Your roof is one of the most essential features of your home. Not only does it offer security for you and your family, but it also acts as a barrier against you and the harsh outdoor elements. Every day, your roof works hard to withstand everything from hail storms and heavy downpours to the volatile thunderstorms we get here in Houston. While a roof should last you 20 – 40 years on average, cheaper product's other contractors may use, lousy workmanship, heavy storms, and animals looking for a cozy home in the attic can lower that lifespan of your roof, causing it to show premature aging and signs of damage. Left alone, the damage will spread to other areas of your home when the roof fails. If this is your case, then replacing your roof may be the best option to get it back on track and performing like it should. Now the only question is, how do you really know when you should replace your roof? Here are the top 5 major signs you need a new roof.
1. Storm Damage
Storm damage or “Acts of God” are unpredictable natural events that have the potential to devastate your roof and home.
Some storm damage can come from:
Hurricanes
Strong winds
Thunder storms
Tornadoes
Here in Texas, I'm sure you're no stranger to our volatile weather. Your roof is more likely to suffer severe damage to the point of needing a roof replacement if we encounter such weather events. They can tear off shingles, remove the granules right off your roof, and even leave holes in your roof. Call today for your free inspection to see if you may be able to get your new roof covered by your insurance if you've experienced any of the weather events listed above!
2. Reoccurring or Multiple Leaks
A leak is a tell-tale sign that your roof may need replacing. If you’ve walked into a room and noticed a golden-brown spot ring stain on your ceiling and a puddle on your floor, the problem may be that water is leaking from the roof.
Some common reasons why your roof leaks could include:
Punctures and holes from other trades, improper repairs, and even animals.
Improper installation
Aging materials
Little to no maintenance / needed repairs not completed.
With water leakage, you should tackle the problem as soon as possible. If you leave it unchecked, your roof may begin to mold or sag from the weight. It can also cause larger issues such as rotted decking, insulation and much more if left untreated.
3. Loss of Protective layers
Another sign that shows a need for roof replacement is the loss of protective layering. Many homeowners think a roof mainly consists of just shingles. But in reality, a roof is actually an intricate build of protective layering that helps guard your home against the outside.
Some of these protective systems include:
Missing Shingles
Missing/Torn Ridge Caps
Worn/Torn Ridge Vents
Worn Down Shingles
Underlayment
These are all important to your roof’s lifespan. But sometimes, age and poor installation can cause the layers to fail and eventually destroy your roof and home. With the loss of each layer, the roof decking is more like to get impacted, creating a potentially higher cost than even a typical roof replacement.
Missing Granules on Shingles
Granules are the small, crushed stones and minerals you see on the surface of your roof's shingles. Although they may look like just another design choice, they serve an important purpose for your roof, they help protect your roof from extreme heat and impacts with its protective coating. But over time, the granules may fade or fall off, making your roof vulnerable to severe weather. If your roof is more than 15-20 years old and you haven’t experienced any impacts, and you see these small minerals scattered on the ground or gathered in the gutters, then you have a sign that the outer layer of protection has been worn down and it may need to be repaired or replaced to prevent further damage. Sometimes, you may even see the granules washed out of your gutter's downspouts.
4. Degraded Performance
A well-built roof with top quality products will help keep your home protected for decades. But there are a few signs and symptoms of a degraded performance roof that you should definitely look out for. If you notice any of the following problems, a roof replacement should be at the top of your to-do list.
Reduced Energy Efficiency
Noticed that your energy bill is higher than normal? Then you may need to look at your roof for the answer.
A home’s roof spends most of its time getting hit by the sun, especially on hot summer days. That means many of us usually have to turn on the AC or other devices to get some relief. That is, until the energy bill comes in the mail.
To save energy and money, many homeowners invest in an energy-efficient roof. These are specialized roofing materials that help reflect the sun’s heat, reducing the energy you use to cool down your home.
But as time passes, the materials will start to break apart or deteriorate, allowing heat to build into the living areas. As a result, your home will begin to get warmer. If you’re spending more and more on your energy bills, it may be time to install a new energy-efficient roof with proper ventallation.
5. It's Run Its Course
Although a high-quality roof can offer you decades of protection, that doesn’t mean it will last forever. As time passes, you will naturally have to replace your roof. That being said, you don’t have to wait until severe damage happens to finally replace your roof. You can identify the signs of a roof nearing its end with the following.
Aging
Age is the most obvious reason for your roof being at the end of its life.
Like with everything, your roof will eventually age and become weaker. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to figure out the age of your roof, especially if it was already there when you moved in. So, if you see more wear and tear to the roof, or if it looks like it’s seen better times, it may be due to its age. If that’s the case, it may be time for a new roof. On older homes, a roof replacement may be necessary if the roof is more than 15-25 years old. Fortunately, most homeowners will only have to replace a roof once or twice in their lifetime.
Get an Inspection to Find Out
If you are still unsure if your roof needs replacing, you can always have a professional roofing company inspect your roof. A roofing company contractor is there to help determine if there are any damages to your roof and suggest a plan. If your roof is damaged or old enough, they will suggest roof replacement. If not, they’ll be able to give you alternative solutions that will get your roof back in shape. Whatever the case, getting a professional opinion will always be the best option for a piece of mind. Book your FREE INSPECTION
Your Next Steps
Now that you know all the major signs of a roof replacement, it’s time to act before it’s too late. You can get in touch with us today to get a full inspection free of charge and get headed in the right direction. We are here to help you each step of the way.
Contact us:
832-617-4037 (Houston office)
512-298-2944 (Austin office)
