You have recently bought a brand-new home, and you have been told that the roof needs to be replaced due to its age. If you don’t know much about roofs, you may think it is no big deal and that it can be left for a bit longer. The reality is that roofs are a rather complex part of the home. So, whether you have bought a new home or have invested in one, what are the signs that the roof may need to be replaced, rather than repaired?
- Its Age
The average shingle roof replacement will need to happen every 20-25 years. If it isn’t, it may begin to sag, crack, or even let water in.
When you buy a home to live in, or to invest in, be sure to check the age of the roof. The last thing you want is a leak during a rainstorm or your tenants complaining about excess damp on the upper floor.
2. Curling or Missing Shingles
Shingles are the main barrier between the roofing material and the outside world; if they are curled or missing, this points to excess heat and water exposure, which can compromise the integrity of the roof.
If you look at your roof and notice a few gaps or that there are shingles falling off during high winds, this is a surefire sign that the roof needs to be replaced, rather than repaired.
3. Sagging Roof
Few things are more worrying than a sagging roof. It points to excess water damage, wind exposure, and even broken rafters. If you look at the roof of your home and you notice a dip, or even that one side of the roof appears longer than the other, then this is a core signal that you need to hire a roofer and get it replaced.
4. Water Marks or Leaks
Not all water marks and leaks on the upper floor of a home are created equal. If you note that when it rains, you hear a dripping noise coming from your attic, or there is water dripping through the ceiling on the upper floor, this needs to be investigated.
In some cases, a few shingles may need to be replaced. If your attic is damp, musty, or has extensive mold, then it is time to call a roofing specialist for an assessment.
5. Granules in the Guttering
Not many people like guttering, but it offers one advantage aside from flowing gutters; it allows you to see if there are granules in the gutter.
If you have a shingled roof and there are granules in the gutter, on the driveway, or on your garden patio, it is a sign of wear from the roof. The granules that are placed on roofs are there to protect your home from UV exposure, and if they are falling off in droves, your roof is likely to be showing advanced signs of age and may need to be replaced.