Yes, owning a home can be costly, but there is some expense that is not only necessary but important if one wants to maintain to condition and value of their home.
A roof is precisely such a thing. A roof in disrepair can easily lead to more significant issues down the road, resulting in not only expensive construction costs but also possible structural damage to one’s home. That is why homeowners must know the warning signs that their roof needs to be replaced so that they can call their local contractor before it becomes a bigger, more expensive issue.
Five warning signs that your roof needs replacing:
1. If it’s leaking. One of the first signs that you need a new roof is if it is leaking. If you have water forming anywhere in your home, it’s your roof’s sign of letting you know it is done. Yes, it may be just a small spot that needs a repair, however, if you have more than a couple of leaks in different places in a short amount of time, then it’s probably a bigger issue than just a minor repair.
2. Another thing to look for is granules in the gutters. If you spot a noticeable amount of them, it means that your roof is washing away-literally. The shingles are losing their protectiveness, and you should begin thinking about replacing them.
3. If there are cracked, broken, or missing roofing materials. Yes, they can be replaced, however, at some point your roof may end up being more patched than it is whole, and at that time, it’s time to think about having someone put a new one on. After all, you are probably going to spend the cost of a new roof in repairs anyway.
4. Another reason that you may want to consider replacing your roof is for the aesthetics. If your roof has streaks of airborne algae, moss growing on it (which can also cause damage), or just looks old and worn, you may want to consider replacing it if you feel that it detracts from the character and style of your home.
5. It’s been too long. Experts recommend replacing a roof every 20-25 years. Even though it may look fine on the outside, not all the issues are visible, so it’s best to figure that it’s been over 20 years since your roof is ready to be replaced.
Yes, just because you have a leak, or some shingles missing doesn’t mean that you have to run out and replace your roof immediately (especially if it is less than 20 years old), but it does mean that you need some help making sure that there is not a more significant, underlying issue and verifying if your roof needs to be replaced or only repaired. That is why it is recommended that you call in an expert. A licensed contractor would be happy to give you an evaluation and let you know the extent of the damage and offer their advice. That way, you can be fully informed and able to make the best decision for your roof.
