For the most part, roofing issues aren’t something many homeowners have to think about during their day-to-day lives. Roofing materials are sturdy and durable, sometimes lasting over two decades. But when a roof springs a leak or caves in after a particularly severe storm, many homeowners are left wondering if they missed the signs or could’ve somehow stopped the newfound and often costly damage from occurring.
Although it’s impossible to prevent roofing damage entirely, there are several ways homeowners can inspect their roof for issues and assess whether repairs or a roofing replacement are the right options.
What’s Doing the Most Damage to Your Roof?
Roofs act like the helmet in a knight’s coat of shining armor. Without a roof, your home’s interior would not only be exposed to the elements but also lose heat and cool air constantly, costing you a fortune on monthly energy bills. Although modern roofing materials are typically quite durable, roof damage can occur from unpredictable weather or simply due to old age. Some of the common contributors to roof damage include:
- Ice
- Snow
- Hail
- Pooling water
- Weathering
- Pests
- Mold, mildew, algae, and fungus
- Time/age
No matter what is impacting your roof right now, there are some surefire signs of roof damage that need to be dealt with swiftly. Make sure to perform regular roof maintenance and periodically assess the condition and structural integrity of your roof after severe storms.
6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof
Roof damage is not something that homeowners should ever take lightly. Allowing issues to linger and get worse will only leave you with a more expensive invoice from your roofing replacement company in the future.
Although repairs can fix minor damage, a roof replacement is likely necessary when more extensive issues arise. Below are six critical signs that a roofing replacement is your best option:
1. Algae Growth
First, we’ll start with a key indicator of roofing damage that many homeowners don’t even know about: algae growth. You might be surprised to hear that algae can grow on your roof and affect shingles since it’s typically found on a body of water’s surface or lining the glass wall of a fish tank.
But it’s true! Algae can be a big detriment to your roof, with bacteria eating away at shingles and breaking them down, leaving behind a black, unsightly streak. Manufacturers will make low-quality shingles using limestone to cut costs, but the limestone materials make your roof more susceptible to algae growth and streaking. Replace your old shingles with high-quality materials from trusted brand-names in the industry that typically offer lifetime warranties as well.
2. Failing Shingles
On top of algae growth, there are several other ways your roof’s shingles can fail that may call for a roofing replacement. Shingles are the actual outer barrier of that “coat of armor” encapsulating your home, offering numerous benefits for both the interior and exterior of a building. Going without them for an extended period can put your home at risk and leave you with an expensive bill when you inevitably require a roofing replacement.
Look out for these signs of failing shingles so you can replace your roof right away:
- Curling
- Buckling
- Missing shingles in roof valleys
- Fallen shingles
- Shingle granule buildup in gutters
3. Lingering Precipitation
Another big issue facing homeowners, particularly in the Midwest, is lingering precipitation and pooling water. Stagnant precipitation can be especially problematic in states like Minnesota, where ice, snow, hail, and unexpected rainstorms are everyday weathering events.
Pooling water can lead to further problems for homeowners. Some of the other issues associated with lingering precipitation on your rooftop include:
- Clogged gutters
- Ice dams
- Algae growth
- Leaks
- Mold and mildew
- Unwanted pest infestations
Modern roofing systems and materials are designed to move water away from your roof quickly, making it difficult for damage from ice dams and other pooling water problems to occur. If you notice lingering precipitation on your rooftop, it’s probably time to think about a total roof replacement.
4. Holes or Gaps
One of the more apparent signs your home requires a roof replacement is holes in the structure. Gaps between shingles and light shining through into your attic’s interior can indicate weak spots on your roof. Spaces in your roof’s structure allow water to seep in and give pesky critters a place to sleep and potentially make a nest.
Don’t let disease-carrying animals like rodents and birds call your house their new home. Contact a reliable roofing installation contractor to replace your roof and seal out any birds, animals, or insects for good.
5. Leaks
Leaky roofs can be a huge headache for homeowners, wreaking havoc on attic insulation and the contents of an attic’s interior. Chimney flashing is what directs water away from critical areas of your roof, but it can break down over time. When chimney flashing fails, it often leads to pooling water and leaks on a roof.
Failing chimney flashing, gaps between shingles, and holes in your roof can all lead to costly leaks in your home’s attic or top floor. If you overlook this issue at first, there’s potential for water damage to makes its way down into the rest of your home, ruining walls, ceilings, and floors on its path of destruction. Replace your roof right away when it springs a leak with a roofing installation from a trusted contractor.
6. High Energy Bills
You’ll definitely know it’s the right time for a roofing replacement when your energy bill’s total becomes bigger and bigger each month. Failed roofing systems allow heat, cool air, and other types of energy to escape your home, resulting in HVAC systems having to replace the lost energy constantly.
With your energy systems working double-time, you’ll inevitably wind up with a higher heating, cooling, or energy bill each month. High-quality roof replacements and installations will help cut back on energy costs and significantly reduce your monthly spending.
Replacing Your Roof
High-quality roofing installations using durable materials are made to last as many as 25 years with proper care and maintenance. However, homeowners in the Midwest understand just how unpredictable weathering events can be throughout the year. When your roof breaks down due to old age or unforeseen roofing damage occurs, a roof replacement might be your best option.
It’s crucial that homeowners contact a roofing company like Advantage Construction right away after heavy storms or other forces impact their roof as well. Your chosen contractor can assess the damage and recommend repairs or a replacement.
If you’re ready to make an aesthetic change or address the issues impacting your roof, go for a roof replacement. When you replace your roof, you can save money on energy bills, choose a new shingle style, and keep your home’s shining armor in tip-top shape with the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials on the market.
