A home’s roof plays one of the most important roles in protecting the condition of your property. From keeping water at bay to acting as a shield against harmful temperatures and storm conditions, these materials are designed to be sturdy. However, as strong as these components are, they don’t last forever. In fact, homeowners always seem to find themselves needing a new one sooner than they initially thought. These are some of the tell-tale signs your home needs a new roof and why you should waste no time in tackling this project.
Shingles are Damaged or Falling Off
Exterior damage to the shingles is the first major indicator that your roof is no longer effective. While any form of cracking or looseness is considered a problem, this is especially the case if it’s happening more and more often. If it is, this means that your roof’s materials can no longer handle the stress. In fact, you may even find that some shingles are breaking free and going missing—leading to additional issues.
Indoor Leaks or Water Damage
Any type of leak or interior water damage is also an important sign your home needs a new roof. When the shingles are no longer sealing out rain water, it will start sinking into the wooden frames of the home, forming leaks. Should this go unnoticed, it can start weakening the structure of your home and even result in the growth of mold. So, if your attic is feeling a bit damp or there are visible wet spots along the walls after a storm, make sure you get your roof replaced immediately.
Your Roof is Over 20 Years Old
Even if you don’t notice any blaring problems with your current roof, you may still want to replace it after a certain number of years. By the time your roof is around 20 years old, chances are high that most of the previously mentioned problems have already begun to occur. This is due to the fact that standard shingles eventually become brittle from the elements and lose their ability to properly protect the home. As such, it’s always wise to get a new roof every 20 years or so, just to play it safe.
It No Longer Fits with Your Home’s Style
You may want to get your roof replaced simply because you don’t like the way it looks anymore. A home’s design can change a lot over 20 years and, should you have recently done a remodel, you might find that it no longer looks right. Additionally, even specialized metal roofing comes in a series of different styles to choose from. So, you’re guaranteed to find something that meets your standards in both appearance and strength.
