If you don’t inspect your roof every day, it might be difficult to predict when to repair it. It’s simple to overlook roof maintenance when there are so many other things to worry about, but doing so might lead to problems. However, don’t panic. Before you call roofing contractors to assist you, do a little research.
Your roof may not require replacement because of a few dented spots, but signs of severe roof damage mean you’ll need to replace it altogether. According to Forbes, as of March 2022, the average cost to install a new roof is $8,000, with some homeowners spending as much as $20,000. Therefore, you should get it right the first time.
Contact a roofer as soon as you suspect your roof is damaged, and you will enjoy new roof benefits for your home. The following are ten indications that you require a new roof. Let’s dive right in!
1. There’s Water Damage
Roof leaks can manifest in several ways. Of course, one is a typical obvious leak. But other leaks are concealed, and you need to pay keen attention to telltale signs. For instance, interior water damage is a common sign of a leaking roof. This frequently appears as streaks, stains, or wet spots on your home’s ceiling, walls, or attic. Other problems, such as a busted pipe, dripping appliance, or broken faucet, might also result in water damage.
Hiring a qualified roofing contractor to inspect your roof and identify your roof is leaking is the best line of action in this situation. If there is a roof leak, they will assess the damage and choose the best course of action. In many cases, you’ll require a new roof installation, which means you will enjoy the numerous new roof benefits for your home.
2. There Are Critters in Your Attic
If you’ve been hearing things go ‘bump’ in the night lately, it’s reasonable to assume there’s definitely a critter in your attic rather than something supernatural. Animals are more prone to finding shelter in whatever warm, isolated spot they can locate during a chilly, damp winter. Your attic provides a safe haven where they aren’t easily noticed. In addition to keeping you up at night, your safety is a major concern. These unwanted visitors can seriously harm your roof.
Where Are They Entering From?
Small holes in roof eaves, intended for ventilation, are ideal for letting in small vermin and critters. Rats and even squirrels can eat through eave shingles to widen available gaps. Any animal looking for a new home may sometimes easily get access through a vent cover that has broken, failed, or fallen out. Even loose fascia can be pulled back by persistent bugs to gain entry. Roof rats can also access a home by climbing up a brick wall to an entry point or passing through the walls.
Steps to Help Address the Problem
The first thing to do when you discover an unwelcome animal in your home is to remove it. Numerous local businesses remove and compassionately relocate animals. A pest control company might need to install baits and traps for roof rats and other vermin. Any repairs you make before locating and eliminating the source of the damage will probably be ineffective. The animals can chew them way out again, taking you back to square one.
An excellent approach to spotting faults and preventing future damage from unwelcome pests is to have certified residential roofers maintain and inspect your roof annually. With this, you will have new roof benefits for your home.
3. You Can See the Sun From the Attic
You don’t need anyone to tell you this isn’t a good indication because it certainly isn’t! Rain, chilly air, and snow can all find their way into your space if light can. Besides light, look for water stains, especially during a downpour. If they vary in size or shape, you have an active leak. It’s just a matter of time before the roof becomes completely ineffective.
Therefore, you should call a roofing contractor immediately. While you can remedy small leaks, an early roof replacement can save you money if you’re dealing with massive leaks, structural damage, and aging. Ultimately, you’ll love the new roof benefits for your home.
4. Presence of Growing Moss
If my roof has moss, should I replace it? The simple answer is yes! Typically, moist, dark settings are ideal for moss growth. Moss develops roots on your roof and degrades it by absorbing moisture from the humid surroundings.
The roots may lift the shingles, and ongoing dampness may promote the spread of bacteria and mold. This may potentially cause leaks in your home and holes in your roof. A moss-covered roof is hazardous since it makes wet surfaces highly slippery. This is why it is crucial to watch out for moss growth and apply any necessary preventative measures.
Is there a way to prevent moss from growing on my roof tiles?
Adding copper ridges to your roof can prevent moss from forming on your roof tiles. A coppery residue is discharged from these ridges when it rains and washes off the roof, inhibiting moss formation. Routine upkeep and cleaning are frequently sufficient to help you gain new roof benefits for your home.
Give your roof a once- or twice-yearly wash, but avoid using pressure washers that could harm it. Consider the risks involved in working on your roof before deciding on how to remove the moss. When in doubt, it’s preferable to enlist the help of reputable roofing companies that can complete the task carefully and safely. However, a full replacement will give you more new roof benefits for your home.
5. Your Roof Is Sagging
Your roof’s peak ought to run parallel to the ridge in a straight line. If your roof has a saddleback or sag in the middle, this could be a symptom of structural problems and, if left untreated, could lead to the collapse of your roof.
Even though you used high-quality roofing materials, lousy installation can still result in drooping roofs. Snow and ice can also cause this problem in regions where it snows frequently or when there is too much weight on the roof.
It’s crucial to keep your roof dry, use high-quality roofing materials, and install them correctly to reduce the likelihood of sagging. It would be best to determine how much weight your roof can support. When you inspect your roof, if something seems off, you need to contact certified roofers to come and fix it.
