5 Signs That Your Roof Needs To Be Replaced

Thursday, March 25th by Shannon Brelsford

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Our roofs provide shelter from the harsh elements of the outdoors, keeping us safe and dry. It's essential to keep up on proper roof maintence, or if needed, replacement.

There are few things that inspire comfort and safety, one of them being a roof over your head, keeping the structure you call home safe, warm and dry through the ravages of the outdoors. When our roof becomes worn down and vulnerable to cracks, dents, gaps, leaks, and other damage, it quickly becomes a living hazard.

This is why it’s so important to keep up on roof repairs and replacement in order to keep your roof and peace of mind in good health.

How Can You Tell It’s Time To Replace Your Roof?

Curling, cracking, loose and falling shingles are a sign of deterioration and could indicate the need for a full replacement.

Not sure how to tell if your roof needs a replacement? Although roof replacement should be your last option after exploring possible repairs, there are some issues that are too severe and complicated for a quick fix. Here are five signs your roof will show when it’s time for a replacement:

Check the attic--Contrary to popular belief, the first place to check for roof damage is actually within the home’s attic. Head up with a flash light and take a good look at the beams and boards of your roof. Keep an eye out for shafts of sunlight falling through gaps in the roof material, as well as areas of wet wood or mold growth that could indicate a leak and potential need for roof replacement.
Home improvement records--When investing in a roof repair or replacement project, it can be helpful to check work records of the home to see when the roof was last worked on. The typical lifespan for an asphalt roof is roughly 20-25 years, but that projected lifespan goes down about 5 years with each layer of shingles added to the roof. By checking the records you can get a better idea of how long its been since repairs or a roof replacement were needed, and therefore how long it might be before they’re needed again.
Take a closer look--If possible, it’s always a good idea to take a good look at the shingles themselves. A roof in good repair will have smooth shingles with no ridges, cracks or peeling sections. If there are shingles curling and lifting or cracking and falling away, the roof is in urgent need of repair. Wind, snow, ice and impacts from storms can all have seriously damaging effects on roofing material, sometimes necessitating a roof replacement, so remember to keep an eye out after rough weather. A professional should be called to inspect the roofing as it can be dangerous to be walking about on a roof, especially if there could be damage. These checkups should take place at least once a year if not once a season. Catching any small issues early on can greatly increase the lifespan of your roofing material.
Inspect roof flashing--Flashing around vents, skylights and chimneys should also be checked periodically, much like the shingles themselves. Over time, the flashing can be just as worn down by the ravages of the elements as the roofing material and be left with cracks, gaps and broken sections that can allow water and pests into the structure of the roof and subsequently into the home. Before you climb out on the roof however, remember that it could be dangerous to be trying to get a closer look around the flashing. A professional with the proper training and expertise should be called, as they will be able to spot even small cracks and gaps that might be otherwise missed.
Keep an eye out for green--Moss and small plants can often begin to grow on roofs when they are in poor condition. This is especially likely to happen if the roof is under overhanging trees and catches seeds and other debris. As time goes on, the roof becomes something of a fertile ground, allowing for moss, small saplings and various plants to grow on the roofing material. Obviously this isn’t very good for your home, since it causes a significant amount of roof damage as plants carry water and water mixed with building materials leads to costly repairs. If there’s greenery on your roof, assistance is needed as soon as possible and you may be looking at a roof replacement.

Finding A Professional Roofing Company Near You

Klaus Roofing Systems is here for all your roofing needs! Reach out today!

The roof over your head is one of the most important things in life when keeping you and your loved ones safe, which is why regular roof maintenance, inspection, and repair are so essential. If you’re concerned that it may be time for a roof replacement, don’t despair!

All Klaus Roofing Systems contractors provide a wide variety of roofing services, from repair to full roof replacement. As a roofing company founded with the goal to revolutionize the experience of roofing work for our customers, Klaus Roofing Systems is here for you with high-quality customer service and long-lasting workmanship for all your roofing related needs.

Reach out today for your free, no obligation estimate!