As a homeowner, you’re responsible for managing your home. If you encounter an issue, such as a faulty furnace, leaky roof, or broken window, you need a proactive plan to resolve it before it becomes a much bigger problem. However, can you recognize the telltale signs that your home needs a new roof? We answer the challenge of how to know when you need a new roof.
How To Know When You Need A New Roof
Ask yourself the following questions to determine if your home requires a new roof:
Are asphalt granules shedding off your shingles?
Did you know that the tiny asphalt granules on each shingle offer enhanced UV ray protection and fire resistance? Without their presence, the lifespan of your shingle roofing system would dramatically shorten.
Are water stains forming on your ceilings or walls?
When you observe indoor water stains, the #1 culprit is a leaky roof caused by missing shingles, damaged flashing, or clogged gutters. Don’t ignore this revealing sign of a roof needing significant repair or replacement.
Can you tell if the flashing has denting or rusting?
The flashing on your roof is crucial to preventing water intrusion. If it becomes compromised due to weather conditions, such as hail or water pooling, the flashing fails to serve its purpose and needs replacement.
Did your roof suffer weather-related damage?
Many homeowners incur roof damage without realizing it. Adverse weather conditions may have impacted your home while you were away or sleeping. Hail isn’t always the reason. Other weather forces can also harm your roof.
Do you see cracked, curled, loose, or missing shingles?
One damaged shingle acts as an open invitation for moisture intrusion. Unfortunately, it can have a rippling effect. Water penetrating through the surface can cause substantial harm to the underlying layers and structure.
Does your home feel excessively drafty or stuffy?
Are you frustrated with coming home to a humid, uncomfortable home during warmer weather? Have you questioned why your house feels so drafty in the cooler months? An inefficient roof may be the culprit.
Does your roof appear to have a sag?
Is it an optical illusion that your roofline seems uneven? You might be seeing things. Many roofs begin to sag over time. The weight of roofing layers and materials can cause your roof’s support system to weaken.
Has your roof reached the end of its life expectancy?
All roofs have a shelf life. For instance, an average-grade asphalt shingle roof lasts 15 to 25 years. If your roof is approaching or past its “expiration date,” don’t be surprised that it may need replacement.
Have you observed a water leak or moisture intrusion?
If moisture enters your home from above, it is time to address your roof. Your roof is no longer performing optimally. Water penetration could lead to other issues, such as basement flooding and mold formation.
Is moss, fungi, or algae growing on your roof surface?
Many roofs have this issue, which might be easy to ignore since it is commonplace. However, moss, fungi, or algae growth will shorten your roof’s expected lifespan because each erodes the roofing material.
Is the musty scent of mold apparent?
The stale, unpleasant odor of mold or mildew suggests that your home has excess moisture or condensation buildup. A leaky roof is often the root problem. Water entering the house may collect, leading to mold, mildew, and rotting structural materials.
The Process Of Replacing Your Roof
Installing a new roof is “straightforward” if you adhere to an orderly progression of steps:
1. Analyze your existing roof’s condition.
A visual analysis of your roof may reveal its health. Are shingles balding? Does the flashing appear damaged? Is moss or algae growing?
2. Perform a professional roof inspection.
A knowledgeable roofing contractor will comprehensively assess your roof to determine if it requires replacement or repair.
3. Remove the old roof securely.
Don’t take chances. Hire an expert roofing company to perform the tear-off. They will prep your roof and follow an orderly removal procedure.
4. Assess the underlayment and structure.
This step cannot be ignored, but many roofers overlook it. Demand that your contractor perform a thorough analysis of the sublayers.
5. Make necessary roof repairs or upgrades.
If any issues with sublayers need attention, work with the roofing company to repair or replace them. This step will extend your new roof’s lifespan.
6. Install the new roof.
Once the underlying roofing layers are sufficiently addressed, the roofer will attach the new roof and clean up the work site.
Choosing The Right Roofing Contractor
If you’re a homeowner in Norwood, MA, or surrounding areas, O’LYN Roofing will help you identify the perfect roofing solution for your situation. We offer extensive expertise in inspecting, repairing, and replacing residential roofing systems. With over 50 years of roofing experience, we understand the needs of homeowners in this region.
Contact O’LYN Roofing today if you have questions or to schedule an appointment and receive a free roofing estimate.
