Most roofs, if properly built, will last at least 20 years.
Especially with asphalt shingle roofs, there are signs you need a new roof that come up earlier. A number of factors such as the type of roof you have can make a big difference in how long your roof will last in variable conditions.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about a new roof, from recognizing early signs of deterioration to understanding the best materials for your climate.
1. Your Energy Bills Are Too High
Energy bills get higher because of “vampire” home appliances, increasing retail price of electricity, or your insulation is failing. The greatest risk of insulation failure is in the roof.
This causes ACs to work hard in summer and heating to work hard in winter. That means big bills for you.
Your roof is vital to the proper ventilation of your home. If you see a big jump in your electricity bills, your roof could be the reason why.
2. Sagging Soffits and Eaves
In general, sagging soffits, fascia, and eaves are a bad sign for your roof. It could be a sign of rot in your rafters, leaking roofs, damaged drip edges and shingles, or damaged gutters.
Soffits are essential to keeping out animals from your attic and causing havoc inside. They also ensure proper ventilation.
Fascia helps to protect rafters and prevent drips under the edge of the roof from getting under shingles. They also give something for gutters to hold onto and make the house look nice.
Sagging is a bad sign of failing structural integrity.
3. High Humidity and Moldy Smells
High humidity is a sign of two things. First, you could have a clogged AC filter, causing your AC to work harder but blow warm air. This also prevents it from dehumidifying your home.
If your AC filter is clear and it’s is working well but you still have humidity inside, your roof could be the issue.
Signs of mold could be:
- Stains in corners or high places
- Sagging ceilings
- Moldy smell
If this sounds like your home, it could be time for a roof replacement.
4. A Recent Severe Storm Passed By
Severe storms like tornadoes, hurricanes, large thunderstorms, galeforce winds, and hail can cut the lifespan of your roof down by years. An asphalt shingle roof can probably handle three major storm events during its lifetime.
Depending on your roofing materials, it may weather much better. You’ll need a roofing company to come out and make sure, in this case. It could be dangerous to go up on a roof without training.
5. Curling, Miscolored, or Deteriorating Shingles
Visible curling of shingles from the ground is a sure sign there’s more roof damage than you can see. Miscolored or deteriorating shingles can come from moss, mold, or loss of material.
Don’t wait until you’ve got a leak before you consider a new roof installation or roof replacement.
6. Too Much Sand in Your Gutters
Sand in your gutters is a sure sign you’re losing roof material over the years. This makes gutters, which already hold and divert tens of gallons of water per second during a rainstorm, even heavier.
This will eventually damage your eaves by destroying the fascia board and warping rafters.
Your Signs You Need a New Roof
If you’re seeing any of these six signs you need a new roof, you shouldn’t waste another day.
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