not consistent? That could be another sign that these granules have worn away. Not only does this affect the aesthetic appeal of your home, but it also indicates that your shingles are no longer as effective at protecting your home from the elements.
Sagging Roof
Notice your roof looking a bit…slouchy? Maybe it’s not as straight as it used to be, or there’s this noticeable dip in one area. If so, we may have some structural issues going on–and this is not something you want to sweep under the rug!
What could be causing this? It might be a problem with the decking in your attic, the supports in your house, or worse–both.
Let’s break this down a bit. Decking provides that base for your tiles and helps distribute the weight of your roof evenly across your house. Similarly, if the foundation supports of your house are failing–it becomes unbalanced.
Now, I don’t want to scare you–but this isn’t a DIY kind of issue. You’re going to need some professional help to identify the root of the problem and fix it properly.
Frequent Repairs
We all know owning a home comes with its fair share of bills, and honestly, spending our hard-earned money on these constant roof repairs isn’t the most thrilling.
Here’s the thing: Every repair job has a price tag. Maybe it’s just a few tiles needing replacement or a couple of leaks that need patching. Before you know it, these costs start to pile up, and you’re shelling out more and more just to keep things running smoothly.
Now, let’s consider another option–calling a roofing contractor for a full-on replacement. Sure, it might seem like a big chunk of change upfront, but when you compare it to the never-ending cycle of repairs, it might not seem so steep after all.
With that in mind, here at Nor’East Exteriors, we understand that a residential roof replacement is a huge investment. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with our top-quality services at competitive prices.
So, if you’ve noticed any of the signs we mentioned above, Connect With Us!
Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action.