Roofs naturally get damaged overtime, but how do you know if your roof is failing your home?Here are some symptoms your roof may show if it is in need of repair or replacement.
A Roof’s Age
Typically roofs can last 20-25 years so if your roof is over the age of 25, most likely it is in need of replacement. If your roof is younger than 25 and you are not certain it needs to be replaced, consider whether the roof was built stand alone with only one layer or built on top of other roofing prior layers. If the later is the case, it is more than likely it needs replacement. This is due to the multiple layers of roof shingles not allowing it to be properly ventilated.
Curled or Buckled Roofing Shingles
Any shingles that appears curled, buckled or even blistered have reached the end of their lifetime and are a key symptom in a failing roof.
Compromised Roof Valleys
Your roof’s valleys are the most valuable areas of your roof since they flow snow and water off your roof down to your gutters. If your shingles are missing or damaged in a valley, it is most certain a sign of needing a new roof to warn off any leakage issues.
Dirty Roof Areas
Changes in your roofings color making it appear “dirty” are often due to environmental pollutants such as algae, fungus, or mold and can eat away at your shingles protective granules making your roof vulnerable to more damage.
Overflowing Gutters
Gutters on your roof that are overflowing are a sign that your roof as a whole is not functioning correctly. Consult with a roofing specialist to find the route of the issue and possible roof replacement. Another sign would be water collecting at your foundation.
Shingle Granules in Gutters
Overtime shingles loose their granules, the protective shingle layer that protects it from UV rays and adds weight to the shingle to resist strong winds. If you see a large amount of shingle granules appearing in your gutters it is a sign that your shingles have reached the end of their life span and in need of replacement. Your roof will also appear darker in color in parts of your roof where granules are missing.
Interior Water Leaks
Many already know that if any water damage or leaking is occurring in your home it is more than likely due to a roofing issue. Sagging ceilings or stained wood may also be a system of a failing roof.
Roof Flashing
Damage to your roof’s flashing, the areas that protect your roof when something joins to it such as your chimney, is another sign of a failing roof. During the lifetime of a roof, flashing typically needs replacement at one time or another. A metal flashing system, opposed to rubber or tar flashing.
Increases in Heating or Cooling Bills
Significant changes in your home’s heating or cooling bill may be due to roof damage. A damaged roof will allow cold air in during the winter months, increasing your heating costs or insufficiently ventilating your home in the summer months causing your cooling system to run excessively.
A failing roof is not something to go ignored as it can cause major issues in your home. A roof works hard for your home as long as it can but eventually will always have to be replaced or repaired. Contact EMA construction’s qualified roofing team if you notice any of the systems of a failing roof.