When a house is first built it seems like a long way off before any major structural elements need to be replaced. That's true for the most part, but a roof may need to be replaced sooner than you'd think. After all, it's the part of the structure that's protecting everything else.
But how do you know when your roof needs to be replaced? Roof replacement depends on a number of factors. Even if you can't climb up on the roof there are some easy ways to tell that you'll need a new roof sooner rather than later.
Material and Age of Your Current Roof
Do you have an asphalt shingle roof that's nearing 30 years old? Is the metal roof original on your 60-year old home?
Roofing materials have an average lifespan that can serve as an indicator of when it's time to replace the roof. If you know the age of the current roof and the material you have a good indicator of whether or not you need a new roof installation soon.
Selecting a new roof is a big decision that should be partly based on how well the current roof held up over time. Use it as a gauge of if it's a material you want to use again and how soon you may have to replace it.
Recent Weather
If you've ever experienced a Texas hail storm then you know why a relatively new roof may need to be replaced. There have been instances where the hail was as large as baseballs. Golf ball size hail is a somewhat regular occurrence. After bad weather rolls through we get a lot of calls from home and business owners that need storm and hail restoration services.
Central Texas is also known to freeze over from time to time. The freezing weather can damage a roof by causing materials to contract, increasing the likelihood of cracking and warping. The extreme heat of summer can also lead to premature wear and tear on a roof.
If the recent weather has been rough on your home, look for the other signs noted here to catch issues on the roof before they cause more damage.
Leaks and Water Damage on Ceilings
When you notice leaks from up above and water damage on the ceilings it could be from a few things, the roof being one of them. If the water isn't coming from the HVAC unit then there's a good chance there's a leak in the roof somewhere. If you noticed the leak or water damage after a rainstorm that's a sure indicator it's from a leak in the roof.
At minimum roof repair is needed to address the leak. If it isn't repaired it can lead to more extensive water damage.
The Shingles Look Worse for Wear
If you drive up to your house and notice that some shingles are missing, you may need to consider if it's time for a new roof. Or if you are outside and can tell that there are warped and curling shingles in some spots that's another indication that your roof may need replacing soon.
Gutters Aren't Working Properly
The gutters run along the roofline aiding in water drainage. When the gutters aren't working properly that's a sign the roof may be past its prime. If the roof is warping and buckling it can throw off the alignment of the gutter system and impede water drainage. In addition to the water not draining properly, you may notice debris building up at certain points in the gutters.
There's another way the gutters can tell you a roof needs to be replaced soon. If the roof is made of asphalt shingles and you see the granules in the gutter it lets you know that the protective top layer is coming off.
Things Are Growing on Your Roof
You should never see anything green on your roof. Mold, algae, moss - whenever something is growing on your roof you need to get it gone. This is more common on roofs that are in the shade most of the day or all day long. You're most likely to see it in alcoves and eaves where moisture can build up.
Growth on the roof is an issue for a few reasons. It can cause damage by causing moisture to remain against the roof. The moisture retention can also cause damage if the temperature drops below freezing.
You may be able to clean the roof off to remove mold and moss, but this will probably cause some degree of damage to a shingle roof. If the growth covers a significant amount of the roof and it's past 15 years old you may want to consider new roof options.
The Absolute Easiest Way to Tell You Need a New Roof Soon - A Free Inspection From LOA!
The easiest way to tell if you need a new roof soon is to schedule a free inspection with an LOA roofer. We'll take a look up top and give you our professional estimation on how much longer your current roof will last.
The roofing contractor will provide recommendations for new roof options that will provide the longest lifespan and best value. Want to know how much a new roof cost? We can provide a free estimate too!
At our Austin roofing company, we prioritize quality in every project. For a same-day, stress-free inspection, contact our Central Texas roofers. Schedule your free inspection by calling 512-375-3654.