Did you know that some insurance companies refuse to renew homeowners’ insurance on homes with old roofs? Some companies outright refuse to insure homes with old roofs, while others refuse to renew policies when roofs exceed 20 years. Now, ask yourself where you stand?
Are you at risk for having too old of a roof? What are the signs that you need a new roof? This is precisely what we’re going to address in this guide.
There is so much more to reroofing your home than having problems with your insurance company. You risk water damage from leaks, mold, mildew, and so much more. Let’s look at this comprehensive list of the telltale signs you need a new roof so you can avoid all these problems.
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1. Your Roof Is Already Old
Would you know how old your usual fee is at this point? On average, most rows are built to last an average of 20 to 25 years. The lifespan will highly depend on your roofing materials, the initial roof installation process, and the kind of weather conditions you live in.
If your roof is constantly taking the hit from hailstorms, snow, or extreme weather conditions, then it may not last so long. That said, if it’s beyond 20 years, then it’s maybe about time for you to consider getting a new roof.
Unless you experience most of the telltale signs listed below, consider hiring a licensed roofing contractor for a thorough roof inspection. Even if your roof is old, it may not be time to replace it yet. An inspection could help you understand if you only need to make a few roof repairs for it to last a few more years.
2. You See Light in Your Attic
If your current roof is at the end of its expected lifespan, the attic is one of the first places you should check. You can tell whether your roof has cracks or holes from underneath the roof than from above it. Once inside your attic, check whether you can see sunlight streaming in through the cracks or the holes, and look for any noticeable defects.
3. Missing or Deteriorating Shingles
Ask yourself: do I have a sloped roof? If you do, get binoculars or find a way to climb up to your roof and check whether your shingles are missing or deteriorating. Look for any curled, bent, lifted, or cracked shingles and check how far the problem is widespread.
If you only notice a few patches of missing shingles, then a few roof repairs may be able to solve the problem. However, if most of your shingles are curled, bent, or missing, then you have more extensive damage and require a new roof.
4. Missing Granules
Shingle granules are tiny, like specks of sand, but they play an incredibly enormous function on your roof. Their main function is to fuse into asphalt shingles or fiberglass and protect the bottom layers from UV rays and weather elements. It’s the granules that also give your roof its aesthetic appeal and flare.
When your roof is coming to the end of its expected lifespan, the granules tend to shed off little by little. If your roof has deteriorated, even if the shingles are not missing, the granules may have worn off completely.
One of the best ways to tell whether you have missing granules is to check your gutters. Granules are often swept to the gutter during the rainy season or by the wind. If you find loose granules in your gutters, then chances are you need a new roof.
5. Unwanted Foliage
Rooftop gardens may be in fashion, but if you have unwanted foliage that consists of mold, mildew, and algae, then it may be time for you to get a new roof. Algae can especially be persistent, and it mostly appears on well-shaded roof slopes or the northern-facing side of the roof. It mainly grows in humid climates and has a greenish-black appearance, and looks like water running down the gutters.
Algae can eat away at the shingles, which can be a major cause of granule loss. Additionally, it is so unsightly that it will reduce your curb appeal.
Similarly, moss also grows on the northern side of the home and prefers damp and cold environments. Moss usually has a greenish appearance, and you can power-wash it off your roof, if only in small amounts.
However, widespread moss can cause huge problems on your roof and shorten its lifespan. Mold, on the other hand, can be quite dangerous, especially to your health and that of your family. It also thrives in damp and moisture-prone areas and can spread into your home.
Depending on how extensive your problem is, these are serious problems that need to be addressed, and getting a new roof may be the best solution.
6. Cupped Tabs
Given the fact that shingles are made of malleable materials, they can at times warp into cups. They tend to form a concave center due to wear and tear as well as old age.
When this happens, though, your roof can be very dangerous to walk on because it’s a sign that they are fragile and could crumble under pressure. Even if you don’t walk on them, heavy weather could damage them and leave you with major leak problems.
Signs You Need a New Roof
These are the most common telltale signs you need to know when to reroof. If you have a combination of them, then you need to call in a professional roofing contractor for an inspection. They will verify if you do need to get a new roof or you just need roof repairs.
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