Do you think it’s time for a new roof?
A roof is a key part of your home. It’s what protects you, your family, and your belongings from the elements. Think of what would happen if you didn’t have a roof over your head.
It can be hard to tell if there’s something wrong with your roof until the problem becomes so bad, it’s too late to do anything.
There are warning signs that you have a bad roof that needs to be repaired or replaced. Read on to find out what those signs are.
Table of Contents
1. Roof Pieces Appear in Gutters
One of the first signs that you have a deteriorating roof is that the asphalt shingles will break up into granules.
You might notice strange materials showing up in your landscaping. They could be roof granules that have come down your gutter into the mulch close to your home.
You’ll see this in areas where there is a lot of intense sunshine. The heat will cause the shingles to deteriorate faster than normally expected.
2. Shingles are Missing
This you can easily spot. Just look up at the roof and see if there are any shingles that are missing.
It’s a good idea to do a quick inspection anytime there’s a strong storm to see if there are shingles that were blown away. You’ll want to get them replaced as soon as you can.
Missing shingles can cause your roof to be vulnerable, and waiting to get those shingles replaced could cause more damage to your roof.
3. The Roof Age
Your asphalt roof has an average lifespan of about 20 years. There are a lot of variables to consider, such as the materials used and the weather conditions in your area.
Harsh or extreme weather conditions could cause your roof to age more quickly, causing it to be replaced sooner.
If your roof has multiple issues and it’s an older roof, it’s probably time for a replacement. On the other hand, a roof that’s only a few years old may only need to be repaired.
4. Sagging Roof Areas
A sagging roof can be a sign of a major leaking issue. What’s likely happening is that the supporting beams that hold up the roof are rotted out.
These beams are weak, which causes the roof to sag. This is a major issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Even if the tiles appear fine, the underlying supporting structure will need to be repaired or replaced.
5. Change in Energy Bills
Have you noticed that it takes a lot more energy to heat or cool your home?
A sudden spike in your energy bills is a sign that there’s an issue with the roof. The reason why is that your heating or cooling energy could be getting out through the roof.
At the same time, the cold or heat from outside could be getting into your home through the roof. You’ll want to have a professional come out and inspect the home to make sure your energy costs come down.
6. Leaks Inside the Home
You don’t have to get to the top of your roof to see this warning sign of a bad roof. You can just take a quick look inside your home.
Look at the ceilings throughout your home for signs of water damage. You’ll need to note if there’s water damage that’s in only one area or several areas throughout the home.
7. Shingles Curl Up
Have you noticed that some shingles have curled up? Similar to missing shingles, this issue can get much worse over time. You’ll want to make sure that these are replaced as soon as possible.
How to Tell if You Have a Bad Roof
These are the major warning signs that you have a bad roof over your home. Some of these things are obvious when you glance up at your roof from the ground level.
Most of these warning signs require a closer inspection. Twice a year, when the most extreme seasons have passed, you’ll want to do an inspection inside and outside.
Inside, you’ll want to check for signs of leaking. These signs could be in the ceiling where there are watermarks. In the attic, check for moisture and wet insulation.
During an exterior inspection, you’ll need to get up close and check the gutters for roof granules and for other warning signs, like a slight dip in the roof.
Repair or Replace Your Bad Roof?
Should you repair or replace your bad roof?
It depends on a few factors. The first is the extent of the damage. If you’re dealing with a few missing shingles that blew off during a storm, then that’s a repairable issue.
Something like a dipping or sagging roof would require a complete replacement.
The age of the roof and your budget are other factors in determining if you should repair or replace your roof.
If you choose to replace your roof completely, you could be eligible for tax incentives.
Replacing your roof is also a new opportunity. You can decide to forgo the traditional shingle roof and go for something more durable, like a concrete tile roof. Learn more about that here.
Warning Signs of a Bad Roof
Many people look to the foundation of a home as the most important thing to look after. A solid foundation is very important, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the roof.
When you ignore the roof and don’t inspect it regularly, you can be sure that you’ll be in for some headaches down the road. A bad roof may be beyond repair, and you could be in for a major replacement project.
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