A leaky roof in your home can be quite the nuisance, not to mention the damage it can do over time if you don’t address it as soon as possible. If you suspect your roof might be in need of replacement, here are seven tell-tale signs that your roof seriously needs replacing! This way, you can assess whether your roof repair is worth the money or if it’s time for a roof replacement.
On older roofs, you may see broken or missing shingles. As asphalt shingles age, they become brittle and cracked. If your roof is approaching its lifespan (the average roof lasts about 15 years) it’s time to consider replacement. Your roof can leak at any moment—it doesn’t have to be raining outside for water damage to occur. Don’t wait until water leaks into your home before taking action.
This may sound like a no-brainer, but don’t rely on gut instinct alone. If you see cracked or missing shingles, take pictures of them and have them assessed by a roofing professional. They can let you know if your roof is nearing end of life and how much it will cost to replace it in its entirety. It might be more economical to replace individual shingles than to replace your entire roof. The average homeowner spends about $8,598 to install a new roof.
One of the most obvious signs your roof needs to be replaced is cracked shingles. If your home is older, cracked shingles can usually be attributed to age, as shingles naturally degrade over time. But if you’ve recently noticed cracking, it’s worth calling a professional for an inspection. That way, you can rule out any underlying issues that could cause leaks or other water damage to your home.
If your shingles are still in good shape, you’ll want to make sure they stay that way. If there are any tears or other damage, however, it’s time to call a professional. A new roof can help extend your home’s life by many years while keeping your home more energy efficient and comfortable.
Are you seeing signs of swelling in your roof’s support boards? Then your roof may be nearing its end and in need of serious repair. The most common cause for swollen boards is water damage, which can lead to rotting and other dangerous structural issues. If you have noticed any board swelling, then it is likely time to get a professional inspection before these problems become worse. This can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs by catching these issues early on and fixing them right away!
Another sign of a leak is rust on nails and nail heads. Look for discoloration of metal, which often happens near seams. If you see any signs of rust, or if water appears to be standing on your roof or running off it, then it is likely time to get a professional inspection. Proper waterproofing can stop all kinds of leaks before they occur, protecting you from further damage to your home.
If you notice a soft spot in your ceiling, then it’s likely time to replace your roof. This happens when moisture makes its way into your roof decking, freezes and expands, and breaks through. If these spots are infrequent, then you can cover them with plastic until you have time to replace your roof. Soft spots can be signs of further damage such as water pooling or leaking. These should be repaired immediately to avoid more severe structural problems.
If you have soft spots throughout your ceiling, then it’s a sure sign that you need to replace your roof. While repairing these spots will fix them temporarily, they’ll simply reappear as long as there is still damage to your roof decking.
Leaks are one of the biggest and most common signs that your roof is in serious need of replacement. Water damage can quickly destroy ceilings, drywall, flooring, and other areas inside your home, so it’s vital to get yours checked regularly for leaks. If you spot a leaky roof at any point during your day-to-day activities, let a roofer know immediately. One small repair could mean huge savings if you catch things early enough.
Be sure to watch out for other signs of a leaky roof as well. Missing or cracked shingles, discolored patches on your ceiling, and even strange smells may be indications that you have a problem on your hands. Don’t ignore these signs—it can only cost you more in terms of repairs later.
One of the biggest signs that your roof needs to be replaced is when your gutters are leaking. If you have to clean them frequently, then it’s time to get a professional inspection. Once they’re cleaned, check for any cracks or holes. If there are some, it’s time to get a replacement on its way! After all, not only do leaky gutters look terrible but they can cause problems with flooding and water damage inside your home. Since these issues can lead to much bigger expenses in repairs (or even being completely out of a home) it’s best to take care of things early and often. Any leaks in roofing require immediate action in order to avoid costly repairs and prevent further damage down the road.
One common telltale sign of a problem with your roof is if your bathroom or kitchen fan vents are covered in mildew or mold. This indicates that moisture is not venting properly, which often means there is a hole somewhere in your roof or siding that needs to be fixed. Get up on your roof and check all of your vents to make sure they are clear and do not have any cracks or leaks. If you find that one of them has a crack or a leak, then you will need to fix it immediately. Many homeowners ignore these kinds of problems for far too long before getting them addressed by their local contractor—but ignoring these issues can actually lead to serious problems inside your home.
If you’re in need of a roof replacement in the Staten Island area, be sure to contact our team at Professional Roofing Staten Island for a free roofing estimate and thorough inspection.