6.Your Energy Bills Are Increasing
The recession is on its way. Inflation is out of control. Everything is expensive.These are three truths you encounter whenever you take out your wallet, read in every comment section, or hear on the street corner. Energy prices rise daily and will continue to increase. Therefore, it’s always wise to seek ways to reduce your expenses.
Saving money while improving the quality of life is a major win-win situation. So, if you notice rising energy bills without a reasonable reason, you could be dealing with a defective roof that overworks the AC, increasing your bill. You will gain more new roof benefits for your home by replacing an old defective roof. The older your current roof is, the more energy efficiency you get after replacement.
How Does Your Roof Affect Energy Costs?
Drafty doors, sagging windows, inadequately insulated basements, and an old roof all contribute to high energy costs in your home. Your roof deteriorates and loses efficiency as it ages. Outside temperatures and humidity levels start to creep inside your home space.
How can you make your roof energy efficient? First, installing a new roof will undoubtedly save energy. Using roofing materials with high shingle ratings and Energy Star ratings to construct a new roof, coupled with cutting-edge construction techniques, significantly enhances energy consumption..
Additionally, with newly installed roofs, the effects of wear and tear will be the least of your worries. A new roof can address problems with attic insulation, incorrect ventilation, air leaks, and drafts. If you require roofing services, ensure you hire a reputable local roofing contractor.
7. You Want a New Material
Before replacing your roof, the choice of roofing materials should be your top consideration. Additionally, consider affordability, durability, roof pitch, and weather resistance. A suitable roofing material offers many new roof benefits for your home. There are various roofing materials to select from, including:
Asphalt Shingles
Nowadays, asphalt shingles have become popular – for a good reason. Asphalt will last between 15 and 30 years and is the least expensive roofing material available. This is the best option for homeowners operating under a tight budget. It also has a wide range of colors and is easily accessible. However, you may have to repair old asphalt shingles that become looser with time.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are the best choice if you want to give your property a more natural appearance and a unified aesthetic appeal. Wood typically lasts for 20 years and is more expensive than asphalt.
Wooden shingles and shakes often require a lot of care and maintenance. Wood naturally expands and compresses, making it susceptible to the formation of moss and mold. To allow the wood to breathe, it must be pressure-washed and cleaned regularly.
Metal Roof
You might have to spend relatively more money on a metal roof, particularly if you reside in a windy area. Extreme weather doesn’t affect metal roofing. Despite being more expensive than asphalt, metal is more resilient and will work much better in bad weather. In general, a metal roof last from 30 to 50 years.
Metal roofing requires little to no maintenance because it is long-lasting. You might even have it for the rest of your life, so you won’t ever need to deal with another roofing project. In the end, when selecting the material for your new roof, you should also consider the architectural style of your house.
While composition asphalt shingles suit most properties, other types of roofing, such as tiles or slate, may do a better job in buildings like historic structures. Faux roofing materials particularly endear property owners and developers because they can imitate slate or wood shake roofs at a fraction of the cost and with less overall maintenance.
8. Your Roof Is 20 Years Old
Although dozens of materials can be used to construct roofs, tiles and shingles are the most widely utilized roofing materials. They offer numerous new roof benefits for your home. Tiles and shingle materials are designed to survive the test of time and extreme weather.
Remember, the lifespan of your roof determines the suitable material to use, installation, and maintenance. It also helps you choose whether to use one or several layers of shingles. If your roof has numerous layers of shingles and has been in place for at least 20 years, you might want to have them changed.
Additionally, if your roof is 15-20 years or older, it’s time to have professional roofers inspect it. A roof is exposed to various weather extremes that eventually take its toll.
9. You Want to Improve Your Home’s Value
When trying to sell your home, a new roof is usually a potent marketing tool. A property with a new roof is eye-catching. In addition, buyers prefer a new roof because it will spare them the headache of a reroof. Most purchasers want to avoid high costs after buying a property, such as installing a new roof.
Does that imply that installing a new roof will raise the value of your house? Believe it or not, one of the most important elements in evaluating your property’s overall value is your roof’s condition. According to remodeling’s 2019 Cost vs Value Report, a new asphalt shingle roof of medium quality costs the average American homeowner $22,636. The average value of the home will rise by $15,427 after installing a new roof. That equals 68 percent of the initial investment.
According to another remodeling impact assessment published by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, new roofs offer a 109 percent return, meaning you rake in profit after replacing your old roof. This is superior to numerous remodeling initiatives or roof repairs, so it is worth considering.
10. There are Missing Shingles
Are you constantly checking your roof for damage? No? You ought to.
Even if there hasn’t been a particularly severe storm, you should keep a close eye on your roof. Any material loss on your roof can potentially cause expensive damage. What if you notice a few missing shingles? A roof with missing shingles is a definite sign that you should replace it. Likely, the roof doesn’t offer sufficient security. For this reason, you need to hire roof replacement services soonest.
Now you know the top warning signs that your roof needs to be replaced. A new roof can be a costly endeavor. I get it. However, if you wait too long, your house can get damaged, and you might end up paying more. Therefore, you should contact a roofing contractor for a roof inspection if you detect any of the indicators mentioned in this article. A full replacement will provide you with more new roof benefits for your home.