America is hitting the roof! The American roofing market is worth more than $15 billion.
One reason why is roof replacements. More Americans are replacing their entire roofs instead of installing new shingles in specific areas.
However, you shouldn’t necessarily order a roof replacement right now. You should look at the signs that you need a replacement and order one when it is necessary.
What types of roof damage can you experience? How can ordering a new roof save you money? What are some great roof replacement options?
Answer these questions and you can find the perfect time to get a new roof. Here are nine signs you need a replacement.
1. Holes in Your Roof
You must get a roof replacement as soon as you notice holes or gaps in your roof. A hole can let water and debris into your home, causing damage to your interior. The hole can get bigger as time goes on, threatening the integrity of your entire roof.
Patch a hole using plywood and then look at roof options that will be more durable. If you don’t have plywood, you can install extra shingles.
2. Sagging Materials
You can see if your roof is sagging by going outside and standing back from your house. Your roof should be completely straight.
Even a slight sag can cause problems, as the sagging area can fill with water and then break. Moisture can become trapped underneath sagging wood or shingles, leading to a mold infestation. Order a new roof and then call a mold inspection company to see if you have spores in your house.
3. Missing Materials
You can replace a few missing shingles by yourself. But if you have more than 10 missing shingles, you should get an entirely new roof. Your replacement shingles may not adhere to your old roofing materials well.
Missing flashing or gutters is never okay. Gutters that fall off your roof suggest that the roof is not structurally sound. Call a roofing company right away.
4. Water Damage
Besides leaks, your roof can show other signs of water damage. It may become discolored. Shingles can start to curl, chip, or fall off the roof for no apparent reason.
Go into your attic and inspect your rafters. If they are damp or stained, water may be seeping through the roof and landing on them.
5. Old Age
The average lifespan of roofing materials can vary significantly. Asphalt shingles can last up to 40 years while steel can last more than 50 years.
If your roof is approaching the end of its life, you may want to get a replacement now. This prevents you from having to deal with leaks. You may be able to get a better deal for your roof because your roofing company does not have to clean up or repair the materials under your roof.
6. Mold and Moss
Mold and moss can be hard to notice. Go on your roof and see if any areas are discolored or moist. Mold spores grow in dark and wet areas, so you may need to look in between your panels and shingles.
Do not panic if you notice mold or moss. You can remove spores by spraying them with a water and bleach solution. If you notice moss, you can scrub it with a brush.
Check your roof again after you remove the mold and moss. If you still notice spores or pieces of live moss, you may have moisture trapped underneath your roof. This moisture can cause your roof to sag, so you should consider getting a replacement.
7. High Heating Bills
Heat rises, and your roof can act as a barrier to keep warm air in your house. As time goes on, your roof’s ability to act as a barrier can get worse. This means you may spend thousands of extra dollars every year on your heating bills.
Take a look at your heating and electricity expenses. If you notice a spike, you should consider if heat is escaping through your roof.
You can install insulation to trap heat inside your house. Put up radiant barriers that reflect heat waves down into your home.
If this insulation does not work, you may need a new roof. Consider getting a metal roof, which can decrease heat flow by 45% and reduce your cooling costs by 25%.
8. Poor Craftsmanship
You are not done with your roof once you get a replacement. You should go up on your roof and take a close look at the materials.
Multiple layers of shingles can be extremely heavy and lead to structural problems. Mismatched or uneven shingles can fall off your roof or contribute to leaks.
If you notice these signs of poor craftsmanship, you need to find another roofing contractor. You do not want to risk your roof collapsing or leaking.
9. Failing a Roof Inspection
A yearly roof inspection will help you see if your roof is doing okay. You can also order an inspection if you’re not comfortable going on your roof by yourself.
Talk to your inspector as soon as they come down. Get full details about the problems with your roof and get estimates for how much the repairs will be. You should always order a replacement if the cost of repairs is more expensive than the cost of a new roof.
Signs That You Need a Roof Replacement
A roof replacement may be the difference between a safe home and an unsafe one. Get a new roof right away if it has holes, sagging areas, or missing materials. Water damage, old age, and mold are signs that you should consider roof repair in the near future.
Find a roofing company with extensive experience in roof replacements. Check their work just to make sure everything is okay. Order yearly inspections and consider a new roof if it is losing insulation.
Consider roofing specialists in your neighborhood. Mid-State Construction & Roofing, Inc. serves the Beecher City area. Contact us today.