Imagine yourself reading in the rain, a stormy day. You suddenly look up, and you discover that your roof now resembles an enormous sieve. You are mocked as water drips down. It’s time for you to ask yourself, “Is my old buddy worth parting with?” These are a couple of telltale signals that could give you an nudge. Persistent leaks during rainy seasons are a clear sign of when to replace your roof.
Let’s begin with age. Roofs are not immortal. They may appear to be resilient and able to withstand all the weather, like superheroes. But even they have to retire. When your roof celebrates its 20th anniversary, you can consider it to be well into the golden years. Asphalt shingles can last anywhere from 20 to 30+ years. Allow them to rest, if their age is getting on you.
You can easily identify damaged shingles. The shingles that are damaged will attract attention: They may curl or crack, and even go missing. A gentle walk around your home could reveal shingles waving flags of white, crying out for relief. You might want to consider a complete facelift if the shingles are behaving badly.
Also, be on the lookout for any granules. Imagine your roof shingles losing their granules like an anxious poodle in front of the veterinarian. They are crucial for protecting the shingles from harmful UV rays. The sun will easily attack your roof if it’s barren. If you notice a lot of fallen soldiers, clean your gutters. It could be that your shingles have retired.
Do not overlook the attic. Like the support crew for your roof, the attic works hard to keep it in place. Get a flashlight, and go inside. Watch for any beams or patches of dark light that appear to be coming through your ceiling. Your roof may be losing its guard if you notice any daylight or water stains.
It’s impossible to ignore the unmistakable presence of moss or mold. Imagine them to be unwanted houseguests: they cause damage, multiply, and will not leave. The growth of moss in moist, cool conditions can lead to an accumulation of moisture. Mold does more than just look ugly. It can sneak moisture into your house. Take care of the spots quickly, like a cheetah.
We’ll change things up. Have you noticed the sagging sections on your roof? Like a roof doing the latest moves in yoga. This is less of a yoga move and more of “help me, I’m on the ground!” moment. The roof may sag as a result of structural decay.
If you reside in a place where the fireplace is king, check your flashing. Consider it the intermediary between roofs and chimneys, keeping them at peace while preventing any water intrusion. You can’t fill a leaky jug if the flashing is old. It’s best to replace or repair worn flashing before a rainstorm arrives.
Avoid high-energy costs. You may have wondered why you HVAC unit is running so much. The culprit could be an inefficient, old roof. Insulation problems can lead to a cold house in the winter or an overheated sauna in the summer. Bills can pile up fast.
Look at the damage that has been caused by past storms. As unpredictable as cats, the weather can change from sunny to warm in a matter of seconds. The effects of hailstorms, strong winds or heavy rain can be disastrous. You should check your body for bruises and missing parts after a storm.
The aesthetics of your home is also important. It’s possible that your old roof looks terrible with the new look of your home. The style may evoke the medieval times when dragons reigned. Sometimes a bit of visual disorder is enough to make a difference.
If you’re hesitant to replace your roof because it is old, remember that a new one could offer more peace and comfort, as well as the opportunity to enjoy reading a book with no unwanted showers.