Your roof isn’t going to warn you before it quits. You won’t get a two-week notice in the mail. One day, it’ll just let wind and rain inside your house. When that point hits, you’ll be scrambling to get a roof replacement while already putting pans under the drips.
The best way to know when it’s time to replace your roof is to look for signs of wear. Luckily, they’re not hard to see. Here are six signs that it might be time for a roof replacement.
1. Your Roof is Over 20 Years Old
Just like you, roofs get old and tired too. Unfortunately for them, they can’t just kick their feet up after a long day and watch terrible reality TV shows to recharge. Instead, they just begin to cause expensive damage to the structure of your home.
The average roof life expectancy is around 20 years. So, if your roof is almost old enough to buy itself a beer, it’s time to throw a retirement party and call your friendly neighborhood roofing company for a replacement.
2. It Looks Terrible
You know that house in your neighborhood with the ugly black streaks all over the roof (and hopefully it’s not yours)? Those black streaks are caused by algae called Gloeocapsa magma. Aside from making your house hard to look at, this algae can cause premature decay of your roof.
Algae feed off moisture—which is quite prevalent in the Seattle area—making it one of the most common roofing issues in the Pacific Northwest. If you catch it soon enough, Gloeocapsa magma can be cleaned off with commercial power washers and solutions. If you wait too long, it could require a full roof replacement. And don’t even start about all the moss…
3. Roof Shingle Granules in the Gutters
After a good rain, do you notice little sandboxes forming under your downspouts? That sand is made of the granules coming off your shingles.
When shingles age, they start to deteriorate and lose their grit. Once all the grit is gone, your shingles won’t be as effective at stopping the elements, letting water right into your house. If you notice granules in your gutters and under your downspouts, it’s a good time to call a roofing contractor for an inspection.
4. Roof Leaks, Leaks, and More Leaks
Obviously, it’s not supposed to rain inside. If rain in the forecast sends you to the pantry to gather all your pots and pans, it’s definitely time for a roof replacement.
Leaks aren’t just an isolated problem. Any moisture that gets into your house through a hole in the roof can cause extensive damage to the structure underneath and could even cause hazardous mold to grow. If you see any signs of leaks including stains, bubbling on interior walls, or discoloration, it’s time to ditch that old roof and replace it with a new one.
5. Beams in the Attic Are Sagging
Just because you don’t see leaks in your living area, doesn’t necessarily mean your roof is doing a good job. Your attic is the buffer between you and outside. Be sure to check it occasionally for signs of water damage.
The most obvious sign is sagging beams, which is a serious structural problem that needs to be addressed right away. Keep an eye out for other signs like discoloration or mold, as these could also be signs of leaks in the roof. If you notice water damage problems in your attic, it could indicate it’s time for a roof replacement.
6. Your Energy Bills Are Out of Control
Your roof doesn’t just keep the elements out; it also keeps the temperature in. Your roof is the last line of defense for your home’s climate control. If your roof is in poor condition, you could see it in your energy bills.
When your roof can’t keep the weather out, your heat or air conditioning units will have to work overtime to keep the temperature steady. That means a big increase in your energy consumption. If you all of a sudden can’t afford your energy bills, the reason might be right above your head. Contact a roofing contractor and get your energy bills back under control.
If you notice any of the signs on this list, it’s time to talk to an expert. The professionals at Cloise & Mike Construction are here to help. We can inspect your roof and suggest the proper course of action. Whether you just need a few repairs or a whole new roof, we can help! Contact us today for a free inspection.