Warning Signs You Need A New Roof
It's hard to overstate the importance of a good, reliable roof — it protects you from rain and snow, helps you stay warm at night, and safeguards you and your loved ones from the outside world. This is why it's important to keep a close eye on your roof and inspect it regularly for any signs of failure. If you recognize any of the following roof warning signs and take action right away, you could be avoiding more expensive repairs down the road.
Common Signs You Need To Get A New Roof
A roof near the end of its lifespan can show a number of symptoms, including:
1. Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are one of the most obvious signs your roof is on its way out. To check for roof leaks, go up to your attic regularly, preferably right after a rainfall. Look closely for any signs of water intrusion, as serious leaks in your home are most likely to originate here.
Checking the outside of your roof for ice dams is also crucial. Ice dams form when the snow of your roof melts, runs down to the eaves and freezes up again. As water continues to run down the roof and encounter the ice dam, it may begin to run under your shingles and possibly make its way into your home.
If the leaks are confined to a certain area on your roof, you may not need a complete roof replacement, but in any case, you should not hesitate to call a professional to inspect it. Putting off roof repairs may cause the problem to become more serious and require more extensive and costly repairs. Keep in mind that professional roofers tend to offer affordable roof inspections.
2. Growth
If you discover mold or mildew growing on your walls or ceiling, this may be a sign of a leaky roof, condensation issues or just a simple plumbing problem. Before going ahead with a roof repair, make sure that your insulation is dry, your house is adequately ventilated and your plumbing lines and bathroom fixtures aren't leaking. Correcting any of these things are less costly than a roof replacement.
Below we'll go over the different types of growth that can occur on your roof and the consequences that each type of growth can have:
Algae: This black and green organism can eat away at your shingles and eventually cause your roof to rot. This problem is caused by deposits of moisture on shingles or shakes, which allows spores to nest and spread into algae. Algae is also commonly found in gutters, due to the water that is often present there. Algae is most likely to grow on roofs in climates that are damp and humid, such as that of the Pacific Coast, Northeast and Deep South.
Mold: Unlike moss or algae, which are considered harmless and natural flora in proper settings, mold is considered a clear-cut problem that can cause health issue and offers no aesthetic value. Mold is easy to identify due to is repugnant odor and slimy, ugly appearance, which is characterized by brown, black and dark-green blotches. Like many other types of growth, mold forms due to deposits of moisture. Mold most commonly develops on surfaces that can absorb water, such as wood and drywall.
Moss: Easily identified by its forest-green color and fuzzy texture, moss is considered by many to be an attractive feature on a roof. But depending on the surroundings and design scheme of the homeowner, moss can also be detrimental. As moss spreads, it brings more moisture with it, which can set into the wood of shakes and shingles, causing rot.
Mildew: Mildew is a cancerous growth found on wet surfaces. It has a powdery appearance, which ranges from light grey to black to sometimes even pink, and is harmful to your health if you're exposed to it for prolonged periods of time. Mildew is most likely to grow in damp, warm environments and will often spread on roofs that have inadequate drainage. Mildew spreads faster than other types of harmful growths.
One thing common to all four of these growths is that they occur in damp environments. In rainy regions, a roof with inadequate drainage will be especially susceptible to these.
3. Roof Cracks
Cracked shingles are often caused by wind damage. If the cracks are limited to just a few shingles, replacing them is the most practical solution. However, if there are cracks dispersed randomly all over the roof, this is a telltale sign that a roof replacement is necessary. If you notice widespread cracks on your shingles, we recommend that you have your roof replaced within three to five years.
You can also check for cracks by going up to your attic, turning the lights off and looking up at your roof. Light coming in may be a sign that you have holes and cracks in the roof, which you should have fixed as soon as possible. See if your roof can be fixed with a repair or if a complete replacement is necessary.
4. Roof Rot
A rotting roof can lead to serious structural issues in your house. Wood will rot when it's exposed to moisture for prolonged periods of time, allowing the growth of fungus, which can deteriorate a structure. It's essential to be able to identify a rotting roof quickly so the damage can be minimized.
The following situations may be signs of roof rot:
Torn flashing or missing shingles: Water is a roof's biggest enemy, and if your roof has a breach in its moisture protection system, it's only a matter of time before it starts to rot. From the ground, take a close look at your roof with binoculars and see if there are any gaps in the shingles or tears in the flashing. If so, this means that the underlying roof deck is vulnerable to the harsh elements and may start to rot, if it hasn't already. If this happens, immediately call a professional to have the problem fixed.
Water damage on the ceiling: In most cases, water coming into your home is a result of a breakdown of your roof system. If there are water stains on your ceiling, this could be the result of a roof leak.
Growth of mold in your attic: Check your attic routinely for any signs of roof rot. See if the insulation is soggy, if you can smell mold and if you see any fungal growth on the studs or the insulation. A moldy attic can only be caused by water, which could be the result of either a roofing leak or improper ventilation. In either case, the damage will get worse if you wait for rot to occur.
