Your home’s roof is one of its most important components, and this means that you’ll need to ensure that it remains in good condition at all times. Like most items on or in your home, a roof will need to be replaced at some point regardless of how well you maintain it. Let’s take a closer look at the key signs that 2025 is the year that you take on this critical home improvement project.
How Old Is the Existing Roof?
An asphalt shingle roof will typically last for 20 years if adequately maintained and exposed to normal weather conditions. In some cases, it can last for 25 or even 30 years given the right circumstances. Therefore, if your roof was installed during the first decade of the 21st century, it may be time to consider a new one. This is a good idea even if the current structure seems free of significant damage.
Are There Obvious Signs of Wear or Damage?
If you look at your roof right now, do you see missing shingles, mold or algae growth or other obvious signs that something is amiss? Missing shingles can leave the roof vulnerable to moisture, pest and other forms of damage. Left unchecked, water or pests could make their way into your home and cause secondary damage.
Mold, mildew or algae growth are signs of a moisture issue that should be addressed immediately. Finally, if you see shingles that are shriveled, it is a sign that they are damaged and can’t protect against the elements. You might notice that granules from those damaged shingles will start to fill up the gutter or make their way through the downspout.
You See Signs of a Leak
The status of the shingles is not the only factor that goes into whether you need a new roof. In addition, you should check for any signs of a leak. For instance, you might notice that a portion of the roof is sagging or that there are stains appearing on interior walls.
It’s possible that you won’t see any water dripping from the roof unless it rains particularly hard. Even then, depending on where the leak is located, you might not notice any water coming into your living room, kitchen or other interior spaces.
Instead, moisture may travel along interior walls as it makes its way down toward the foundation. The only sign of this mold would be the musty smell that it gives off.
You Notice Structural Deficiencies
A sagging roof isn’t always caused by water collecting in a particular spot. In some cases, it could be an indication that the roof is too heavy for the house to hold it up. Regardless, a sagging roof should be inspected immediately as it could collapse with little or no warning.
You might also hear popping noises coming from the roof. Although these are often associated with wood expanding or contracting as the weather changes, the sounds could also be indicative of hidden issues that you can’t see without the help of a professional.
Structural issues may be caused by improper installation or because of a pest or rodent infestation. Termites, carpenter ants and other insects will often eat away at wood or other materials because they serve as food or to carve out areas to start a colony.
Mice and rats can also chew wood, metal or other materials, which can damage your roof or weaken its support systems. Although you may actually see termites, a mouse or other pests, they tend to stay within interior walls or other areas that are dark and easy to hide. Therefore, it’s critical to be on the lookout for signs of an infestation such as wood shavings, animal droppings or scratching sounds inside of walls.
The Current Roof Was Improperly Installed
A roof is at serious risk of early failure if it isn’t installed correctly. For example, if a starter row of shingles isn’t installed near an overhang, it may prevent moisture from rolling away from the house. Instead, it will collect on the exposed decking and back toward the existing shingles.
Shingles can be damaged if they are improperly nailed or because of defects during the manufacturing process. Regardless of the cause, a defective shingle will struggle to protect against the elements no matter its age.
Your roof can generally handle two layers of shingles without suffering any serious consequences. However, if a third layer of shingles is put on, the roof could be at risk of collapse even if they are in good condition.
If you are converting from a shingle roof to a metal or tile roof, it’s important to ensure that your home can handle the extra weight. It may be necessary to change the slope of the roof or take other steps to reinforce it before the new structure goes up.
Your House Was Impacted by a Storm
Hail, lightning and torrential rain can all wreak havoc on a roof regardless of how old it is. If your home was impacted by a tropical storm or another severe weather event, it may have suffered damage that might not be visible to the naked eye. Although the damage might not appear severe enough to warrant a full roof replacement, it may offer limited protection during a future storm if you fail to take action quickly.
Have Your Current Roof Inspected
A roof inspection is the first step in assessing if you need a new roof. A professional will be able to spot problems such as hail damage to shingles that you might not notice from the ground. Professional inspectors will also look at the attic and other interior spaces for signs of a leak or structural damage that you might not be able to spot on your own.
Finally, an inspector will go over their findings and let you know if there are any pressing issues to deal with. Depending on your situation, it might make sense to take care of those problems today and put a new roof on in a few months. Whatever you decide to do, you can feel good that you’ll be making an informed choice.
If You Opt for a New Roof
Generally speaking, a new roof can be placed on a home at any time of the year. However, you may want to consider having the project completed during the winter or early spring to avoid long lead times or to ensure that your home is ready for the humid late spring and summer months. Our team can work with you to determine an appropriate start date and otherwise ensure that we meet your needs and stay within your budget.
The team at Action Roofing can perform roofing inspections as well as repair roofs that have been damaged in severe weather events. Feel free to give our team a call today to learn more about how our roof installation services can best serve you.
