Taking care of your home requires much more than those daily cleaning and maintenance tasks. For one thing, you have to make sure that your roof is functioning well. And, while we are all prone to neglecting this part of our homes, the truth is that we get quite worried when we notice certain issues. That’s when we start wondering whether we should actually replace the structure.
Yet, you don’t want to jump towards replacing your roof before you figure out if it really is the right thing to do. Of course, you will also check out the cost for a new roof and then consider your budget to determine if this is something you can afford at a particular time or not. While there are situations in which you won’t be able to wait, though, there are also those that allow you to take time to prepare the necessary budget, since not all problems are on the same level of seriousness.
What you should do, thus, is try to notice those signs that it is time to replace your roof before the matter becomes extremely urgent. But, if you’ve never had to do this in the past, then there is a chance that you’re not completely sure what kinds of signs to be on the lookout for. So, that is what we are going to be discussing right now, as I’ll list some signs and thus make sure that you, as the homeowner, know what you need to know when it comes to the state of your roof and the need for replacing it. Here we go.
A Lot of Missing or Broken Shingles
If you have noticed that a lot of shingles on your roof are broken or missing, that should be a clear sign that the structure doesn’t serve its function anymore, and that it cannot protect you as well as it used to before. Therefore, this should also be quite a clear sign that you need to think about replacing it. And, while a few missing shingles are not something to worry about, as they can be replaced themselves, if there are a lot of missing or broken ones, then you should think about replacing the whole structure, because that is a sign that it is deteriorating.
Leaks and Water Damage
Have you noticed any kinds of water stains on the walls and the ceilings in your home? Or perhaps there are visible leaks, that pose a problem that certainly needs to be resolved? Whatever the case, leaks and water damage are never a good sign. Most usually, they indicate that the waterproofing of your roof is failing and that it has to be replaced. Additionally, a more subtle sign such as mold, mildew, and musty smells can be indicators of the same thing.
Perhaps this could help you decide as well: https://campuspress.yale.edu/ledger/10-warning-signs-you-need-a-new-roof/
Sagging or Drooping
One of the most serious signs of structural problems is a sagging or a drooping roof. Basically, this most usually indicates that there are some underlying problems with the decking and the support that have to be dealt with. Prolonged water damage, poor construction, as well as excessive weight from roofing materials or accumulated snow, for example, can all cause sagging and drooping. And, clearly, this should be a red flag and a cause for replacement.
Electricity Bill Spikes
If you’ve noticed sudden spikes in your energy bills, then you should undeniably wonder what it is that caused those, because there certainly has to be a cause. And, among other things, your roof can be the problem here. Perhaps it has lost its insulating ability, which lead to your heating and cooling devices having to work much harder in order to achieve the desired temperature, all of which ultimately resulted in higher electricity bills. So, if this is something you have been experiencing, make sure to inspect the roof and check whether it may be the cause, and if it may, thus, have to be replaced.
Too Many Repairs
A few roofing repairs here and there are completely normal, and every homeowner has to deal with those from time to time. But, if the need for repairs becomes quite frequent, it may be time for you to start thinking about replacement. After all, spending money on too many repairs is not really budget conscious, and getting a brand new roof could be a much more affordable solution. This should help you protect your roof and maintain it.
Old Age
Finally, one of the clearest signs that you need a new roof is the old age of your existing one. Different types have different lifespans. So, while asphalt shingles will last around 20 years, metal roofs, for example, can last up to 70 years if well maintained. Anyway, the point is that you have to consider the age of the structure in order to make your final decision.