Let the sunshine in? We think not! Sunshine is lovely, but not when it’s seeping through the roof. If that happens, it might be time to call the professionals in and replace your roof.
If you like an energy-efficient, water-free home, as we at Tadlock Roofing do, you have to keep a close eye on all signs of wear and tear. Sometimes maintenance isn’t enough. Sooner or later, it might be time to replace the entire roof and enjoy the benefits of having a reliable and robust cover to run under, so to speak.
With age comes more than wisdom
When we talk about the telltale signs that your roof is in dire need of replacing, the first thing you should consider is the age. Think back — when was your roof installed? If it’s been a couple of decades or more, then you should seriously consider a total replacement job.
However, if you’re unsure when the installation happened (or it’s been too long to remember), take a look around your neighborhood. Your neighboring houses were probably built at the same time yours was. Pay attention to their roofs. If most of them look like they are in much better shape than yours is, then it’s high time for a replacement.
The wear and tear of the shingles
So, if you’ve determined that it’s been a long, long while since your roof has been installed, what should you look for? The number one thing to pay attention to is the state of the shingles.
Shingles can be curled, cracked, or missing — neither of which is a good sign. If your roof shingles are curling at the edges or cupping in the middle, you probably have more than a few leaks. You might not see them now, but they will get bigger, and when you do finally notice them, you’ll have to scramble to fix or replace the roof quickly (along with any interior damage caused by the leaks). You have some time, depending on the state of the shingles, but plan a roof replacement within one to five years.
Cracked or missing shingles can easily be replaced. What’re a few shingles after all, right? While that’s true, you might pay a steep price afterward. You can’t notice an abnormal shingle as soon as it cracks or the wind blows it off. Sure, you’ll replace it sooner or later, but the more time it happens, the more vulnerable your house is. So you might just end up with water damage in your attic or home’s interior.
The gutters say it all
If you’ve had your asphalt shingle roof for a decade or two, loose granules in the gutters are a sure cause for alarm. Granules protect the shingles from sun and wind damage. If they start to fall off, you’re losing a layer of protection and maybe even a roof over your head! Loose granules are a sure sign that there’s significant wear and tear on the shingles. Depending on the amount and frequency of granules in your gutters and downspouts, consider replacing your roof within five years.
Uninvited guests
Sometimes we’ll notice that out gorgeous roofs have a particular green or dark sheen to them. If we look close enough, we might notice moss or algae accumulating on the shingles. Now, while this certainly isn’t a sign you absolutely need to tear the entire roof down and build a new one, it’s still a cause for concern.
In most cases, moss and algae are cosmetic issues. However, they both dwell in moist areas that don’t get enough sunshine. If you’re only dealing with moss an algae on your almost-new shingles, there may be nothing to worry about. You can easily remove them and put that issue behind you.
However, if your roof has already been compromised, then you have another issue. Damaged shingles with moss on them are a bad sign. That means that the water is accumulating there, which makes them the perfect habitat for moss. Unfortunately, it’s also a perfect place for water to go through. It will seep through the cracks and get into your home, destroy your ceilings, walls, and personal belongings. Keep an eye on moss, and consider a roof replacement if you see significant wear and tear on the shingles.
Flash through the valleys
Chimney flashing and roof valleys are especially important when it comes to keeping your house dry. Compromised valleys will most definitely lead to leaks. Furthermore, old chimney flashing — roof cement and tar flashing — will give in to the elements sooner or later. Consider replacing it with the modern metal flashing system, that is water-tight and has better long-term protection.
Still Uncertain?
If you’re still not quite sure whether it’s time to re-roof or not or if you’re ready to move forward with an estimate, don’t hesitate to reach out to us right here and we’ll get in touch right away!
