Everything has an end and that is certainly the case for roofs as well. You may maintain it regularly but at some point, there is no going back. Here, we will present to you different scenarios that will result in completely changing your roof.
It is rundown
One of the main reasons people opt for changing their roof is because it is obvious that it has seen its last days. If you see that the shingles on your roof are starting to fall off or curl. Or if you see moss and other living organisms forming on your rooftop, then that means that you must consider changing it immediately. You should call someone like a Roofing Contractor Atlanta, for instance, who will take care of everything. They will have a talk with you about how urgent the replacement is and whether you should add something new to your roof. You should know that the more you postpone the change, the more damage your whole house will suffer. You want to avoid other parts getting damaged because of your bad roof and that is only done by replacing it.
The age
Of course, we all know that every part of our home has its limits and that is the same with our roof. Depending on the type of roof you own, the age limit will be different. For asphalt shingles, it is from 15-30 years and then you change it. For wood shingles, 20-25, metal roofs 40-70, clay tiles over 70, and slate roofs hold up the longest from 75-100 years. Of course, all of these damages can vary depending on the way you treat your roof and whether something has damaged it or not. If you want to be on the upper end of that range, you will have to take proper care of it and have it inspected regularly.
It is leaking
If you have seen a pool of water building on your ceiling, then most likely your roof has a leak and it is very likely that it is damaged beyond repair. What you need to do as soon as you see something like this is to contain the leak, see where the water is coming from, and try to close the hole. Once you have done that, you will have to dry the water that has leaked through and then assess the damage to the roof and the ceiling. If there was a leak for some time, then most likely your roof has been damaged severely, so much so that you may even need a completely new one.
There is too much damage
If there was a storm or something else that damaged the roof, the damage may be so severe that it is beyond repair and you need a new one. To find out what the state of your roof is, you will have to go and inspect it. If you are not able to do that on your own, then you will have to find someone who is. If you see some substantial damage while you are there, then you will have to hire someone to see what the state of it is. They will be immediately able to tell you what you need to do next. Many times it will be less costly to replace it rather than repair it.
Sagging roof
If the roof is sagging, it indicates that there are major structural problems with your property. This problem is the result of exposure to moisture, damaged roof decking, or other kinds of structural damage. Also, moisture damage leads to wood deterioration, all of which pose a huge risk to your home’s stability. Sagging can also be the result of an improperly constructed roof or an excess of weight from heavy snowfall. You need to stop more damage from happening, so you must call in the pros for a professional evaluation and replacement if needed.
You had it inspected
You should get regular roof inspections so that you avoid this catastrophic state from happening, but those who do not do it once every five years can be negatively surprised. They hire someone to inspect their roof and the roof is simply in a terrible state and there is nothing more that can be done except replace it. This can be quite a shock when you expect some minor fixes to be done and then you hear the devastating truth. Don’t let that happen to you; inspect your roof regularly.
Moss and algae are building up
Damage from moss and algae is not only an aesthetic issue, but it also poses a great safety threat. Moss traps water, which seeps into the shingles and causes their decay. If you live in colder areas, this water might freeze and cause even more harm. Algae leaves unsightly black streaks that may reduce the roof’s reflectivity and lead to much higher cooling costs. If you notice that your roof is damaged from moss and algae, it is best to consult the experts, but in most cases, such roofs will need a complete replacement as the damage these things cause is irreversible.
Increased energy bills
If you notice unexplained and unusual bill spikes, you should probably check whether your roof has some issues, as this can indicate it is damaged. Its insulating properties deteriorate over time, and it lets warm air out in the winter and cold air in the summer. This puts more strain on your HVAC system, ultimately leading to higher energy bills. Inadequate insulation can be the result of a thin roofing material, too many gaps on the roof, or too many cracks. If you replace your roof quickly, you will decrease your electricity bills and improve your home’s comfort and pleasant feel.
Knowing when it is time to get a new roof is important to avoid major damage and expensive repairs. This will allow you to keep your home safe and comfortable, and you will make your roof one of the most powerful and aesthetically pleasing parts of your property that protects you and your family.
