6 Signs It’s Time for a Roof Replacement
Written for QualityRoofs.com
Unless a tree falls on your house or a hurricane opens some new skylights, it can be difficult to tell when it’s time to replace your roof. Roofs don’t always fail spectacularly (and obviously). Most of the time, your roof will slowly wear out, and if you don’t replace it before it wears out completely, it could cause serious damage to your home. Here are six signs that it’s time to replace your roof.
1. It’s Getting Old
If your roof is old enough to buy a beer, it’s probably time for a replacement. Most shingle roofs are built to last for about 20 years. If you let it go longer, it could start to fail, leading to a host of other, very expensive, problems. Nobody likes to work past retirement age, including your roof, so give it a gold watch for its two decades of service and replace it right away.
2. You Can’t Stand the Sight of It
Have you ever seen a house with ugly black streaks all over the roof? Those black streaks are caused by a bacteria called Gloeocapsa magma. Gloeocapsa magma feeds on moisture and, aside from making your house look terrible, can cause premature decay of your roof. While it can be washed off, it can cause serious damage if left untreated for too long, requiring a roof replacement.
3. You Find Shingle Granules Everywhere
After a good rain, do you find dark, gritty granules in your gutters and around your downpipes? No, it’s not raining sand; those granules are most likely coming from your shingles.
As shingles get old, they start to deteriorate and lose their grit. Finding granules in the gutters is a sign that your shingles are coming apart and that you should probably contact your friendly neighborhood roofing contractor.
4. It Rains Inside
Do you start gathering pots and pans every time the weatherman calls for rain? In case you didn’t know, it’s not supposed to rain inside your house! Your roof’s job is to keep the weather out, and if it can’t do its job, then it needs to be replaced. If you notice leaks or even stains, discoloration, or bubbling on your interior walls, it’s definitely time for a new roof.
5. Sagging Support Beams in the Attic
Sometimes, roof deterioration can be sneaky, and you won’t notice drips in your living areas. But that doesn’t mean your roof is still in good condition. Check your attic regularly for signs of water damage, especially after a good rain or snowmelt. If you find sagging beams or moisture, it could be from your roof.
Also, sunbathing is for the beach, not your attic. If you can see sunlight through your roof, there’s your sign that it’s time for your old roof to go.
6. You Can’t Afford Your Energy Bills
Your roof is the first line of defense against heat and cold. If it’s in bad condition, it’ll let more heat/cold in, which will force your climate control systems to work overtime. Don’t watch your utility bills climb higher and higher every month, get the roof replacement you desperately need and bring them back to affordable levels.