A well-designed home exterior maximizes curb appeal and makes a great first impression on family and friends. But aesthetics aren’t all that matter when it comes to your home.
Your roof—a vital part of your home’s protective layer—not only adds to its beauty, but also safeguards it from the elements 24/7. It enhances energy efficiency, defends your property from moisture intrusion, and boosts resale value.
When roofing gets old or damaged, it’s vital to have it inspected by a reputable roofing contractor and plan the appropriate timing for your next roof replacement. For your protection, it’s important to make sure your roof is structurally sound.
Here are some warning signs it’s time for a roof replacement.
Roof Replacement Basics
As a homeowner, it’s important to perform a roof inspection twice a year and after any major storms in your area. Begin in your attic, and then go across the street from your home, and check your roof carefully from the ground with a good pair of binoculars to look for signs of damage or aging.
Here are some basic things to look for that indicate you need to call a roofing contractor and have your roof professionally inspected because it’s likely time for a roof replacement.
1. Missing shingles
Missing shingles are an open path for water to leak into your home. Severe storms may blow shingles off your roof, so be sure to inspect it after harsh weather hits. Missing shingles should be replaced promptly, and if there is a big enough area of them missing, roof replacement is the best option.
2. Curled or buckled shingles
Shingles are designed to lie flat against your roof. If you see curled or buckled shingles, call a professional roofing contractor like Distinctive Homes to discover if you need a roof replacement or if the problem can be simply repaired.
3. Cracked flashing
Flashing around your vents, skylights, and chimney seal your home to prevent moisture intrusion. When flashing materials become compromised by cracks and breaks, it leads to unwanted leaks.
4. Algae growth or tar streaking
Moisture intrusion on your roofing causes these plants to thrive, so when moss, mold, or fungi grow on your roof, it’s a sign of other problems. Tar streaking and algae growth are caused by bacteria eating away at your shingles’ weatherproofing properties.
While moss can often be scoured off a roof, it’s most important to check for any underlying problems that created the situation and could make roof replacement a necessity.
5. Droopy, sagging roof
If your roof is sagging, it’s a sure sign it needs to be replaced. There is likely trapped water, rot, and mold involved. Prompt attention to this problem is vital to prevent additional damage to your home.
6. Missing granules
If you find granules in your gutters, in your downspout’s splash pan, or notice pockets of missing granules on your roof shingles, it’s a sign your home’s protective layer is losing its weatherproofing properties and wearing out.
7. Moisture penetration and mold growth
It’s vital that your roof has proper intake (soffits) and ventilation (ridge vent). When your attic isn’t well vented and warm, moist air rises—that air gets trapped inside your attic space. This situation causes condensation to develop on the underside of your roof, makes roof nails rust, and leads to unhealthy mold growth. If you see signs like these, contact a roofing contractor promptly for a full inspection. If this situation is left unaddressed, you’ll end up with rotten plywood and need a full roof replacement.
8. Daylight in attic
Grab your flashlight and climb up into your attic to check on your roof’s soundness. Look for beams of light coming through the top of your home, indicating roof leaks.
9. Water damage in the attic or highest floor
If you see moisture intrusion inside your attic, or there are visible water stains on the ceiling of your second floor, your roof leaks and needs to be inspected by a roofing contractor.
10. Ice dams
Your attic temperature should be consistent with outdoor temperatures and provide ventilation that allows air to circulate in and out of it. Ventilation helps prevent ice dams from forming. Homes with attics that are warmer than outdoor temperatures in the winter can cause ice dams. If you see huge icicles or ice dams on your roof’s edge, it may mean you need a roof replacement.
11. Roof age
Look through your home improvement records to find out exactly when you replaced your roof last. Consider what type of roofing shingles were used, and it will help you gain insight on how much life your roof should have left in it—or not.
Asphalt roofing lasts up to approximately 15 to 25 years, while metal roofing lasts 50 to 75 years. Your roof’s lifespan is directly impacted by the climate it is exposed to. Harsh winters and high humidity may cause some roofing materials to wear out quicker.
12. High energy costs
If your heating and cooling bills are excessively high, it may be due to poor insulation in your home, particularly in your attic and roof. If you see any of the signs above combined with high energy bills, your roof is likely underperforming and should be professionally inspected.
Protect Your Home with a Gorgeous New Roof
Is your current roof showing signs that it’s time for replacement? At Distinctive Homes, we install only the finest roofing materials for homes in Chester County and the greater Southeast Pennsylvania area.
To protect your warranty and home investment, we simply don’t cut corners. We follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the “T” when installing your new roof. Take a moment to learn more about our roofing services.