Roof replacement is one term that fills homeowners with fear. Enough fear, in fact, to keep them far away from the vital roofing services they need. But homeowners, take heart; you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 90% of roofing services involve roof replacement.
There are significantly more existing homes than those being built new, and it’s only natural that an older home’s roof is more likely to need repair and replacement. Your roof is the only thing keeping you safe from the elements, so it’s time to give it a little more attention. Do you need roof repairs or a complete roof replacement? Here are five signs that your roof needs more than just a little TLC; it needs to be replaced.
1. Damaged Flashing
Flashing is placed around the joints of your roof to complete a water-tight seal. Usually made of metal, you’ll find flashing at the base of areas that extend upwards from the roof, including:
- Roof ridges
- Vent pipes
- Roof pitch connections
- Skylights
- Chimneys
When your roof’s flashing is damaged, it allows water to penetrate underneath…and right into your home. Flashing can be damaged due to weather, branches, or age. Common signs of flashing damage are corrosion and rust, bending or separating, leaks around chimneys and vents, and holes of any size.
2. Bats in the Belfry? Unwanted Critters in Your Home
If you’re finding wildlife in your home and you’re not Snow White, the odds are quite high that you have a breach in your roof. Squirrels, birds, and, depending on the size of the hole, even raccoons, will take advantage of an easy entry into your home and cause hundreds of dollars in damages. Once in the home’s attic or crawl space, they can easily chew holes through ceilings and walls to make unwelcomed appearances in other rooms.
On top of gnawing and nesting, these animals carry diseases and can be quite aggressive. If you’re hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet above you, it’s a sign that you need a roof replacement.
3. Curling or Missing Shingles
Shingles that are effectively doing their job should lay flat on the roof. If your shingles are curling and separating, they have outlasted their usefulness. Eventually, these shingles will come off the roof entirely, leaving your wood exposed and increasing the odds of a major leak.
If you’re finding pieces of shingles or the granules that coat them, in your rain spouts or even washed into your yard, don’t waste time. A major breach is right around the corner.
4. Signs of Water Damage on Ceilings or Walls
This one seems obvious, but there’s a little more to it than just finding discoloration on your ceilings or walls. Water is unpredictable; the damages you’re seeing on one spot of your ceiling may not be coming from an obvious source, such as the roof right above it. Water will find a way to travel along rafters and pipes, often pooling in spots you might not expect. This is why it’s important to replace your roof rather than try to repair it yourself.
You may find leaks following large weather events that aren’t apparent during lesser ones. Hail, rain, and high winds may all play a part in where signs of a leak show up within the home. Even if you only notice the signs of leaking during heavy downpours, your roof is failing.
5. Your Asphalt Roof is Fifteen Years or Older
They say all good things must come to an end, and your asphalt roof is no exception. Did you know the average asphalt roofing material only has a lifespan of around fifteen years? Many people are turning to synthetic, slate, tile, and metal roofing to increase their roof’s life expectancy.
Not only are these alternative roofing materials durable, but they are also timeless and elegant, adding to your home’s curb appeal.
Do You Really Need a Roof Replacement?
Before committing to a total roof replacement, reach out to us and schedule a roof inspection. Your roof’s life expectancy could be extended with a few repairs. With several financing options available, a huge selection of styles, materials, and colors, and two decades of experience, your roof is in good hands with PJ’s roofing. Contact us today for a quote or to schedule your roof inspection.
