4 Signs Replace Your Roof: learn how to detect them

Even though getting raindrops on your head while you’re sitting on your couch or cooking a delicious meal in the kitchen should be quite a hint that you should be getting a new roof, that may not always be the case. Even when you think that this is the only thing you can do, the truth is that there are more signs of needing to change your roof.

There are many different things that can affect the state and durability of your roof. Is there any way to tell if you need a new roof? Of course there is! Let’s have a look at a little checklist so that you can see if you actually need a new roof or if you only need a little repair.

Are there any leaks?

Maybe one of the most obvious signs that you may need a new roof is finding water inside your home. It is important to periodically check the attic, especially after storms. Look for signs of water penetration, because major leaks inside the home are most likely originating there. However, keep in mind that water can travel a considerable distance. For example, across rafters or inside walls-from the point where it infiltrates to the point where it is finally seen.

Of course, and as we mentioned earlier, this may not be the ultimate sign that you need to have your roof replaced. The leaks could be caused by some shingles that could’ve been blown or that your flashing is broken, which could be exposing your roof to the weather. It is important that you call a professional roofer so that he can assess the state of your roof and decide what is the best thing to do for your roof.

Whatever the case is, never hesitate to request an inspection and correct the situation immediately, before the problem worsens, the repair costs more, or, indeed, the entire roof needs to be replaced. Doing this could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Are you seeing any water stains?

When you see some water stains on the ceiling or running down interior walls, as well as water dripping into the home, you should run ahead and call your expert roofer, because things are not quite right. These are situations that should be investigated to discover their cause; they can be due to a leak or, many times, condensation. Especially when the weather is moister or warmer. This could cause moist air to rise and often condenses in the attic, where it can cause water to accumulate and leak through the ceiling.

Check the cause of leaks at the first sign of water stains. While not always due to a roof problem, any leak is a cause for concern that should be resolved as soon as possible to minimize damage and expense. It doesn’t matter if it’s mold, peeling paint, or any other weird things, there are always signals that you should be checking your roof for any leaks.

These types of stains are much more than an aesthetic problem; they indicate the presence of a serious leak that may or may not be due to a defect in the ceiling, although that is one of the main possible causes you should investigate.

Are you seeing some granule loss

When cleaning the gutters, you should always pay attention to unusual amounts of granules that may accumulate there and check that the roof shingles are not peeling. When you notice that this is happening, then you should probably call your contractor so he can tell you if it is actually necessary to change your roof -even though they’ll probably say you do-.

Always check for mold or mildew growth on the ceiling or walls, since they can be a sign of roof leaks, the result of condensation problems, or even a simple plumbing issue. Check that insulation is dry, that your home has adequate ventilation, and that bathroom fixtures and plumbing are not leaking or sweating. These types of problems may be correctable for less cost than replacing the roof.

In addition to producing unsightly stains and indicating possible roof damage, mold and mildew can have an adverse effect on your home’s air quality and your family’s health. So, it is important to solve the problem as soon as possible.

IAs you remove leaves from your gutters in the fall, you may notice that some colored granules have accumulated in the gutters. Depending on the age of the roof shingles and normal wear processes, this can be common. If the amount of granules is excessive, it may be a cause for concern.

But there is no specific level of granule loss that is considered too much, so the best thing you could do is to actually look at the shingles themselves. When asphalt shingles are manufactured, more granules are incorporated into their surface than are actually needed; therefore, it is natural for unneeded, loose granules to fall off first.

Even on new shingles, you can make out the black asphalt in which the granules are embedded. However, if the asphalt shingles on your roof have relatively large peeling areas where the granules have eroded away and the black waterproofing asphalt has been exposed to the weather, you will need to replace the damaged shingles. If the problem is not limited to a few shingles, it may be time to replace the entire roof.

Check for structural problems

Structural problems are sometimes overlooked as a possible cause of roof leaks. The roof line can sag regardless of the age or architectural style of the home. In century-old homes and log cabins, the roof may be supported on actual logs or timber rafters, which can warp and bow with age, excess moisture, or heavy snow load.

Cracks and other stress fractures in the foundation of any home can distort the walls and create a space through which water can enter.

Therefore, before you look at replacing the entire roof, first invest in making sure the structure of the rest of the house is sound; otherwise, you could continue to suffer the same problems with the new roof. It would be a real waste of money.

So, changing your roof may not always be the solution, you’ll always need to contact your trusted roofer first so that he can assess the damage and seek for the best way to solve your problem.