Is your ugly roof the first thing that people see when they pull up in front of your home? If so, it’s taking a huge toll on the curb appeal of your house.
You might be able to have your roof repaired to bring it back to life. But more than likely, you’re going to need to install a new roof in place of your old one to make it look great again.
Signs Your Roof Needs to Be Replaced
This is just one of the many signs that’ll let you know it’s time for you to invest in a new roof. If you’ve been wondering, “How do I know if my roof needs to be replaced?” take a look at five other signs that’ll show you that you need a new roof below.
1. The Shingles on Your Roof Are in Bad Shape
You can sometimes tell what kind of condition your roof is in simply by looking up at the shingles on it from the ground. If you have one or two shingles missing from your roof, it’s not the end of the world. You can have a couple of shingles replaced without worrying about your entire roof needing to be ripped off and replaced.
You should, however, be concerned if more than a dozen shingles are missing from your roof. You should also be concerned if you notice that many of your shingles are curling, cracked, or missing too many granules.
If your shingles aren’t in good condition, there is a decent chance that everything that sits underneath them is also the worse for wear. You’ll want to consider having a new roof installed right away.
2. You Have Roof Flashing That Is Rusting Away
In addition to inspecting the shingles on your roof for any signs of trouble, you should also pay close attention to your roof flashing.
Roof flashing, which is usually made out of metal, is designed to steer moisture away from certain areas of your roof. You’ll find it surrounding things like vents and chimneys.
Over time, flashing can start to rust and eventually it won’t be able to do its job anymore. You’ll need to do something about it so that water isn’t able to gain access to the interior of your home.
In some cases, you might be able to replace flashing and get a little bit more life out of your roof. But if your flashing is at the point where it’s rusting, it usually means that your roof is on the older side. Replacing it with a new one might be your best option.
Related: 10 questions to ask a contractor when you replace your old roof
3. There Are Moss and Mildew Growing on Your Roof
Have you noticed that a small amount of moss and mildew have started to grow on your roof? This isn’t that uncommon, especially for those homeowners who have trees in their yards shading their roofs.
As a roof gets older, it’ll usually allow more and more moisture to build up on it over time. This moisture will lead to more moss and mildew growing on the roof, and before long, it’ll be almost impossible to keep up with it.
If your roof is covered with moss and mildew, it’ll make it look unsightly. But it’ll also invite more moisture to gather on your roof, which could result in your roof rotting away and even leaking within a short period of time.
If you can’t seem to get a grip on moss and mildew, it’s time to say goodbye to your old roof and make way for a new one. You’ll love not having to worry about dealing with moss and mildew anymore.
Related: Pros and cons of clay roofing tiles
4. Your Roof Sheathing Is Starting to Rot and Cause Leaks
Roof sheathing, which is also sometimes called roof decking, is the wooden layer of your roof that sits beneath your shingles. It’s the last line of defense when it comes to keeping moisture out of your home.
As long as roof sheathing is installed properly at the start, it’s designed to dry off quickly when it’s exposed to moisture. But once it begins to get old, it won’t always be able to do this. It often leads to roof sheathing starting to rot away.
If your roof is leaking, a lot of times it’s because your roof sheathing isn’t in great shape. You should keep a close eye for signs of a leaky roof inside your home and call on a professional roofing company for help if you spot them.
They’ll be able to check out your roof and let you know if your roof sheathing is the issue. If it is, it’s often going to mean that you need to have a new roof installed.
5. Your Roof Is More Than 15 Years Old
If you have a metal roof sitting on top of your home, you should be able to get well over 50 years of life out of it. In many cases, metal roofs will even last even longer than that.
But if you have a traditional asphalt shingle roof, you’re probably going to need to have it replaced once you reach the 15-year mark. Keep tabs on how old your roof is and plan ahead when it comes to replacing it.
Why You Should Think About Routine Roof Maintenance
Maintaining the integrity and extending the lifespan of your roof goes beyond occasional checks and repairs. Routine maintenance is crucial, turning potential major repairs into minor fixes. Here’s why making roof maintenance a regular part of your home care routine is wise, along with some maintenance tasks you shouldn’t ignore.
Cleaning your gutters is essential. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog your gutters, leading to water buildup. This can cause damage to your roof and underlying structures over time. Keeping gutters clear, especially after the fall season, is key to preventing water damage and potential rot.
Removing moss, algae, and mildew is also critical for keeping your roof in good condition. These elements can harm the aesthetic appeal of your home and lead to the deterioration of roofing materials. Regular inspections and prompt removal of these growths can maintain the health of your roof’s surface.
Checking for damaged or missing shingles is crucial. Shingles act as the first line of defense against the elements, and any damage or loss can expose your home to water damage. Detecting and replacing these shingles early can prevent leaks and the extensive damage they can cause.
Trimming overhanging tree branches is important as well. Falling branches can damage shingles, and the shade from large trees can encourage the growth of moss and mildew. Keeping branches trimmed can reduce these risks and help keep your roof in prime condition.
Incorporating these maintenance tasks into your routine can significantly improve the longevity of your roof and help maintain your home’s value and curb appeal. While some tasks are manageable by homeowners, consulting with or hiring a professional roofing contractor for inspections and repairs ensures safety and correctness. A well-maintained roof is key to a durable, healthy home that withstands the elements over time.
Related: 9 benefits of metal roofs
Invest in a New Roof for Your Home Today
Have you noticed any of these telltale signs when looking at your roof? Spring into action immediately and have roof replacement services on your home.
We can help you pick out the right new roof for your house. We can also handle installing it and make sure the job gets done the right way. It’ll leave you with a beautiful brand-new roof that will last for years to come.
Interested in getting an estimate for a new roof? Contact us today to obtain a free quote for roof replacement.