Typical roof life expectancy ranges from 20 years to 50 years depending on the materials used. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), asphalt roofs can last about 20 years, while roofs made of slate, copper or tiles can last for 50 years or more. Regardless of how your roof is made, it is a fact that your roof is one of the crucial features of your home.
Ensuring the condition of your roof also means ensuring the maximum protectant to your home. With this, it is important to determine when your roof needs a replacement. Here are 7 warning signs that you may need a new roof.
- Aged roof
The first indication that you need to replace your roof with a new one is its age. Is your composite roof installed for more than two decades already? Then it may be time you need to have it replaced especially if it is installed over several layers.
- Curling shingles
Over time, due to the changing weather conditions and heavy storms, the shingles on the roof will start to curl and buckle. It also gets visible as the condition worsens. While you can make amends by repairing it, the damage will never be undone especially if your roof is also nearing its life expectancy. It is better to have it replaced than gamble on a roof that may cause more costly damage in the future.
- Missing shingles
Another warning sign that indicates that your roof needs to be replaced are the missing shingles. Check your roof after a strong wind or heavy storm, pay attention to the shingles and see if there are missing. If you notice missing shingles, call a professional roofing repair service right away to assess the condition of your roof and it is time to decide for a replacement.
- Shingle granules in the gutter
While you’re at it, might as well check for shingle granules as it is another sign that you need a new roof. Shingles that are damaged or worn out tend to shed granules quickly. Check your gutter and downspouts; if you see shingle granules accumulating, then it may be rational to have a new roof.
- Worn flashings
Your skylights, vents, and chimneys have flashing around it which helps prevent rainwater and others from penetrating your home by sealing the seams. Due to extreme heat and heavy rain, the flashings may expand and contract resulting in cracks and breakage. When this happens, water can easily seep into your home causing leaks. For this, you can choose to upgrade your flashing to metal flashing as it is more durable or have your roof replaced.
- Water damage in the attic
Any damage on the roof can result in leaks. And the first area that gets affected with roof leaks is your attic. During your routine inspection, climb up under the eaves and check your attic. Pay attention to any signs of moisture in the insulation, water stains, or any beams of light coming through the roof boards.
- Roof valleys
The roof valleys are the areas where two roof slopes meet. Rainwater and snow flows through it and down into the roof gutters. Aside from the shingles in your roof, the valleys on the roof are another area that you need to check thoroughly. If your roof valleys are compromised, worn out or damaged, it is important to call a roofing professional right away before it causes a more costly problem.
If you noticed any of the warning signs mentioned above, call us at Medallion Security as soon possible to take a look on your roof. A roofing professional will be able to assess the condition of your roof and determine whether the problem can be resolved with a simple repair or you need to have a new roof.