When Is It Time for Roof Replacement? A Guide for Homeowners

Did you know it can take just two or three days in some cases to have a full roof replacement? Just think, you could shoot out of town for a few days with the family and return to a brand new-looking home with tons of curb appeal!

Yet, it is difficult to know when you need a roof replacement. From afar, your roof might look exactly as you’ve always seen it. However, the reality could be it’s a safety hazard to you and your family!

In this guide, we’ll give you some indications you can look for to gauge whether it’s time to replace your roof. Plus, we’ll also provide you with a suggestion of what style of roofing you can replace it with for great curb appeal and more.

You’re Experiencing Leaks

One of the first and most obvious indications that you need a new roof is there are visible leaks in your home. It could be that your roof has storm damage, worn-out materials, or various other reasons that might be a cause for replacement.

When your roof weakens, rainwater can seep through your shingles and start wrecking your home’s interior. It might even get to the point where you start to see puddles forming in your home.

Of course, contractors can repair some leaks. Yet, if roof leaking is a recurring problem, it’s probably time to replace your roof. And we recommend asphalt roofing as a proven way to ensure you experience no more leaks!

Interior Water Damage

We mentioned as a result of leaks; you can experience damage to your home’s interior. But what are signs that your home has interior water damage?

You should look for stains, spots, and streaks on the walls and ceilings in your home to begin with. Also, if you can get into the attic, look for the same signs.

Bear in mind; a leaking roof isn’t the only reason you might have water damage in your home. Burst pipes, leaking appliances, or broken faucets can allow water to seep through the building.

Therefore, if you notice any of these signs

Cracking, Missing, and Warping Shingles

Sometimes roof replacement signs will be obvious. For instance, if you notice many of your shingles cracking, missing, and warping, it’s time to admit to yourself that you have an old roof that needs sorting.

You should also look out for discoloration and damage around your roof’s vents. Plus, extensive algae and moss growth can be two telltale signs you need a new roof.

Furthermore, look in your gutters to see if there are any shingle pieces and debris. When shingles get old enough, they start disintegrating. At this point, there’s nothing much more you can do other than call in the contractors.

Your Roof Is Sagging

If you notice your roofline sagging, you need to get it checked out right away! That last thing you want is your roof collapsing. What it should look like is strong and straight.

What do we mean by sagging? Well, any sort of curvature or dipping in the roof is a strong sign that it is sagging and a possible safety hazard.

Two of the main reasons for these things happening can be the frame has lost strength or that the roof deck is saturated with water. Either way, if you notice these things with your roof, get the professionals in to check it out.

Storm Damage

One of the most common reasons people replace their roofs in the US is because of storm damage. After all, we live in a country where various harsh weather systems can play havoc with our homes.

We’re talking about:

Heavy rainstorms
Tornadoes
Hurricanes
Ice storms
Hail storms

Even if your roof is in excellent condition before such storms, the aftermath may be a different story.

Hurricanes and tornadoes are especially damaging to roofs. High-speed winds can tear shingles from your roof or cause them to warp and crack. Then, if there is further bad weather like snow, ice, and rain, your roof will be exposed to further damage.

Furthermore, high-speed winds can blast debris onto your roof. The debris can puncture aspects of your roof, again leaving it open to further damage from any further bad weather conditions.

Your Neighbors Are Getting New Roofs

One strong indicator that your roof may be coming to the end of its shelf life is when your neighbors are getting new roofs. The reason for this is that in many neighborhoods, many of the houses and roofs were built at the same time.

So if you see a sudden uptake in replacement roofs in your area, you may want to run through some of the indicators we have stated already in this article. Mainly, check for sagging, leaks, water damage, and inspect your roof for any issues.

Or, instead of checking out the roof yourself, you could go one step further and get a professional in to inspect your roof and home properly. As a general rule, you should do this if your roof is 20 years old or more.

What Sort of Roof Should You Get?

We mentioned earlier that asphalt roofing is the way forward to prevent leaks. Asphalt roofs come in various forms, and they can deliver excellent curb appeal while not costing you a small fortune.

Nowadays, you can get eco-friendly asphalt shingles, for instance. Or you could opt for luxury asphalt shingles that can mimic other materials to enhance the exterior aesthetics of your home.

Get Your Roof Replacement Sorted

It’s a much better idea to opt for roof replacement sooner rather than later. If you leave it too long, water damage could play havoc with your home and cost you a lot of money to fix! Plus, when people get a new roof, they often enhance the value of their home.

So thanks for checking out this article. If you find it useful, please check out some other informative posts on our blog.