The importance of proper roofing cannot be overstated, which is why roof maintenance and care is a critical part of responsible home ownership. Because of the time, cost, and effort involved in a major operation such as roof replacement, many of us are reluctant to commit ourselves to do it when needed.
The problem with this is that it exposes us to various potential dangers, such as structural damage, increased energy bills, possible health hazards, diminished property values, etc.
Roofs do not last forever, no matter how well-made they are, so to help you figure out how often you should replace your roof and how to know when the right time is, here’s a quick and easy guide.
Let’s jump right in.
Curling Roof Shingles
There are two main types of shingle curling, both of which spell bad news for your roof. The first type is clawing, which involves the middle of the shingle rising upward while the edges stay flat.
The second is cupping, where the shingle edges turn upwards while the middle stays put. Both have root causes in prolonged weathering and are usually precursors to leakages and other problems.
If you notice shingles curling, make arrangements to replace your roof within five years at the most. Depending on the severity, you may need to do it sooner!
Your Roof is Sagging
Sagging roofing is a danger sign indicating more profound structural damage, meaning that you are long overdue for a roof replacement, if not a complete renovation of your home’s fundamentals. Act immediately; you might not be too late to salvage the situation.
Call the professionals when you notice droops or depressions in your roof to avoid greater damage and costs in the future.
You Can Spot Sunlight Through Your Roof
You don’t need us to explain why spotting sunlight streaming through gaps in your roof is a bad sign. As long as the light gets in, so can water, cold air, and other unwanted materials and elements.
The severity of the situation will determine how soon you should schedule your roof replacement. Small gaps and leaks might be fixed by calling in roof repair contractors.
Missing Shingles
Replacing a couple of shingles here and there on your roof might seem like a simple enough repair job, but the trouble comes in when older roofs are involved. Shingle designs and materials change over time, and you might not be able to get replacement shingles that match the rest of your roof.
Simple patching and repairs might be a good idea in the short term, but you will eventually need to replace your roof.
Granules in Your Gutters
Asphalt roof shingles come covered with granules that help guard them against the elements and make them effective in their role. They protect the asphalt from the sun’s harmful effects. Once these start falling off, the shingles will bake in the sun, drastically reducing their effectiveness.
If you notice loose granules in your gutter while the roof is less than ten years old, the situation might be safely left alone as part of a standard roof’s life cycle. With roofs ten years or older, however, closer attention will be needed to ensure it isn’t a sign of deeper trouble.
You Notice Cracked Shingles
Wind and storm damage are usually the cause of cracked shingles and might lead to more extensive damage if left to fester. You should sound the alarm once you notice cracks in different roof parts. Once cracked shingles appear at multiple points on your roof, you should try to replace your roof within five years at most.
Your Roof is Approaching 20 Years
According to the executive director of The National Association of Home Inspectors, Claude McGavic, asphalt shingle roofs should be replaced after approximately 20 to 30 years of service. Because people live in areas with different weather conditions and roofs come in varying qualities, this might vary depending on your circumstances.Â
According to him, although your 40-year-old roof looks pretty good from where you stand, there could be a lot of hidden faults lurking out of sight. Once your roof’s age hits 20, start paying close attention to it and begin preparing for it.
Depending on the weather conditions in your area and the type of roof you have installed, you can give yourself a 5-10 year window to act.
Final Thoughts
To make an informed decision about carrying out a roof replacement, call in the experts and have them carry out a professional roof inspection.
Only settle for the highest quality when hiring contractors to work on your home, as substandard contractors will eventually cost more time, money, and energy in the long run.
If you have a property in Arlington, WA, and need reliable, customer-friendly, and affordable roofing contractors, make S&S Roofing LLC your first choice. Call us today!
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