5 signs your house needs a new roof

26-09-2022

While you can always fix a small leak from time to time, you may need a replacement before you know it. These are the top 5 signs that will let you know if you need a new roof for your home.

age

Do you have an old roof? Depending on the specific materials used, the average life expectancy of a structure is around 20 to 25 years. For those who live in a place with heavy snowfall or high humidity, this life expectancy may be relatively shorter. The ideal way to identify the integrity of your roof structure is to hire a contractor who can perform a thorough inspection. These professionals can spot any signs of aging right away.

valleys

Valleys are sunken spots or small unevenness in wood, sheets, and between shingles. These are the result of deteriorating beams, often due to heavy snowfall or high humidity causing the beams to begin to rot. Valleys can allow rain to enter your home, which can lead to damaging leaks. Keep an eye out for these small but serious nuances that can also lead to potentially harmful mold growth.

deteriorating roof tiles

Have the shingles on your roof started to curve, warp, crack or fall off? This may not be something you’ll notice instantly, as the shingles on most homes overlap. However, if you see some granules in the gutters or if all the shingles have slipped, this is a sure indication of a major problem. Like the roof structure itself, shingles are components with a definite life expectancy. This life span can change from one climate to another and from one home to another. If you noticed any holes, it’s about time you hired someone who can check for potential damage.

off-brand materials

To cut costs and bid lower, there are contractors who use off-brand materials for home construction. If you know that the previous builders or owners of the house did this, it would be best to call another contractor. Off-brand materials, such as sheet or shingles, are typically made from lesser quality materials, with some pieces of sheet or shingle being defective and uneven. Such materials will never last long and could do serious harm to you and your family in the near future.

daylight in the attic

When you have a well made house, there should be no daylight in the attic unless it comes in through a window. Small rays of light between the boards can mean serious problems with the roof supports. As with valleys, this problem can occur if poor attic ventilation and excessive moisture cause the joists to mold and begin to rot.