6 Signs it’s Time for a New Roof
Having a solid roof over your head is a crucial element to home ownership and most people don’t think about replacing their roof until it springs a leak. Waiting until you have water pouring into your home before replacing your old roof can spell disaster and excess repair costs both to the roof as well as the interior of your home. It is strongly recommended that you have an annual roof inspection every spring to check for damages after snow and ice buildup over the winter months, and homeowners should be removing any debris from rooftops, drains, gutters and downspouts on a regular basis. Here are some of the biggest warning signs that it’s time to replace your old roof.
1. Age
One of the easiest ways to tell if it’s time to replace your roof is reviewing your home’s documentation to determine the age of your existing roof by looking to see when it was last replaced or reshingled. A typical asphalt shingle roof has a lifespan of 20-25 years. If your roof is approaching the end of its lifecycle, it’s time to start looking at replacement options that are available.
2. Curling Shingles
Shingles can curl in two ways:
Cupping: this occurs when the edges of the shingle turn upward
Clawing: occurs when the edges of the shingle stay flat and the middle starts to come up
Both cupping and curling are signs of weathering and indicate potential problems are just around the corner, especially leaks. Depending on the extent of the curling, it could be anywhere from a few months to a few years before you need to replace your roof.
3. Cracked Shingles
Shingles crack as a result of heavy wind damage. If there are only a few shingles cracked in an isolated location or area of the roof, you can certainly replace that section, however, if it is spread randomly throughout the roof, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it.
4. Missing Shingles
A roof will age evenly. If you notice that your roof has shingles missing or broken, the protection of your roof is likely compromised. Shingles that are missing or broken allow the structure of the roof to be highly vulnerable to water damage and rot. As a result of missing shingles, it can cause the nearby shingles to become easily effected by wind and weather damage.
5. Roof Growth
While moss may look nice growing in your yard, moss, fungi or mould growing on your roof spells trouble. Moss, mould and fungi on your roof indicate signs of trapped moisture in your roof. For small problems, you can eliminate the growth with a stiff bristle brush. For larger scale problems, having an expert perform a roof inspection can help determine the amount of damage that has already been done, and offer the best solutions to eliminate the problem.
6. Leaks
One of the most obvious signs that your roof needs replacing is the appearance of a leak. If a leak is localized and only occurs in one area, you may be able to have your roof replaced. But, if your roof is leaking in multiple locations, its best to have it replaced entirely to avoid any further damage to your home. Look for moisture spots in your attic space and on the ceilings of your home. If you notice any moisture spots, a new roof should become top priority to prevent the issue from getting worse.
If you’re unsure whether your roof needs to be replaced or just needs a repair to fix your issues, our team of experts at In Awe Roofing can perform a Roof Inspection to determine the extent of any damage to your roof and offer solutions to resolve the issues promptly. Get in touch with one of our roofing experts today and determine if it’s time to replace your roof.
In Awe Roofing Limited is an Award-Winning, family owned and operated Vancouver Roofing Contractor with over 17 years of roofing experience. We serve the entire Lower Mainland area, from Whistler to Chilliwack, employing a team of professional staff members. Our team has won numerous awards including Best of Homestars for the last five years, and Three Best Rated six years in a row. Learn more
