5 Essential Signs Your Roof Needs Replacing

 Guest Blogger #930, Entry #2304, April 17, 2013

If there’s one thing about our homes that we don’t tend to give too much thought about, it would have to be our rooves. That is, until we start to notice leaks from the ceiling or shingles falling off of it and by then, sometimes we end up needing to spend money on not just replacing the roof, but other parts of our homes as well.

That is actually the purpose of this article. To point out five clear signs that your roof needs to be replaced so that if you notice any of them, you can have the work done as soon as possible, so that you don’t have to spend more money than is absolutely necessary.

Will you know when it’s time for a roof repair?

Image via: Simpson Design Group Architects

1. If your roof is 15-20 years old.

Although roofs are built to last, customarily, it is time to have them replaced between 15-20 years. So, if your roof has been on for that long (or longer), it’s a good idea to have a contractor come out and inspect it just so you can know how much time (if any) you have left before it’s time to get a new one.

2. Roof shingles are in bad shape.

If you’re wondering what you should consider to be a shingle that is in poor condition, if you’ve noticed that many of them appear to be broken, cracked, curled or missing, these are all indications of you needing to get a new roof. Also, if you have shingles that are made out of asphalt and the color of the base of them is black, that’s another sign that it’s time to seriously consider roof replacement.

Is your roof older than 15 years old?

Image via: David Lamb

3. Roof has mold growing on it.

Due to the fact that mold is a type of fungus that can lead to a myriad of health issues, and also being that the roof is directly connected to the ceiling of your home, if you start to see mold, this is another reason why you should think about getting another roof. Although there are companies that will professionally clean the mold for you, in many cases, if the infestation is covering enough of your roof’s surface, they will still recommend that you get a new roof anyway.

4. Roof is missing granules or has any bare spots.

One thing that a commercial roof repair company will tell you is a clear sign that you need a new roof is if you notice that it has any missing granules or bare spots. When this happens, your roof has a hard time being able to withstand extremely warm temperatures and then it starts to decay the shingles. This, in time, can make it easier for water to seep into your house.

Helpful tips to know if your roof needs repair

Image via: Gelotte Hommas Architecture

5. If your walls appear to be damaged.

Another telling sign that you are in need of having your roof replaced is if the walls in the corner of your roof start to look old and worn. By this we mean if the paint is starting to peel or if you see water marks or other signs of water damage. Remember that one of the main purposes of a roof is to protect the interior of your home, so if your ceilings are beginning to look compromised in any way, contact a housing contractor as soon as possible so that they can perform a thorough inspection.

For more maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.