Is it Time to Replace Your Roof? Warning Signs to Look For

These are some of the best ways to go about seeing if your current roof needs repair and how much it might cost.

Most homeowners don’t worry themselves with roof maintenance until their room starts leaking, but that is a big mistake.

Routine maintenance checks show that many households have roofs in need of serious repair, and putting off these repairs for longer can lead to a much more expensive bill down the road.

A good roof over your head can sometimes be undervalued as most people don’t know how important it is.

A good roof that is well maintained can help to protect you from bad weather and windy nights. It can provide good insulation and ventilation and help to cut down your energy costs.

By carrying out routine roof maintenance, you’ll be able to notice little cracks or issues before they turn to something serious in the long run. Many roofing companies even offer free inspections so you know what kind of shape your roof is in.

Most homeowners don’t know that when you refuse to fix a leaking roof, mildew and mold can begin to grow in your household and this could result in some serious health complications.

The signs of wear and tear on a roof are often staring us right in the face, but because we do not look closely we let the problem get worse and worse until a complete rebuild is necessary. Here are some of the most common roof issues which need addressing.

Ceiling Leak

One of the major signs that your roof needs to be looked at is a leaking ceiling. When this happens, it means it’s time to either fix or change your roof.

You don’t need to wait for the ceiling to start leaking water before you take a look at the roof. You can inspect it routinely.

Look out for streaks, spots and stains. Go to the top of the roof and observe the interior. Pay close attention to a discolored portion of your roof because it could be your leak culprit.

Even the stains on your roof’s interior walls can signal a more serious problem in your roof.

On average, the cost of repairing a leaking ceiling is $809. However, this repair cost is quite affordable when you compare it to the cost of replacing a roof which ranges from $6,000 to $10,200. Paying a little bit of money for small repairs can help you avoid major projects that will cost you far more.

Curled or Buckling Shingles

Another way to check if your roof needs to be repaired or changed is to inspect your roof’s shingles.

The shingles in your roof serve as your roof’s defense mechanism against external forces and as years go by they can wear out.

So if you noticed that your roof shingles are buckling or curled, it means it is due for a fix or complete overhaul.

Some of the things that can affect your roof shingles and cause it to wear out include the following:

Sunlight
Storms
Temperature changes

Damaged or Corroded Roof Valleys

Roof valleys are also an important area of your roof that you should look out for because it also protects your home from rain and ensures that the water is channeled into the gutter.

However, if your roof valleys get damaged, blocked or corroded with snow, water or any foreign substance, it could become faulty and start to leak and the leaks could find their way to your ceiling.

The Age of Your Roof

Another major determinant that will let you know if your roof requires a fix or complete overhaul is the age of your roof.

When was it installed? Has it ever been repaired or changed? These are the questions you should be asking.

Under normal circumstances, a roof has a life expectancy of 30 years.

After the stipulated age range, your roof can become weak inside and still look ok. So once you’ve discovered the age of your roof, you can now decide if it’s time for an upgrade or mere repairs.

Soft Spots on Your Roof

Find your way to the roof and inspect it for soft spots. Soft spots are huge warning signs that something is wrong and if care is not taken, it could escalate into something bigger.

Soft spots on your roof can be a sign that the plywood under your roof is rotten. Soft spots can also appear under shingles and it can lead to holes or leaks in your roof.

Get a Professional to Fix or Replace Your Roof

If you have inspected your roof and discovered any of the warning signs listed above, it’s time to let the professionals do their job.

If you ignore the signs and allow your roof to degenerate more, this could put your life and that of your family in danger because an old and weak roof can collapse at any time leaving you with a much bigger problem.

Once you’ve seen the warning signs, get in touch with a professional roofing contractor or company to come and inspect your roof and offer possible solutions.

There are a lot of roofing companies to choose from. We recommend researching online reviews about roofing companies in your area before signing a contract with one. These reviews will let you know if other homeowners are satisfied with the services provided.

It is also best to receive quotes from a few different roofing companies so that you can compare prices and ensure that you are receiving a fair deal.