Should I replace my roof?
Spring has sprung in the Hoosier state. Time to plant those seeds, buy that mulch, wipe down those outdoor chairs, and, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association, inspect your roof.
We don’t think too much about the roofs over our heads. After all, your roof is supposed to last a good twenty years, right? Well, that’s true to an extent…but the suggested biannual inspection is part of keeping your roof around that long.
There are a few things you’ll want to look for to determine whether it’s time to replace your roof.
When should I replace my roof?- Start with your records.
According to roofadvisor.com, you can make a good conjecture about when your roof will need to be replaced based on the material it’s made of, and how old it is:
- Composition Shingles: 12-20 years
- Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years
- Wood Shingles: 20-25 years
- Rubber Roofs: 30-50 years
- Metal Roofs: 50-75 years
Most of us have asphalt shingles, which is where we get the idea our roofs are good for thirty years. But if you’ll notice, that’s the very tip-top of the range of time these roofs can survive–and in reality, the upper end tends to be around 25 years, if you take very good care of the roof, and are lucky enough to avoid disaster. Indiana weather doesn’t tend to be kind to roofs, so don’t feel bad if your roof clearly needs replacing much earlier than the 25 year mark.
Assess the inside.
After taking a look at your records and figuring out where you stand, you’ll want to do an inspection of the roof yourself for damage, starting with the attic. According to the Bob Vila blog, the things to look out for in an attic are darkened spots on the ceiling or beams of light coming through (yikes!). These are signs of leaks, and if you see them, it’s time to call a professional, or at least conduct a thorough external examination.
So now that you’re wandering around on top of your roof, what are you looking for?
Some signs that it’s time for a new roof are obvious; for example, if your roof appears to be sagging, the answer to the question “should I replace my roof?” is…yes. Be especially vigilant about assessing the lower points of the roof for signs of moisture trapped beneath the shingles, and smaller indents that are less obvious than an all-out sag.
Some more subtle signs of damage are shingles that pop up, discoloration, or moss. Moss is one of those tell-tale signs of trapped moisture. You can scrub off the moss with a wire bristle brush, but be leary of the underlying problem. Getting rid of the moss may not get rid of the problem.
Shingles that are broken or bent also indicate that your roof is in need of attention–but it might not be a sign that full replacement is necessary. If your shingles are not lying flush against the roof, call a professional to see if the roof can be patched. This maintenance will keep your roof lasting as close as possible to that mythical twenty year mark.
Should I replace my roof if there are signs of deterioration?
Your roof may have reached its breaking point if you’re finding a lot of shingle granules in your downspout. This is a sign that the material itself is deteriorating, and likely won’t be able to do its job much longer.
If you don’t find any moss, sags, signs of deteriorating shingles, or broken or uneven shingles, and your roof is less than 15 years old, you can probably consider yourself in the clear. However, if your roof is more than 15 years old and you see any one of these signs, it’s definitely time to consult a professional. It’s possible you’ll get away with a repair, which will lead to a more long lasting roof, and help you delay the expense of replacement.
But there’s one more fairly insidious enemy to be on the lookout for–dark spots or streaks on your roof are an indicator of a cyanobacteria called gloeocapsa magma. Like moss, it may indicate trapped moisture. There are products available to remove the fungus that won’t damage the roof–don’t use a pressure washer to remove it or bleach, as these methods can damage your roof shingles. Be aware, though, that the trapped moisture is likely to continue to be a problem that worsens over time. You might not need to immediately replace your roof, but it’s something that’s important to monitor as your roof gets older.
Like every other part of your home, your roof requires maintenance and attention to keep it beautiful and functional for as many years as possible. Don’t forget about it just because it’s above your head! Make your assessment now, and don’t forget to take another look this coming fall.
At Hamilton Homes, we love helping customers live in homes they’ll cherish for a lifetime. Contact us today for a beautiful new home or renovation!