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Are you considering a roof replacement? Would you know if you did? Many times, the signs can be rather glaring, but other times they aren't. A solid roof above your head is pretty crucial if you've become accustomed to having a nice, cozy, and leak-free home. Here's how to notice and address potential problems before they spiral out of control.
If you've conducted just a little investigation into this question, you've more than likely crossed the "25-30 year rule" for the longevity of most roofing systems. That figure is utilized as a benchmark. The majority of residential roofs need replacing during that timeframe. However, there are quite a few factors at play, and not any roof is the same.
Roofing systems take a lot of external wear and tear throughout each passing year. Sunlight, strong winds, debris, rodents, hurricanes, rain, or chaotic weather conditions – all of these have an impact on a roof's lifespan. How often your roof needs to be replaced depends on several things:
- * Weather.
- * Correct maintenance and preservation.
- * How old the materials are.
- * Quality of the materials.
- * How well it was installed in the first place.
- * Upkeep with minor repairs.
- * Keeping pests and rodents away.
- * External debris builds up.
Roof Repairs
| The average asphalt shingle roof has a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. Metal or tile roofs tend to have a much longer lifespan. If your roof is nearing its average replacement age, you should probably start thinking about your next roof. If previous roof repairs were installed over the top of your existing roof - a practice called overlaying - you should assuredly be thinking about getting a new roof. Overlaying is a patch job that can hide bigger roofing issues underneath the shingle surface. The first and simplest way to evaluate what condition your roof is in is to grab a flashlight and head up to your attic. Ensure to grab a flashlight with a bright beam, so you don't miss any damage and always be sure to be safe as you go through these kinds of inspections.
Upon arriving in your attic, try to identify one (or several) of these 4 signs that you need a new roof:
1) Sunlight Shining In Through The Roof
Prior to turning your flashlight on, try and notice any streams of light coming through cracks or punctures in your roof. If light is spotted shining through your roof, repair or replace your roof as soon as possible. If light is getting through your roof, then water is getting through your roof.
2) Dark Streaking & Stains
This one is also rather easy to identify. If there are dark stains or dark streaks on the underside of your roof or running down the walls from the base of your roof, then your roof is probably leaking, and moisture is deteriorating both your roof and your home's interior structure.
3) Sagging Areas
Much like how a soggy cardboard is weak, water can also make the structure of your roof begin to sag. If you identify sagging sections of your roof, use your hand or a broom to poke at the sagging spot carefully. If the spot feels soft and wet or moves around easily with a touch of your broom, you know you have moisture damage.
4) Water Damage
In addition to searching for dark streaks and sagging sections, make sure to check for any clear signs of water leaking or rotting your roof on the inside. If you see any clear signs of water damage, it's advisable to contact a roofing company to immediately evaluate your roof. Look For Shingle Issues
Examining the shingles on your roof is another way to determine whether or not your roof is in need of additional attention or a possible roof replacement entirely. While checking out the outdoor shingles on your home's roof, try to locate any cracks, misshapen shingles, or shingles that have warped or bent upwards.
Shingles that are warped, cracked, or misshapen may require a deeper inspection to conclude whether or not they can be replaced one by one or if the wiser choice is investing in an entirely new roof.
Finding tiny granules throughout your roof or piling up in your gutter can also be an indicator that it is time for a total and thorough roof replacement. Excessive asphalt granule loss is a major sign that the roof's state isn't where it needs to provide your roof can hold up to a large storm.
Excessive Growths On Your Roof
Moss can start to grow on a roof that doesn't receive a lot of sunlight, especially in cool and moist climates. Moss retains water against the surface, which can result in damage.
Have you seen algae or other types of nature growing on top or out of your roof? If so, don't worry. Nature tends to grow over any man-made building in its path if it is not properly cared for and maintained.
When inspecting your roof and the algae you have spotted, make sure to do so by inspecting both the inside and outside of your roof. While the majority of plant growths are likely to be seen from the exterior of your roof, when there's a more serious issue on-deck, nature may also be growing on its own indoors without your knowledge.
In most cases, treating the algae from a roof is a way to rapidly fix the issue without money needing to be outlayed. However, if you notice substantial growths around your roof or inside the property, it is highly advisable to call a roofer to identify the root cause and reason for the growths.
In the event the roof is just totally overgrown, then the sole option would be to get a roof replacement. This mostly happens to roofs that go unattended for long stretches of time.
The good news is, natural growth and buildup isn't usually an indicator that you must fix or replace your roof. Rather, moss is moreso an eyesore to your roof and one that is extremely common in hot places like Southern Florida.
If, in the end, you do require a full roof replacement, there then becomes some decisions in the near future. Beginning with the roofing material to use, will you stick with asphalt or consider tile? Which roofing contractor to work with? Whether there's a valid insurance damage claim. For many homeowners, having the cash on hand to get a new roof may not be possible; most reputable companies offer finance available for homeowners like Fort Lauderdale Roofing Experts. Be sure to do due diligence before deciding on which contractor to work with.
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