Your home subtly communicates to you its condition. However, unless you know what to look for, you may not recognize the signs that you need a new roof. Pay close attention and contact a professional roofer to schedule an evaluation of your roof if you notice any of the following signs that your roof needs replacement.
Mold, Mildew, and Rot, Oh My!
Mold, mildew, and rot can be as harmful as lions, tigers, and bears for people with severe allergies or asthma. These problems may develop in the upper floors of your home or your attic if you have unrepaired, long-lasting roof leaks.
Just having a single leak in your roof may only require a repair of that part of the roof. However, multiple leaks or severe water intrusion that leads to wood rot, mold, and mildew may require that you replace the entire roof.
If you try to investigate a roof leak on your own, be aware that finding the source of a water leak is not as easy as it sounds. Water often drips from the ceiling far from its source because it flows along a beam until it accumulates enough water for gravity to cause it to fall.
Don’t put off calling a professional roofer to examine the state of your roof if you have water damage for any reason. They may find that your roof does not have any leaks, which means the source could be a pipe in your attic instead.
Leaks will only cause worse damage over time, whether caused by a roof hole or a pipe. Getting the problem diagnosed and fixed can save your home and protect the health of any loved ones with allergies to mold and mildew.
Looks Aren’t Everything, But They Do Matter
Your roof won’t always look new, but you may notice specific problems that indicate your roof experienced more than cosmetic damage.
Roof shingles should all lie flat and have complete coverage of their surfaces with grit. Shingles must stay flat against each other on the roof to cover the roofing nails and protect them from rust. The grit provides solar protection for the shingles. If it wears off, the shingles have a greater chance of curling, warping, or cracking from sun damage.
Worn, aged roofs with curling, missing, or balding shingles may need replacement. When shingles are consistently showing these conditions on your roof, you should have the entire roof replaced to get a fresh start.
Other visual signs of roof damage that should get you to call a roofer include the following:
- Dark streaks on the roof from algae growth
- Moss or other plants growing on the roof
- Damaged flashing around chimneys, plumbing vents, and other roof fixtures
Having a roofer examine the roof will help you to determine if you only need a few shingles replaced or have a new roof installed.
Severe Storms Can Cause Serious Damage
Wind, hail, and storm debris can all cause even the most robust of roofs to need immediate attention. Hail and storm debris, such as fallen tree limbs, can punch holes in a roof. Wind can lift shingles up, which can loosen the sealant or nails holding them in place.
After a storm:
- Take a look at your roof for signs of damage.
- Consider the type of storm that passes through your area.
- If you have tree limbs on the roof or have experienced a severe hail or wind storm, contact a roofer to evaluate the integrity of your roof. You may need only a few shingles replaced, but if you already have an aging roof with severe damage, you should consider replacing it.
Some Things Don’t Get Better with Age – Including Roofs
The age of your roof matters; over time, even well-installed roofs will fall prey to the elements and wear out. For standard architectural, asphalt-shingled roofs, expect a lifespan of 18 to 23 years. If your roof has reached this range, consider scheduling a visit from a roofer for a replacement estimate.
There are a few ways to estimate the age of your roof if you don’t know it. First, if your home is relatively new, the roof’s age will likely correspond to that of your home. Look for the construction date on your property tax assessment.
Another means of estimating your roofs age if you live in an older home is by looking for the receipt from the last roof replacement.
Finally, look at your neighbors. They will likely have roofs of similar ages to yours, especially if all the homes in the neighborhood are of the same period. If you see roofers installing new roofs in your area, consider calling a trusted roofer for a new roof.
Signs That Your Roof Issues Caused Bigger Problems
Poorly maintained roofs can leak and cause even bigger headaches than a few water drops. Water intrusion into your home can cause serious structural problems, especially if the water damage lasts for a long time without abatement.
Water damage can weaken the decking that supports the roof, or a rafter has broken. You may notice sagging areas of the roof as evidence of this. When your roof sags, you’ll need to replace the roof and repair the damage done to restore your home’s condition.
However, you don’t want to wait until your roof problems cause even more costly damage. Get your roof replaced when it shows signs that it is at the end of its useful life.
Answer Your Home’s Call for a New Roof and Contact Charlotte Roofing Specialists
If your home answers your question of, “How do I know if I need a new roof?” heed the signs and contact a trusted roofer in your area. Your new roof will become an investment in your home to protect it and make it beautiful for another two decades. Put considerable thought into your choice of a roofer. For a trusted, qualified roofer in the Charlotte area, contact us at Charlotte Roofing Specialists. We can help to restore your home’s roof by repairing or replacing it.