6 Signs You Need a Roof Replacement

1. Roof Shelf Life

Each roof comes with a shelf life, and as the clock keeps ticking, the roof continues to grow to disrepair. Slate can last for 75 years or more, clay and concrete tiles can last a century, while metal roofs can last up to 50 years. When the roof approaches the end of its shelf life, you might want to replace it even when it does not show signs of wear.

Go through home improvement records to get a picture of the last time professionals replaced the roof so you can plan the next roof replacement. You can also find out the exact lifespan of your roofing material so you can make the necessary changes.

2. Broken Roof Materials

A keen eye of the roof or gutter can subtly show that the roof is old and need replacement. Chipped or broken shingles in the gutter can be a major sign that the roof has seen more than its fair share of life and needs replacement.

If you observe these signs, then the roof material is likely old or not protecting your home as desired - hence the need to replace the roof quickly. When the signs appear early, this could mean that the roof was defective, and you can often rely on the warranty to get the replacement.

3. Dangerous Weather Conditions

Strong winds, extreme heat, and humidity can quickly destroy roofs before they reach their designated shelf life. More robust roofing materials can hold through a storm, but sometimes strong winds can blow off roofs, or shingles can crack bit by bit due to extreme sunlight.

Adverse weather can be detrimental to your roof. Check the roof regularly to see whether it can handle the changing weather conditions in your area.

4. Severe Roof Leakage

When the roof can no longer hold out the rain, it often starts leaking. Roof leakages indicate that you may have gaps in the roof, broken shingles, or gaps around the roofing fastener, leading to extreme leakages.

Minor leakages are repairable. However, severe cases often demand that the roof needs replacement since severe leakages can cause serious damage to the attic and the entire house.

5. Improper Chimney Flashing

Chimney flashing is the metal sheet installed where the roof meets the chimney. The metal sheet creates a watertight seal to protect the chimney from water damage and penetration. If the chimney is improperly flashed, this can lead to roof sheathing and framing.

When the roof starts leaking from improper flashing, the whole roof often needs immediate replacement to avoid any risks.

6. Exterior Roof Damage

Roof discoloration or peeling paint are signs that can diagnose roof damage. Also, if the roof is warped, swollen, or rotten, you likely need a full-scale roof replacement.

Do not forget to examine the exterior walls for water stains or long black streaks of algae running down. These signs could indicate the roof has some serious issues.