The roof requires attention from time to time to ensure it continues to offer protection on your home at different types of the year. At some point, it will reach the end of its lifespan and require replacing the materials to avoid leaks and damage that can develop on your property. There are a few main signs that indicate it’s time for a roof replacement before it’s too late.
Missing Shingles
When there are spots on the roof that don’t have shingles, it’s a sign that the materials are starting to wear down. This causes the roof deck to be exposed, which can lead to leaks. Although you may hire a roofer to reinstall the shingles, they can continue to fall off once the roof is no longer structurally sound. You may also notice a lot of shingle granules present in your rain gutters, which means the shingles are starting to break apart.
Sagging
It’s important to act quickly if you notice that there’s sagging present on any area of the roof. This indicates the materials aren’t holding up well anymore and can put the roof at risk of caving in at any time, which can threaten the safety of your family members. Sagging indicates the roof is no longer strong and durable, making it necessary to hire a professional roofer to immediately reroof the home.
Frequent Leaks
It’s common for leaks to develop from time to time, but this may be a frequent occurrence if your roof is at the end of its lifespan. You may find yourself calling a roofer to fix the leaks every few months, which is not only costly but indicates the roof isn’t offering the same level of protection anymore. Over time, the leaks can become more extensive and cause a significant amount of damage to your property. Some leaks may even go unnoticed and can cause mildew and mold to form, which puts your family’s health at risk.
Issues with the Flashing
The flashing is one of the most important materials on the roof that seals the building and prevents moisture from leaking through any time there’s rain or snow. The flashing is present on the vents, chimney, and skylights. When the flashing starts to age and gets older, it can start to lift off of the roof, which leads to leaks. Although you may choose to replace the flashing, it’s important to consider that it may be time to replace the entire roof.
Old Age
Consider when your home was originally built or when the roof was last replaced to determine if it’s time for a new roof. The roofing materials will influence the lifespan of the structure. Roofs with asphalt shingles last an average of 20 years, whereas metal roofs last 70 years. The age of the roof is an indicator of when you should prepare to reroof the house.
Knowing what signs indicate your roof is no longer offering protection on your home can allow you to act quickly. This can prevent severe damage and accidents from occurring in the future.