How Do I Know When It’s Time to Get a New Roof?
There is a considerable leap in cost, time, and labor from basic roof repairs to roof installation. As a homeowner, you owe it to yourself to the facts before making a decision to replace your roof. Although there are numerous benefits to having a new roof installed on your home, it doesn’t mean that it’s always necessary. The smartest thing you can do is hire a certified, experienced, and knowledgeable contractor. A professional roofer can identify the issues and give you an honest answer as to what you should do about the current condition of your roof.
The Upside To Roof Replacement
Roof replacement has its advantages. When the time comes to replace your old roof you’ll find that it is a sound investment that pays dividends down the road.
• Protection for your family when you need it the most. A stronger roof can withstand high winds and torrential rain.
• A new roof is a sound investment. It can add 15-40% to the resale value of your home.
• Roof replacement may be the single biggest factor in reducing your home insurance rates.
• A new roof creates stability for your entire house. It prevents leaks, humidity, and condensation, which lead to interior structural problems.
• It revitalizes the overall look of your home. Today’s roofs offer attractive designs, colors, textures, and a wider range of materials.
• Your HVAC system will run more efficiently and reduce your cooling costs each month.
• Protection for your family when you need it the most. A stronger roof can withstand high winds and torrential rain.
• A new roof is a sound investment. It can add 15-40% to the resale value of your home.
• Roof replacement may be the single biggest factor in reducing your home insurance rates.
• A new roof creates stability for your entire house. It prevents leaks, humidity, and condensation, which lead to interior structural problems.
• It revitalizes the overall look of your home. Today’s roofs offer attractive designs, colors, textures, and a wider range of materials.
• Your HVAC system will run more efficiently and reduce your cooling costs each month.
Symptoms of A Worn Out Roof
When an old roof crosses a certain threshold, patching it up here and there will only cost you more headache and money. There are certain issues that arise that will clue you in that roof replacement is inevitable. A professional roof inspection can identify these issues and give you all the answers you need. Below is a list of symptoms that you can look for. In most cases it’s a combination of any of these problems.
Cracked or Torn Shingles - Shingles in prime condition should be flexible. Stiff shingles that break or crack are a good indicator of a worn out roof.
Rusted Flashing – Rusted flashing or flashing that has holes in it. Flashing in poor condition allows water to flow inside your home.
The Presence of Moss or Lichens – Areas of your roof where there is a presence of water, or moisture from humidity will often have mold or algae growing around it. Mold leads to accelerated wood deterioration.
Damaged Eaves from Ice Dams – Ice dams generally cause Eave damage. In colder climates where ice and snow frequently occur it can build up around the edge of your roof and put tremendous weight on the eve.
Rusted Flashing – Rusted flashing or flashing that has holes in it. Flashing in poor condition allows water to flow inside your home.
The Presence of Moss or Lichens – Areas of your roof where there is a presence of water, or moisture from humidity will often have mold or algae growing around it. Mold leads to accelerated wood deterioration.
Damaged Eaves from Ice Dams – Ice dams generally cause Eave damage. In colder climates where ice and snow frequently occur it can build up around the edge of your roof and put tremendous weight on the eve.
Inside Your Home
Signs of a roof in weak condition can also be observed inside your home. Some symptoms may include:
Leaks - Leaks can be caused by any number of factors. Some examples are separated boards, punctures in roofing material, worn flashing, and broken or cracked shingles. Leaks cause damage to insulation, ceilings, and walls where the interior paint is discolored, bubbled, or cracked.
Ventilation - You roof requires adequate ventilation. This allows the air to flow through your attic reduces high temperatures and humidity. Humidity can result in condensation and moss growth inside the home.
Leaks - Leaks can be caused by any number of factors. Some examples are separated boards, punctures in roofing material, worn flashing, and broken or cracked shingles. Leaks cause damage to insulation, ceilings, and walls where the interior paint is discolored, bubbled, or cracked.
Ventilation - You roof requires adequate ventilation. This allows the air to flow through your attic reduces high temperatures and humidity. Humidity can result in condensation and moss growth inside the home.
Getting Professional Consultation
Most homeowners have no idea how to identify roof issues. This is why hiring a reputable roofing contractor is a smart choice. Seasoned roofers have first-hand experience with every possible scenario that a roof can present. They know where to look and what to look for to pinpoint problems with your roof. They can provide solutions that are practical and will save you money in the long run.