7 Warning Signs You Need To Replace Your Roof

Many times, homeowners underestimate the importance of roofs as an element of their houses. So, most of them neglect their roofs and forget about performing the maintenance they require.

However, your roofing system is a critical part of your home. It protects those things you love the most from weather elements. Besides, if it has leaks or it is mold-infested, it may be a risk for your belongings and family. Every roof suffers a wear and tear process becoming fragile and unstable.

Therefore, checking your roof condition regularly is a critical, preventive activity. Have it inspected at least twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall. Are there trees around your home? Then, check it more frequently, particularly after any storm.

Pay attention to any evident signal of damage in your shingles. Also, each cleaning must include removing debris from the rooftop, gutters, and downspouts.

A roofing inspection will also tell you if your roof requires a replacement. However, how can you know that? Here you will see the seven warning signs you should repair or replace your roof.

Check for leaks from the inside

You have to start a roofing inspection from inside your home. First, check the condition of your attic. Look for signs of water damage. To do so, take a flashlight, get up to the attic, and search for moisture, water stains, or mold.

Did you spot sunbeams in the roof deck? There’s no doubt. There is damage to your roof, and it will leak through those beams.

Review your maintenance records

Roofs are structures with estimated life spans. When correctly installed, asphalt shingles can last around 25 years. But, when you install a layer of shingles over already existing shingles, the roof life is shorter – about 20 years.

As you do it for your vehicle, it is necessary to carry maintenance records for your roof. Can’t you remember when it was the last time you repair it? Are you unsure when it was installed? In any case, if it’s been about 20 years, start planning a replacement.

• Damaged shingles

Does your roof is leaky or waterproof? Your shingles’ shape will give you the answer.

You or your roofer has to climb up onto the roof to determine that. So, check some Tips for Safely Navigating Your Roof. Look for evident red flags, especially if a storm recently happened. If you find missing, curling, or cracked shingles, plan a roof repair.

Don’t forget to check the gutters and downspouts. If you observe your shingles are losing many granules, they might require a replacement.

• Wear and tear around openings

Flashing is the set of slim, metallic pieces that roofers install around joints and objects such as chimneys and skylights to avoid water filtering.

Look for any evident sign of damage in flashing. Check around chimneys, vents, and seams. Roof leaks use to have their origins in these areas. If you detect cracks in the flashing, consider replacing it and later perform regular inspections and maintenance.

Metal flashing tends to last more than cement or tar flashing. If you have one of these last types of flashing, consider upgrading to reduce leaks generation probabilities.

• Roof sagging is dangerous

Besides ruining your home curb appeal, a sagging roof may be dangerous. If you don’t locate the causes of the deterioration in time, the entire roof may fall apart.

Usually, the cause of a sloped roof is a weakened roofing material along with insufficient ventilation. In general, if the sagging is significant, you must replace the whole roof. Thus, look for symptoms of moisture damage and rot in both the roofing deck and the rafters. Remind that the lowest roof sections are most likely to sag.

• Moss and plants spell trouble

In your yard, moss and plants may look beautiful. But, if they are on your roof, these elements may bring grave issues. Moss and plants growing in your roof are clear indicators that it is suffering grave damage by moisture.

Moss or mold can compromise the integrity of the whole roof and its supporting structure. You can use a brush to clean the issue spots to solve this problem. However, after cleaning, verify the extension of the damage.

• Repair or replace?

It depends on the degree of the damage whether you have to replace the entire roof or simply repair it. Though, do not be afraid if you see a few broken shingles or if you have a little leak. This is not to say that you need to replace completely your roof.

If the roof was correctly built and it does not exceed 20 years, you may only need minor roof repairs services in LA. However, contact us, and we will make a free assessment of your roof if you are not sure.