Excessive growth of algae or moss: If you notice green and gray moss and algae on the outside of your shingles, this means moisture is present. While it may appear harmless, algae and moss can both cause your shingles to deteriorate, make their way to the roof deck underneath and do even more damage. Regardless of whether the growth occurs from a ventilation issue or a blocked drainage system, you should have a professional check it out right away.
Sunken roof deck: The ridge of your roof should be completely straight, so if you notice a sag or saddleback in the middle, call a roofer immediately. This can be a sign of a serious issue with the roof support beams and studs, which may already be experiencing rot. Roof sagging can also be caused by poor roofing materials, incorrect installations or too much weight from ice and snow.
5. Poor Energy Efficiency
Have your heating bills been increasing little by little every winter? If so, it could be the result of a poorly insulated roof. Although most homeowners focus on insulating their doors and windows to decrease their energy bills, it is often the roof that is the culprit.
A poorly insulated roof allows air to come in and go out more easily, which can lead to exorbitant energy bills, especially during the coldest months.
6. Outdated
If your roof has asphalt shingles and is 20 years old or more, it's about time for a replacement. The lifespan of 3-tab shingles is typically only around 25 years — and that's under ideal conditions. Architectural shingles may last up to 30 years. Even if you haven't noticed any of the other warning signs, if your roof is nearing the end of its life expectancy, keep a close eye on it and be prepared for a roof replacement.
Here are the life expectancies of other roofing materials:
Wood shingles: 30 to 40 years
Wood shakes: 20 to 40 years
Clay tile: 50 years or longer
Metal: 70 years
Slate: 100 years or longer
New Roof Considerations
If you're planning to purchase a new roof, keep the following in mind:
1. Timeframe
Roof replacements can cause disruption — it is not recommended to stay in the house when the roof is being installed, and the noise can be a major disturbance to your neighbors. For these reasons, it is important to get a good idea of how long it will take. This will depend on the following factors:
Roofing material: The average time it takes to replace a roof with asphalt shingles is one to two days, whereas a roof with natural slate requires an average of six to seven days.
The size of your home: Naturally, larger homes will take longer to roof than smaller ones.
The method of replacement: In the case of asphalt shingles, a roof can be replaced using one of two methods — re-roofing, which involves installing the new shingles directly on top of the old ones, or tear-off, which involves removing the existing shingles before installing the new ones. The latter method is much more time-consuming.
The home's historical significance: If your home has historical significance, the roofing will take longer to reroof because extra care must be taken.
2. Roofing Company Busy Season
It is not uncommon for roofing companies to be completely booked from spring to fall. If it's May and you just realized you need a roof replacement, you may have to wait a few months before your local roofing company can fit you into their schedule.
3. Roof Inspection
In some cases, the problem is glaringly obvious, but more often it can be difficult to pinpoint what is wrong with your roof. Even if you notice a leak or a few tiles blown off your roof, it is likely that these observations tell only a part of the story. If you want to know exactly what's wrong with your roof and everything that needs to be fixed, we recommend that you hire a professional roofer to perform an inspection. It will help determine whether a complete roof replacement is necessary or if a simple repair will do.
Choosing The Right New Roof
When it comes time to replace your home's roof, you will have a wide range of materials to choose from — including asphalt, wood and clay tiles. When weighing your options, keep these cost, durability, material weight and installation requirements in mind:
Asphalt shingles: This common residential roofing material is popular for its affordability and ease of installation. Asphalt can be reinforced with organic materials or fiber without altering their appearance. Asphalt shingles are widely available and come in many colors, but have a shorter lifespan than other roofing materials. They go well with many house styles, particularly traditional suburban styles.
Clay and concrete tiles: Known for the elegance and texture they add to a roof, clay and concrete tiles are exceptionally durable, long-lasting and non-combustible. However, they are also heavy and must be installed by a professional. They look the best on Mediterranean, Southwestern, Mission and Spanish-style homes.
Metal: Metal roofs are lightweight, durable and last longer than wood or asphalt. They're available in both shingles and panels and come in copper, aluminum, zinc and stainless steel. They look great on cabins, bungalows, cottages and contemporary-style homes.
Wood shingles and shake: The roofing material of choice for centuries, wood shingles and shakes are still loved today for their attractive, rustic look. Shingles are typically cut by a machine, whereas shakes are split by hand, giving them a rougher appearance. They're usually made from redwood, cedar or southern pine and pair well with Cape Cod, bungalow, Tudor and Craftsman-style homes.
Slate: Well known for its distinctive, elegant appearance, slate is a durable, fire-resistant and sustainable roofing material. It's available in shades of black, grey, green and purple and looks best on European, Colonial and French chateau homes.
Contact Huber & Associates to Restore Your Historic Roof
If you're the owner of a historical property and your roof is showing signs of age, Huber & Associates has the knowledge and experience to restore your roof to its original glory. Our award-winning Florida Roofing company specialize in historic roof restoration of any material — including copper and slate — on plantations, estates, courthouses, and various other types of historical residences and buildings.
To find out more about our services, contact us by filling out our form or calling (386) 487-1040.