When is it Time to Replace Your Roof?
The roof is generally built of material that can easily last for 20 years or more with proper care and regular maintenance. The roof is also that part of the house which is hard to access and neglected until some signs of leakage in the attic or other problems occur. Refurbishing the roof or replacing a part happens when there are broken shingles and tiles, or parts of the roof after a major incident has damaged it beyond repair. However, after a point, the entire roof must be replaced, no matter how well it is maintained.
Call for a roof inspection
It is recommended that you conduct a bi-annual roof inspection. If you are afraid of heights or have an inkling that there may be deeper signs of damage, then call in a roof inspector to conduct a complete inspection. Many roof contractors also offer the services of licensed roof inspectors who will conduct a thorough roof inspection using proper safety equipment. Some of the signs that your roof may require to be replaced are –
- Many loose, cracked, damaged, missing shingles
- Roof is sagging
- There is mold or rot
- There are signs of water damage and leakage
- There are holes or dark spots.
If any of these problems escalate and spread to a large part of the roof, the entire roof will have to be torn down and replaced before the roof collapses and causes more damage to the house.
Complete or partial replacement
Depending on the type of roof, some roofs may have to be completely replaced while some must be replaced partially. Composition shingles must be changed once in 15-20 years, asphalt shingles in 15-30 years, wood shingles in 20-25 years, rubber roof in 30-50 years, and metal roofs in 50-75 years. This time frame is dependent on the climatic conditions. Shingles can be replaced partially whenever a few shingles are damaged. The same applies to ties too. However, in the case of a rubber or metal roof, the entire panel will have to be replaced in case of damage.
Be alert for timely action
If the region you live in experiences extreme weather conditions such as a blizzard or hail storm, then your roof will be pelted not only by snow and hail but there is a chance of accumulation of debris from falling trees and branches. Even these can damage the roof and the gutters surrounding it. if there are loose shingles or tiles, then the water can seep in and damage the underlying protective sheet and cause leakage or mold formation in the walls. If the underlying layer of the roof is damaged, then it may call for partial or complete roof replacement.
The condition of one’s roof tells the story of the complete house health. Hence, it is important to maintain one’s roof well. damages to the roof can affect the foundation of the house, if you suspect leakage in any part of the house, make sure you check the roof too.
