Your home needs to have a reliable roof at all times. When your roof gets worn out, it would be best to replace it as soon as possible, as a delay could result in more significant problems. To avoid abrupt failure, it is essential to inspect your roof for any signs regularly. Here are some telltale signs that indicate it’s time to replace your roof.
- Roof Leaks
A leaking roof is one of the most obvious signs that your roof is near the end of its life span. To detect a leaking roof, check your attic from time to time, especially after a rainfall. You can also check outside the roof for ice dams. If you notice a leak at only a single point of the roof, then you can do a simple roof repair. There might not be a need to replace the entire roof.
- High Energy Bill
A poorly insulated roof could be the reason why your energy bill goes higher each winter. Most homeowners tend to insulate doors and windows in an attempt to cut down the energy cost, while the roof is the problem. With a poorly insulated roof, air can quickly come in and go out of your home. Consequently, the energy consumption goes up, especially during the cold months.
- Age
How old is your roof? Even if your roof has not shown any signs of failure, you might consider replacing it once it maxes out its lifespan. You might need to get a replacement for asphalt shingles if the roof has been in place for over 20 years. However, different roofing materials have varying life expectancies. For instance, metal roofing can last for up to 70 years, while wood shingles can only last 20 to 40 years.
- Cracked Shingles
Strong winds can result in cracked shingles, necessitating a roof replacement. Check the roof to see the distribution of the cracks. If only a few shingles are damaged, then you might consider replacing them. On the other hand, if there are cracks all over the roof, it’s a sign you need a roof replacement.
To detect any cracks on the roof, you can go to your attic and look up at your roof with the lights off. If you notice some light coming in, that means your roof has cracks or holes.
Getting a roof replacement can cause disruption. For instance, you might need to stay out of the house during the replacement. Therefore, it is necessary to make all the arrangements required before the actual day.