Most homeowners don’t consider a roof replacement until it’s too late and the roof has caused considerable damage to their house. Fortunately, there are clear signs that your roof needs to be replaced, such as damaged shingles or holes in the attic. Keep in mind that even though your shingle roof might not display visible signs of age, it still has an expiration date and will need to be replaced at some point.
1. Damaged Shingles
The first step to identifying signs that your roof needs to be replaced is to take a closer look at the shingles. Do they look curved? If yes, this is usually caused by age, wind, or inadequate ventilation, and you’ll need to replace them. If your roof is old, you might notice that shingles are missing, especially after bad weather. Make sure to also closely inspect the shingles for less visible signs of cracking and other damage.
2. Moss Growth
Seeing moss and mold anywhere in your home is a bad sign, including on the roof. It may be caused by excessive moisture, and although it can be relatively easily removed, it might come back, so it’s essential to determine the root cause of it. Leaving the moss to grow freely on your roof can cause severe damage and require you to replace the roof entirely.
3. The Age of Your Roof
Because most roofs last anywhere from 25 to 30 years, it’s essential to find out when the previous owners last replaced your roof – unless you built your home yourself. If the previous owners can’t remember the exact date, you can still get in touch with the company that installed the roof and ask them to check their records. However, suppose you’ve lost contact with the previous owners and can’t get the information firsthand. In that case, a home inspector might be the best person to determine the age of your roof as accurately as possible.
4. Visible Wear and Tear
Apart from the shingles’ appearance, try to gauge the arrival of the roof as a whole to see if it needs to be replaced. If it appears old, especially compared to other homes in your neighborhood, then this is a clear sign it needs to be replaced. Your roof might also sag, which is usually a result of water damage and an indicator that it has gone past its expiration date.
5. Holes in the Attic
Sometimes the best way to find signs your roof needs to be replaced is to check inside the attic. Carefully inspect it for holes or discoloration since this means you have a leaky roof on your hands!
Don’t wait until it’s too late!
With all the renovations and repairs homeowners need to plan to ensure their home maintenance is up to date, it’s easy to forget about the roof. However, a badly damaged roof can cause expensive damage to your home. A great option is getting a metal roof installed, this way you will never have to worry about replacing your roof again!
