While you want to try to get as much out of your roof as possible, you don't want to push the issue and wait for serious problems, either. You should stay on top of making sure your roof is in good shape and when it starts to become apparent it's having issues, then act quickly with having it replaced. When you know the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, you want to know just what it is that you should be looking for. Here are some signs you might start noticing when it's time to have the roof replaced:
Granules are washing off the roof
Granules are small particles made from crushed stone and minerals. They serve an important purpose, and that is to reflect sunlight and heat away from the roof that would otherwise be absorbed and make it more difficult to keep the interior cool on hot days. These granules also allow the roofing manufacturers to make roof shingles of all different colors. Granules should stay on the shingles for the life of the roof. If you are seeing granules on the ground or finding them in the rain gutters, then this can indicate the time has come for a new roof.
There are shingles missing from the roof
Severe winds can come through your area and cause some of your shingles to blow off of your roof. Without those shingles in place, the roof is susceptible to water damage. The sooner the shingles are replaced, the less risk of serious damage happening below the surface. However, the fact the shingles were able to be blown off can indicate that it is time to have the whole roof replaced. A roofer can come and take a look, then let you know whether it should be repaired or replaced.
There are issues with the roof decking
The decking is the supporting part of your roof. This part of the roof should be protected by all the layers of roofing installed on it. If damage has occurred on the decking, then this lets you know that there is probably something going on with the rest of the roof. If water is able to go through the roofing, then it can cause the decking to show many signs of water damage. Some of these problems can include warping, cracking, and rotting. This can be dangerous because a damaged deck may not be able to support the weight of the roof much longer.
The neighbors have been getting new roofs
If the homes on your block were built at different times, then this won't matter. However, many neighborhoods have homes that were all built around the same time. If the latter is true in your case, then when you start to notice a number of your neighbors are getting new roofs put on, it may be a good time for you to start looking into getting a new roof as well.
Share