Wondering how to know if you need a roof replacement?
Your roof is the most important part of your home. It protects you and your family from the elements, keeps the home’s foundation sound, and it keeps you belongings safe. In the case of severe damage and you think that your roof is compromised, you should take action immediately and call a trusted roofing contractor.
But what about the average situation where the answer isn’t obvious? How do you know if you need a new roof? What are the signs to look for? We are going to be answering all of these questions while breaking down the key signs you need a new roof or roof repair.
Perform an Inspection
First things first, if your home was hit by a major storm go outside and inspect your roof from the ground. In general, you should be doing this bi-annually to ensure you catch any issues before they grow into extensive damage.
If you suspect your home was hit by a severe storm, you’ll probably see debris or missing shingles on either your own or your neighbors roof. You might also see shingles on the roof that are flapping in the wind, partially detached from the roof or buckled from the roof. Your roof could have loose flashing too. This type of roof damage is caused by powerful wind gusts.
If your home was hit by hail, you should pay extra close attention and look for major dents in your shingles. This can be hard to tell from the ground, but if you suspect your roof was hit by hail, we would recommend you call your local roofer to do an inspection.
Search for Shingle Debris and Deterioration
If your shingles are degrading, it may be time to replace the roof. Age is one of the most obvious signs you need a new roof. If your roof is 10-15 years old, or if you don’t know how old the roof is we recommend calling us to have a free roof inspection where we can help determine how much life your roof has left in it.
When aged shingles are in poor shape, they will shed granules. You might find these granules inside of your gutters or on the ground by the downspouts. In most cases, you can catch shingle-related problems early if you understand the three stages of shingle deterioration. There is an incipient, accelerating, decelerating stage.
Incipient Deterioration
Incipient deterioration will start immediately after your shingles are exposed to air, heat, or pressure. There is no way to prevent incipient deterioration because the weather can be very unpredictable. If you have asphalt shingles, they will undergo chemical changes over the years.
Accelerating Deterioration
During this stage, the shingles on a roof will have pronounced damage. You’ll see random gaps and cracks in different spots. If you don’t take action, the bond between the flaps and granules will continue to degrade, and the entire system will absorb a lot of moisture.
Decelerating Deterioration
When the shingles reach this stage, they’re basically raw, and they will have no protective properties. This is a dangerous and costly stage, which is why you must strive to avoid it. At this point, you’ll have to schedule a roof replacement.
Scout the Area Around the Skylights and Chimney
In some situations, a roof might have undetectable flaws that could cause moisture damage. You may or may not need a roof replacement in these situations. For example, the bricks on your chimney might suddenly shift, or the flashing could shift away from the skylights.
If you suspect this has happened, we recommend checking the attic or area near the area to see if you have a leak. If you can’t access the area please call your Columbus Roofing Professionals at Best Exteriors, Inc. for a free inspection.
Look for Signs of Sagging on the Roof
The surfaces on a roof should never sag. If your roof is sagging, its integrity has been compromised and it will look wavy. The roof shingles telegraph what is happening underneath them so if the decking is compromised or the attic ventilation is not balanced in all likelihood you’ll need a roof replacement.
The Best Way to Replace Your Roof
If you think it is time to replace the roof, you have a few more choices to make. What material will you use? And most importantly, who will you trust to handle the installation?
Choosing a quality roofing contractor to trust with your roof replacement is arguably the biggest decision in the entire process. This is because the quality of your installation will determine how effective your roofing system will be for years to come.
This is why it is crucial to hire a trusted, well reviewed, roofing contractor like Best Exteriors. Our team of experienced professionals have been proudly serving the greater Columbus, Ohio area for years and have accumulated over 100+ 5-star reviews! If you are looking for a quality team to trust with your roofing installation, make sure to give us a call today!
