How Do You Know When It's Time to Replace Your Roof?

The roof of your house is the first line of defense against external threats like extreme wind, heavy rain, and unbearable summer heat. Home Care Contractors recommend a monthly check-up of your roof and attic and look for signs of deterioration.

 

As a fact, the term “roof repair” has recently hit its highest interest point, according to Google statistics. To make everything more accessible, we provided a list with indicators that tell it’s time to replace your roof.

The Lifespan of Your Roof

Depending on the material, a roof's lifespan can range from 20 to 50 years. Metal and clay tiles are the most resistant and can last approximately 40-50 years, while asphalt shingles last no more than 20 years.

 

To estimate when it’s time to replace your roof, you should determine when it was installed or repaired the last time. The best option to find out the age of your roof is to check home improvement records or the house's history. It also relies on whether the previous top was removed and there is only one layer of shingles on the roof, and if it is well ventilated. If your roof was built over another layer or multiple layers and is more than 20 years old, you'll probably need a new one.

Temperature Differences

Because your attic should have enough ventilation to flow air in and out, the inside temperature should be constant with the outside temperature. This ventilation is critical for preventing the creation of ice dams. Ice dams can form if the temperature in your attic is higher than the outside temperature. Due to insufficient attic ventilation, you may see evidence of outside paint blistering or peeling.

Shingles Problems

In case your roof is missing shingles, there is a high chance you will have to deal with damage caused by water infiltrating through the open spots. Broken or missing shingles also increase the likelihood of deterioration of the whole roof because, let’s say, one broken or missing piece can affect the entire circuit. So, every time there is a storm, there is also a chance of losing shingles.

 

Wet Roof Deck

This sign is incredibly unsafe. If your home has a wooden roof deck, enough moisture can cause the boards to rot and degrade, leaving them more vulnerable. Darkened areas, a wet and musty odor, and a spongy feel to the touch are all indicators that your deck is already decomposing.

 

A deteriorated roof deck can be extremely dangerous if not repaired as quickly as possible. If moisture infiltrates the home through the roof and spreads beyond the deck, it may impact other house components, such as the electrical system. Make sure you get a competent roofing company to come out and examine your property and make the necessary roof replacements or repairs.

 

Wall Growths

If the air within your home has recently seemed damp and heavy to breathe, the amount of moisture in the atmosphere may have increased. A high degree of humidity supports the growth of bacteria, fungus, and mold most of the time.

 

Mold may form on both interior and exterior walls, and if the air and surface are wet, it spreads quickly. So, if you find small greenish patches appearing in the corners of your home, it's a good idea to inspect the roof for any leaks as soon as possible because mold can be dangerous to your health.

Water Spots and Dripping

The presence of yellow or brownish stains on the ceiling or walls is one of the first indications that your roof has been damaged. A leaky ceiling, broken heating equipment, or a plumbing problem are the most common causes of these places. Even though the patches appear to be dry to the touch, they suggest that there may be an issue with your roof's structure and that you should inspect it.

When you observe water pouring from the ceiling, especially on rainy days, this is another apparent evidence that your roof has been damaged. Water falling through the top can be caused by various factors, but plumbing or roof leaks are the most common.

 

Rusty pipes, worn caulk, sweating pipes in the summer or winter, and the possibility of burst pipes all contribute to plumbing leaks. Most roof leaks are caused by water penetrating through broken shingles or tiles.

 

Final Words

The roof is probably the most important part of any house. If you suspect that your roof is damaged, the best thing you could do is contact a local roofing company and have it inspected by professionals to determine if you need a complete roof replacement or not.