Getting a new roof for your house always poses a significant problem. The expense and time required to fully undertake the job can create a massive disruption for the house’s residents.
However, many signs let you know when your roof needs to be replaced. When they are detected, you should start making plans for a roof replacement or you might find yourself in bigger trouble than you were anticipating. Here are a few signs that you should look out for if you’re thinking about getting a new roof.
1. How Long Has It Been?
A basic sign that can let you know if you need a replacement is how long it has been in place. Typical asphalt shingle roofs have a 20 – 25 year lifespan and those installed over existing shingles need to be replaced after 20 years.
Hence, reviewing the home improvement record of your house will let you know if you need to replace it.
2. Check the Interior
If you need visual confirmation of the necessity of a new roof, one of the best places to check is inside your house, not outside.
If you have an attic, all you need is a flashlight to light your way through the attic. You should look out for light beams coming through the roof or stains and streaks on the roof and walls. These are indicative of leaks in your roof.
If you do not have an attic, it is best to have a professional take a look instead. This will prevent you from accidentally causing any damage to your house as you look for leaks.
3. Examine The Roof
Make sure your roof is in good condition by inspecting it regularly. This is vital in the aftermath of heavy storms.
If you locate patches that have visible signs of damage like cracks or buckling, you might need a new roof installation. Another sign is the number of granules you find in your gutters and downspouts. When a roof loses a lot of granules, its lifespan is almost over.
4. Inspect the Flashing
The areas around the chimneys, vents, and skylights on the roof are sealed tightly to protect the inner spaces of the house from the elements. These points, known as flashing, should be examined for cracks or leaks.
Older roofs will have flashing made of tar or cement. That is serviceable but it is better to upgrade the roof to metal flashing to increase its durability and longevity.
5. Scan For Drooping Spots
If your roof has spots on it where it sags and droops, that is a clear sign that it needs replacing as soon as possible.
The sagging spots are indicative of rot in the boards underneath the roof. Left unattended, the risk that they collapse increases, as does the danger to any of the house’s residents. Also, the cost to replace the parts in question will be higher if the rot is allowed to spread.
6. Plants Are Not A Good Sign
Moss may provide a unique visual appeal, unfortunately, it is also a sign that you need a new roof.
Finding moss, fungi, and mould on top of your house is indicative of trapped moisture. If the plant life grows any further, it can do significant damage to your house. Removing it can halt the growth but that is only a half-measure. A new roof installation is the only way to fully ameliorate the situation.
Century Roofing & Siding – Trusted Ottawa Roofers & Roofing Contractors
Replacing the roof of your house is not an easy undertaking. It is a serious renovation that will take up a significant amount of time and money. However, a collapse will create a greater inconvenience and require more time and money to fully repair. Getting a new roof before the old one fully gives out is the more economical option in the long run.
Please contact us if you have any needs about roofing your house. Century Roofing and Siding provides the best roofing solutions in Ottawa and the surrounding areas. We are a GAF Master Elite Certified Roofer with over 40 years of experience. Choose us to protect your home and your family.