Should You Install a New Roof?
While storm damage or a catastrophic incident can cause noticeable damage to your roof, sometimes, it’s a bit more challenging to determine whether you need a new roof. An older roof can simply reach the end of its lifespan, making replacement a simple task necessary for the ongoing maintenance of your home. Ignoring or deferring replacement, however, can cause additional issues in the future and put your home—and your possessions—at risk.
Signs You May Need a Roof Replacement
Addressing roofing issues as soon as you notice them can help you avoid further problems and allow you time to prepare for a replacement adequately. To make sure you’re ready, watch for these signs your roof may need to be replaced:
- Your roof passes the 20-year mark. Once your roof is 20 years old, your shingles may be on their last legs. While shingles are manufactured with durability in mind, additional factors like UV exposure and weather events can cause them to deteriorate more quickly. In addition, if your roof is not appropriately ventilated, shingles can age prematurely.
- Your neighbors are getting new roofs. Even if you’ve purchased your home and don’t know the age of your roof, you can assess your roof’s age based on neighboring roofs. Often, houses built at around the same time are roofed—and re-roofed—around the same time.
- Your shingles are damaged. If your shingle tabs are showing signs of damage, like cracks or missing and broken pieces, you could be risking water soaking into the decking below. Eventually, this moisture can seep into your insulation and make its way into your home.
- Your shingles are warped. Over time, shingles can become warped and curl at the edges or become cupped, which can break the waterproof seal and expose the underlayment and roof deck to moisture.
- Your roof looks old and worn in general. Over time, UV exposure can begin to affect the protective granulated covering of the shingles, making them more susceptible to continued weakness and damage. If some of these symptoms occur in your roof, it will begin to look ragged or wavy at the edges.
- Your roof has dark streaks. Over time, lichen and algae can develop on your roof, causing dark streaks. In most cases, lichen and algae are not harmful to your roof and can be rinsed off using partially diluted bleach and water. However, take care not to rinse the protective granules off your shingles, which can cause weakening and deteriorating shingles.
- Your roof is developing moss. Moss often grows in damp or cool climates and has much deeper roots than either lichen or algae. The roots can dislodge the granules on top of the shingles and cause damage. Further damage can occur as the result of the excess moisture the growth can hold against the surface of the shingles.
Contact Red Owl Roofing If your roof is showing signs of age and deterioration, it may be time for a new roof. Contact the professionals at Red Owl Roofing to determine your roofing needs. Our experienced team of certified roofing contractors has over 35 years in the roofing business and can help you assess your current roof as well as plan your new one. For more information regarding our 50-year new roof warranty or to schedule an inspection, contact us today.