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No matter the quality of a roof, it will naturally reach the end of its life at some point. Even if it hasn’t failed yet, you may have a worn and old looking roof and replacing it will be a preventative measure. If you delay in replacing your roof, it could result in bigger issues further down the line.
Not sure how old your roof is or if it needs to be replaced? Listed below are some of the signs that may signal you need a new roof.
1. Curled shingles
Shingles can curl in two major ways: cupping and clawing. Cupping happens when the edges of the shingles turn upwards. Clawing happens when the edges of the shingles are flat but the middle comes up. Your shingles clawing usually means it is weathered and there could be potential leaks.
Clawing and cupping are both signs that potential leaks are relatively close to fruition. The amount of time left will depend on the extent of the curling. According to Mark Graham, the vice president of the National Roofing Contractors Association, this could be anywhere from 1 – 5 years before you will need a new roof.
2. Daylight comes into your home
Nothing signals “you need a new roof” like holes in your roof. If you notice the sunlight seep into your house through the ceiling, then it is time for you to hire the services of the roofing contractors. How to check this? If you have an attic, go up there when it is sunny and look for streaks of light, especially in dark areas – if you find any, it is time to have your roof replaced or patched.
3. Sagging areas
Just like water will make cardboard soggy and weak, the presence of water in the structure of your roof will make it sag. If there are saggy areas in your roof, use a broom or your hand to prod the saggy spot, if it feels wet or soft or bends easily, then there is moisture damage and it needs to be replaced quickly.
4. Your utility bills are higher
Have you recently noticed that your home’s electricity and heating bills for the past year have gone up? There are a lot of factors that could be causing this, top on the list is poor insulation. If your roof is damaged and in need of replacement, chances are your HVAC system is working overtime to control the temperature in your home. This extra work means more money spent on utility at the end of the month.
5. Damaged flashing
Flashing is a material placed around skylights, chimneys or areas where the roof meets the wall. Flashing is typically made of galvanized steel or metal to prevent water from entering the building by redirecting water from the opening.
However, daily exposure to the elements outside causes flashing to decay. If you notice the flashing is bent or cracked, it could leave your home open to leaks, which is never a good thing.
6. The presence of unwanted plants
Even though moss looks great in the corner of a garden, if you find moss on a roof it means trouble. The presence of moss means there is trapped moisture somewhere – if it is on your roof, it could ruin it. To get rid of the moss on your roof, use a brush but be sure to address any underlying problems first.
7. Your roof is old
The lifespan of a roof will depend on the kind of roof and how it is built. There is no specific number of years that a roof can last for. But the general rule is, if your roof is made up of shingle then you should consider a new roof every 12 to 20 years.
8. Leaks
This is a very obvious clue. If you are finding water seeping into your home, chances are you need a new roof. Visit your attic after a rainstorm or if you notice ice dams along your eaves. Look for signs of water penetration because a lot of major leaks that occur on a property are most likely to start there.
Please be reminded, water can travel a distance across beams and walls from the point where the leak is happening before it shows itself. What are ice dams? Ice dams form when the snow on a roof melts and runs down the eaves and freezes. The more water runs down the more the ice grows. Please note, it is not in all cases that complete roof replacement may be necessary. If a couple of shingles are blown off, then a repair might be all you need.
9. Granules in the gutter
The granules in new roof shingles do many things – they add colour, reflect the UV rays from the sun and help resist fire. Sadly, over time granules come off as a result of exposure to weather elements. Without granules, your roof is left unprotected from the elements and extensive loss can lead to roof failure.
If you haven’t had your gutters cleaned in a while, we recommend you do so. Check for the presence of shingle granules. If you find granules, try to remember where they were the last time you had your gutters clean. If it is only a couple granules, then it is not a cause for concern. But it is still advisable that you get in touch with a roofing contractor to find out what the reason is for the loss.
10. Check inside
If you feel like you need a new roof, one of the first places to check is the inside of your home – places like your attic.
Get started before it’s too late
In our experience, a roof replacement isn’t necessary if roof repairs are conducted in a timely manner. But it begins with being observant. Ensure that you make roof inspections a regular part of your routine. Get it checked by a professional roofing contractor. A roofing contractor will know what to look out for that might not be obvious to you.
If you need advice on your roof then call us now on 020 8987 8071!
