Roof replacement is one of the most expensive projects you can undertake on your home. However, some damages can render your roof obsolete and unsalvageable. Naturally, homeowners may want to avoid such a considerable expense by opting for cheaper roof repairs. This blog post considers signs that your house is beyond repairs and needs a roof replacement.
Age of the roof
One of the most obvious signs that your roof needs to be replaced is its age. For example, an asphalt shingle roof typically lasts about 20 years. You will notice that layers start deteriorating and become too much for repair work. At this point, the roof has outlived its usefulness and will only spell trouble for your household. The best thing to do is contact your local roofing professional for the necessary overhaul.
Leaks
Another clear sign that your house requires a new roof is water damage. Most roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles and clay tiles, do not bond well with water, so they can easily get damaged if left unattended for too long. Sometimes the leaky roof is too much that repairs don’t make sense. The best way to avoid problems associated with aging roofs is by getting a new one. If you notice visible signs of leaks, it is time to call a professional contractor.
Difficulty in repair work
If you have tried to do some repair or maintenance on your roof but failed, it is a clear sign that the damage is too much and needs a roof replacement. It doesn’t matter whether you repaired one small area of damage or attempted to replace an entire section – if fixing has become difficult, your roof needs to be replaced. The same applies if you keep contacting your roofing contractor to work on the same issues they did on their previous visit.
Damaged or missing shingles
Extensive damage to the roofing material or tiles is another sign you want to watch out for. The most common issue with roofs made of asphalt is that they get damaged by ice dams in the winter months. In such cases, it may be worthwhile to replace them before the cold season comes. The same applies when you notice curling shingles or clay tiles and other roofing materials that are prone to extensive damage over time. If you see your house is already showing signs of wear and tear, it would be wise to replace the entire roof before they collapse under stress or weather conditions worsen their state further.
Sagging roof/ceiling
One of the clear signs that your roof is beyond repair and needs replacement is if you notice a sagging ceiling. This usually happens when your house’s joists are affected by water damage or weakened due to constant pressure on them from snow in the winter months. If this has happened, it means the load-bearing capacity of your home’s structure is compromised. If you don’t replace the roof, your walls and ceilings may get damaged further or even collapse entirely in such a situation.
Light passing through the ceiling
Another sign of roof damage is light passing through the ceiling. This usually happens when there are gaps between tiles, allowing rainwater to get into your home’s structure easily. You may not notice it immediately, but over time these roof leaks can cause extensive damages and cost you thousands of dollars in repair work.
Mold or moss growth
The presence of mold or moss growth may not be a clear sign that your existing roof needs replacement, but it can become an issue if left untreated for too long. For example, some roofs are made of wood, and over time they get covered with algae due to water damage. If you don’t fix this problem quickly enough by applying sealants at the first sign of trouble, it can cause extensive damage to your roof and structure. If the mold or moss growth is so bad that you have visible patches on your ceiling, it would be best to replace the entire roof with a new one.
Wildlife infestation
If you notice any signs of wildlife infestation or bird nests on your house, it is a sign that the roof needs replacement. Pests such as squirrels and rats will usually dig small holes in more than a few shingles and make homes inside them. If left unattended for too long, they can cause extensive damage to both your home’s structure as well as electrical wiring.
Missing granules
Another common sign of damage is when you notice missing granules on asphalt roof shingles. Over time, the coating breaks down, and they can easily be washed away by rainwater or melted snow during winter. If bare spots lead to water infiltration, it would be best to replace them before further damage occurs due to leaks.
Call a professional!
Your roof needs to be repaired as soon as you notice any of the above signs on your house. If neglected for too long, these issues can cause extensive damage and cost thousands of dollars in roof repair work and eventually need replacement. Call Precision Roofing & Gutters for reliable roofing contractors in Lake Oswego with competitive rates!