5 Signs that you May Need a New Roof

*Collaborative Post

Roof replacements are one of the most expensive repairs you’ll ever have to do on your house and one that homeowners dread the most. This is why many try to patch here and there, hoping that the whole thing doesn’t come crashing down. But in some cases, there is no way around it and you’ll have to have the roof replaced before things get dangerous. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that you may need a new roof ASAP.

Leaks

This is probably the first sign you’re having roof issues. If you ever find water leaking into your house after a storm, chances are your roof is on its way out.

You should check your attic after violent storms and inspect the eaves for ice dams. Also, check if there’s major water penetration as most leaks inside houses start with the attic. While missing shingles or loose flashings might be behind the issue in some cases, it’s better to have your roof inspected by professionals who offer roof repair services to check if it’s anything more serious. From here you will be able to determine your wind damage roof repair options and be guided on the appropriate next steps to fix all of your roofing issues.

It’s Been a While

Roofs can have a long lifespan, some lasting as long as 30 years. But when they’re done, they’re done. This is why you should check the paper trail and see when it was last replaced. A roof made of asphalt shingles will usually last around 25 years. For shingles that were installed on top of an old one, the lifespan is usually 20 years.

Missing or Deformed Shingles

Another thing you should do is check the state of the roof after wind and rainstorms. Check if there are any shingles missing. They should all lay flat on the roof, so if you see any buckling, cracked, or damaged shingles, it could be a sign that you need a replacement. You could also check the gutters as any granules coming from the roof may end up there, and a roof starting to lose its granules may be at the end of its lifespan.

Water Stains

If you see any water stains on the ceiling or running down your walls, then this should be a major cause for concern. It’s important to check where this issue is coming from. In some cases, it might be caused by things like condensation. But in others, it could be because of a serious leak on the roof. If you see just a few, then repairs might do it, but if you see more than one throughout the house, it might be time for a replacement.

Mould

Mould forming around the house can be another sign that there is an issue with your roof. Though, in some cases, mildew and mould could be forming because of condensation or even plumbing issues. So, make sure that you inspect your insulation to see if it’s dry, make sure the house is properly ventilated, and check if your plumbing lines and bathroom fixtures aren’t sweating or leaking. If everything is okay, this could be a sign that you need a new roof.

Finding a Good Roofer

If you notice some or all of these issues in your house, then chances are you’ll have no choice but to look for a roofer. You can often find reputable local roofers on online directories. You should collect as many numbers as you can and start vetting them if you want to find one that will be able to do a good, lasting job for a reasonable price.

Make sure that you ask them as many questions as you can. How many years have they been in business? Are they insured? Do they have insurance for their workers as well? Don’t simply take their word here – ask them for actual paperwork and follow through. Will they be removing the old roof? Who will take care of disposing of the old shingles? These are all things you’ll have to ask before the job starts to avoid any bad surprises.

Ensure that you check if they have any complaints with the BBB. The Better Business Bureau is a consumer advocate organization that lists complaints about businesses both on and offline. If a company has been in operation for many years and has none or few complaints, then this is a good sign. Also, check the nature of the complaints, as they can sometimes be malicious or due to factors outside of the contractor’s control.

Conclusion

The roof is one of the most important parts of your house, and somewhere you can’t afford to cut corners. If you suspect it’s nearing the end of its useful life, you should consider replacing it immediately.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.

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