8 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Roof

A sound roof protects your house from exposure to weather elements. The roof also increases the value and appearance of your home. However, the roof will wear and tear over time, and you may need to get a new roof. Here are signs that you need a new roof.

1. Water Damage in the Upstairs or Attic

A damaged and leaking roof will allow water to pass into the house. If this occurs, you will notice grey, yellow, and brown stains on the ceilings and walls. Moisture marks may also appear on the walls and ceilings. Similarly, if you inspect the attic, you may see damp rafters.

2. Clues from the Paper Trail

Sometimes, although the roof may be functioning properly, it may be too old to continue being on top of your house. Examine the home's construction and repair records to know the age of your current roof. The installation or last repair date tells you the roof's remaining lifespan. The lifespan of your roof depends on the material and local climatic conditions.

3. Missing or Broken Shingles

Shingles typically lie flat on the roof, but this can change, particularly after a heavy storm. Due to damage, shingles may start to buckle, crack, and even become loose. If the problem impacts one or two shingles, you can repair or replace those few shingles. However, if many shingles on your roof experience damage, a full roof replacement may be necessary.

4. Neighbors are Replacing their Roofs

If your house is in a subdivision or development, the roof on your home is probably roughly the same age as the roof on your neighbors' houses. In addition, most developments and subdivisions use the same roofing material. That is because the contractor may have purchased the same materials at a bulk rate. When your neighbors begin to replace their roofs, the time may have come to replace yours.

5. Grit in the Gutter

Asphalt shingles typically have granules or grit within their surface to act as a barrier between the shingle and sun rays. Over time, the granules or grit may loosen and break away. A few granules falling off is not a big problem, but you need to replace your roof if many granules end up in your gutters. Lack of adequate grit on the roofs allows the sun to destroy the shingles and cause deterioration.

6. Vegetation on the Roof

Growth on the roof don't necessarily mean that you need to replace your roof. Instead, you may have to just clean the roof to get rid of the plants. However, when plant life spreads to other parts of the roof, pests and other animals may start to live on your roof. Eventually, the plant life will destroy your roof beyond repair.

Moss and mold are the most common vegetation that grows on roofs. Moss prefers older roofs with high moisture content. You may also notice algae, which appears in the form of black streaks on the roof. 

7. Visible Sunlight from Inside the House

Always keep an eye on the attic for any damages. Ideally, you shouldn't see any daylight coming into your house via the roof boards. If you see any sunlight, your roof has undergone some damage. The damage may be due to excessive moisture and may be indicated by water stains on your roof pots.

8. Discolored or Rotten Decking

Roof decking refers to the wooden boards that form the core of your roof. A strong roof decking allows the installation of other components and materials on the roof. If the structural integrity of the decking is in doubt, your roof may collapse.

Sometimes, you may have to just replace the wood on the decking. However, since you have to tear off your old roof to remove the wood, an entire roof replacement may be a cheaper and better option.

If your roof has sustained extensive damage, you may need to replace it. Ludemann Construction LLC can help to inspect your roof and recommend the proper course of action. We install, repair, and replace all types of roofs. Contact us to get a quote.