How do you know when it’s time to replace your old roofing? When do you need to call roofing professionals?
It’s good practice to check your roof twice a year for any signs of damage. Detecting damages early could save you a lot of trouble and a lot of money in the long run.
To help you identify if you need a repair or roofing replacement, here are five common signs of old roofing to look out for:
1. Leaky Roof
The most obvious sign that you need a new roof is when your roof is leaking. Check for any leaks on your roofing right after heavy rain. If you see a leak in a certain area, call roofing professionals to inspect and identify the damage.
If a roof is soaked, dampened, and left alone, it has the capacity to create and spread mold. Once the mold grows and starts to expand, it can find its way into the ducts, airways, and vents throughout your home.
2. Rotting Roof
As stated earlier, mold can find its way to the materials of your roofing. The fungus may grow when the wood is exposed to damp for a long time, weakening the structure.
Some signs of roof decay:
- Water stains on your ceiling
- Sunken roof deck
- Excessive growth of moss or algae
- Shingles are popping up or missing
- Growth of mold in your attic
This commonly occurs in a damp environment. To reduce the damage, it’s necessary to identify a rotting roof immediately.
3. Outdated Material
You should consider looking into how old your roofing is to know if it needs replacement. An asphalt shingle roof can last up to 20 years or more, depending on your maintenance. If your roofing materials are near the end of their life expectancy, it’s time to replace your old roof.
Life expectancies of other roofing materials include:
- Clay tile: 50 years or longer
- Wood shakes: 20 to 40 years
- Slate: 100 years or longer
- Metal: 70 years
- Wood shingles: 30 to 40 years
If you are uncertain if whether you will need a brand new roof or if you can simply replace or repair the problem, consult with a professional roofing company. Check out www.amenityroofing.com to get some professional help.
4. Missing Shingles
Loose or missing shingles are mostly due to natural disasters such as storms or hail. Your shingles may also loosen if they are more than 20 years old.
Shingles may also curl or buckle through time. Your roof could become exposed, encouraging more roof leaks. This could be a sign that your roof is faulty and may need the help of a roofing professional.
5. Increased Energy Bills
When moisture and cold or warm air enters your home, your AC systems work harder. If you notice that your heating and cooling bills are rising, then your home may have a damaged roof, leaking roof, or has attic ventilation.
Fix Your Old Roofing With Proper Roof Maintenance
The weather and natural wear and tear of roofs can create a lot of damage if left unchecked. By looking at these five signs that your old roofing needs replacement, you could avoid potential risks.
Want more information about your roof? Check out the rest of our guides for more home and real estate information.
