A sturdy roof protects your home from the elements. If you notice cracked shingles or moss, it may be time to replace your roof.
A leaky roof can damage your home’s walls, ceilings, and other parts. Moreover, it can invite pests into your home, like squirrels, birds, and even raccoons.
Sagging
When a roof is new, it’s straight as an arrow and allows debris and rainwater to run off quickly. Over time, however, a lot of wear and tear can take its toll on the structural integrity of your home’s roof. If the roofing materials start to sag, this is a severe problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Sagging roofs are dangerous for several reasons. First, they’re a clear sign that the top structure is weakened and may collapse anytime. Second, sagging ceilings can cause rot and water damage inside the house. If you notice a sagging roof, it’s essential to call in a professional like those at EMT Solar & Roofing for inspection as soon as possible.
To check for sagging, homeowners should look at the roof outside and inside. They should pay special attention to the ridge line, humps, pillowing, waviness, and bowing of the roof plane. They should also make sure that the rafters and trusses are intact and free from damage. If they are damaged, a professional should be called immediately to help with repairs.
Leaks
If your roof is older than 25 years, it’s time to start budgeting for a replacement. Most asphalt shingled tops are due for a new roof around this age. If you have water spots on the ceiling, it could mean that a leak is coming in through the roof. It could also result from missing shingles, damaged flashing, or rotten rafter boards.
Leaks should be repaired as soon as they appear. The longer they are left untreated, the more serious the damage will become to your home and possessions.
Another sign that it’s time for a roofing replacement is if you have visible light shining through your roof. This indicates that your roof is leaking or that shingles are missing.
You can also look for granules in your gutters or on the ground near downspouts. Loose granules are a telltale sign that your shingles are getting old and are starting to degrade. This can happen from natural wear and tear or after a severe storm with lots of small hail.
Debris
Debris can be a sign of a need for a new roof. If debris, such as shingles or chunks of other roofing materials, are accumulating in the gutters, this can be a sign that there is extensive damage to your roof and that it is nearing the end of its lifespan.
It’s also possible that the underlay of your roof is starting to rot and will need to be replaced. The underlay holds your roof together and keeps water and other debris from getting inside your home. A rotting underlay isn’t something you can see easily; many people only notice it when they notice leaks in their homes.
Other common debris signs of a need for a roof replacement include pieces of shingle in the gutters, clogged gutters, and moss or algae growing on your roof. These problems are caused by moisture trapped under old or damaged shingles and can cause severe structural damage to your home over time. The best way to prevent these issues is to invest in a new roof before the problem escalates.
Damaged Shingles
If your shingles look worn out and are beginning to show signs of age, it’s time to schedule a roof replacement. Look for dark patches or a lighter appearance than the surrounding shingles. Also, check your gutters for shingle granules to see if you are losing significant material. Losing granules means the shingles are deteriorating quickly, and you need a new roof.
Another warning sign is if you notice shingles that are bruised or blemished. When shingles are injured, they lose the protective surface that shields them from the sun’s UV rays. This allows UV rays to destroy the shingle, leaving it more vulnerable to future damage.
Also, watch for curling shingles, which can indicate aging or poor ventilation. Curling shingles make it more challenging to seal leaks and moisture. Check out the roof from the inside by entering your attic and looking at the sheathing and beams. Be sure to use a flashlight and avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the wood to deteriorate.
Damaged Gutters
Damaged gutters can cause severe water damage to your house’s walls, doors, windows, and foundation. The resulting mold can have long-term health consequences for your family. Unless the problem is immediately corrected, moisture will also affect electrical systems and drywall.
If a gutter is damaged, it may leak, leaving stains on the side of your home or rotting the fascia boards your gutters are mounted on. The resulting moisture can seep under the shingles and corrode your home’s roof sheathing and soffits.
Standing water in the gutters is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and insects. It can also cause warping and even pull away from your home’s foundation. The added weight of clogged gutters can also bend and tear the gutter system since a gallon of water weighs 8 pounds. This damage can lead to a complete replacement of your gutter system, including the downspouts. Trimming tree branches away from the gutters is the best way to prevent this.
