8 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof
As a general rule of thumb, you can expect your home’s roof to last anywhere from 20 to 50 years. However, because your roof is meant to last so long, it’s easy to forget about it during your day-to-day life. The truth is though, that if you pay attention, your home will let you know when it’s time to replace your roof.
Want to make sure you know how to pay attention to the signs? We are here to help! Keep reading this guide to learn about the most common signs that it’s time to schedule a roof replacement.
1. The Shingles Look Distorted
Over time, the shingles on your roof will likely start to show signs of age. At first, this isn’t a cause for concern, but if you notice your shingles are starting to curl or buckle, it’s a sign of a more serious issue.
When moisture is coming into your attic space through your roof, it can force the nails to push up and out of the roof’s decking, which causes the shingles to curl and buckle. If you don’t fix them, that can leave your home vulnerable to damage from outdoor elements like wind, rain, and snow. It also means that your shingles are more likely to blow off during a storm.
2. You Notice Water Damage Around Your Home
If you have an attic, did you pay attention to the state of it the last time you were up there? If not, it may be time to take a trip up there again. Damp rafters are a sign of a leaking, damaged roof, and you’ll want to schedule a replacement as soon as possible to prevent more damage.
Even if you don’t have an attic, you should still be on the lookout for water damage on your walls or ceilings. If you notice water marks, grey or brown stains, or peeling paint, this is also a sign of a leaking roof that needs attention.
3. Your Roof Is Droopy or Sagging
The next time you’re outside, take a walk across the street and look at your house from a different angle than you typically do. How does your roof look? If you notice that it’s sagging or drooping, it’s time to replace your roof with a new one.
A sagging roof usually means that there is moisture trapped under the roof and the boards underneath have started rotting away. You’ll need to schedule a roof inspection right away before even more structural damage occurs.
4. You Notice Algae Growth on Your Shingles
This is another sign that’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention! Over time, bacteria can start to eat away at your shingles and the weatherproofing properties on your roof. These algae spots will usually look green, so give your shingles a visual inspection from time to time to see if you can spot them.
If left alone, the weatherproofing properties on your roof will continue to deteriorate, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage.
5. You Notice Missing Shingles or Granules
During periods of extreme weather, as we get here in Pennsylvania, some of your older shingles may come loose and fly off your home. Any time that happens, there’s a risk of water coming into your home during the next snow or rainstorm.
However, even if your roof isn’t missing any shingles, they still could be damaged. Over time, your shingles may start to deteriorate, leaving small granules around the outside of your home. This weakens your shingles, making them less effective for keeping water out of your home.
The best way to check for missing granules is to look in your gutters, which is where they tend to settle when they fall off.
6. You Notice Your Chimney Is Leaking
Another easy way to spot roof damage is to take a look at your chimney. Both your roof and your chimney should be properly flashed so as to keep water out of your home. A leaking chimney is a sign that it was never properly flashed or that it is no longer working as it should.
Contact a roofing contractor like our team here at MHX Designs at the first sign of a leaking chimney to remedy the issue and prevent further damage.
7. You Can See Daylight Streaking in Through Your Roof
Your roof is supposed to keep the outdoor elements out of your home, even on nice days. But, if you notice daylight streaking in through the roof boards in your attic, then it’s a sign that your roof is no longer doing its job.
If light can come through, so can water, and it usually means that the weatherproofing properties of your roof are no longer working as they should. Schedule a roofing consultation now to prevent more damage later.
8. Your Electricity Bills Are Higher Than Usual
Finally, pay attention to your monthly energy bills. Are you having to pay more than you used to, even though your energy habits haven’t changed? Higher heating and cooling bills can be a result of energy escaping through poor insulation, especially in your attic and roof.
While higher energy bills are not always a sure sign of a roofing problem, it’s best to get it inspected just to make sure. Then, continue to get yearly inspections to help you catch potential problems before they get too serious.
MHX Designs Is Here to Replace Your Roof
After learning more about the signs that it’s time to replace your roof, give your home a visual inspection. If you notice anything concerning, it’s time to call in the help of a professional. Here at MHX Designs, we specialize in exterior remodeling services like roof repairs. As a full-service roofing company, we have the expertise to provide roofing inspections, repairs, and replacements to keep your home protected.
Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you and to request a free consultation for your roofing project.
