Several factors affect whether or not you decide to replace your roof. If you only have minor damage, such as a few damaged shingles, reroofing may be necessary. However, if your roof is past its prime and is leaking water, sunlight, and is falling apart, replacing your roof is a necessity.
If you're wondering when to reroof, here are some factors to look for.
Roof Age
The main warning sign for replacing your roof is age. The normal lifespan for a roof is 20 years. If your roof is not showing signs of wear, then it is likely to last you for a few more years. Your roof could last for another five years depending on how it was built.
However, if your roof was only built on top of an existing layer of shingles, or if your roof is only a single layer of shingles, it may be time to reroof. This is due to the small amount of protection available between your roof and the rest of the house.
Shingles
The state of your shingles is also a clear indicator of when to reroof. If many of your shingles are wobbling or missing, it is time to replace. This will prevent your roof from being damaged when high winds or rain happen.
Your shingles should not be curling at the edges, lift during harsh winds, or be significantly discolored. This reveals signs of decline to your overall roof. A few loose or missing shingles can be replaced and repaired. If entire areas of your roof show unstable shingles, you need more than a single, confined repair. Furthermore, if your roof deck seems to be sagging, then that is a sure sign you need to reroof.
Valleys and Gutters
Once shingles have reached the end of their lifespan, increasing amounts of their protecting granules chip off and end up in your gutter. Check your gutter every month and see if there are large piles of granules. These granules look like small pebbles, so it should be easy to spot them.
The shingles around the valleys of your home are especially important. Roof valleys are the slick creases on your roof that carry snow and rain to your gutter. Overworn shingles around your roof valley can lead to water leaks in your roof, causing further problems.
To check and see if your shingles are in deteriorating condition, climb onto your roof with a ladder and inspect. If you are afraid of heights, try binoculars instead.
Leaks
Here's another simple test if you're wondering when to reroof - go into your attic and turn off the lights. Is sunlight coming through the ceiling? If there are multiple patches of light, then your roof has reached its limit.
If sunlight is reaching through your roof that also increases the risk of water leaks and pesky animals to enter. Birds and squirrels can easily enter through leak holes and terrorize your attic and home. Reroofing your home will help prevent animal invasions.
Water leaks from your roof should never be ignored. Look for water damage in your attic, ceiling, or walls. If you do find signs of water leaks and damage throughout your roof make sure to contact Cloud Roofing. When kept unattended, water leaks can lead to mold and structural damage.
Moisture and water leaks can often lead to mold in your house. When mold appears in your attic, ceiling, and walls, that's a sign that significant water leaks are occurring. Mold also hides in the insulation and hidden nooks of your attic. Upon inspection, discovering mold raises serious health risks to you and your family.
By reroofing, you are providing your family with protection from rain and high winds that could cause severe damage to your home.
Discoloration
Dark spots and trails in your attic or ceiling are a sign of long-term water damage and leaks, which can cause not only an unsightly look but could also be a sign that it's time to repair your roof. Discoloration indoors reveals the highest level of water damage and should be resolved with reroofing promptly.
Discoloration could also be a symptom of mold and moisture. Darkening surfaces in your attic or ceiling mean that reroofing is necessary, which will not only replace the spots but will also provide a sense of security.
Chimney
Chimney flashing is another important aspect to reroofing. Flashing is the protective material around the chimney's base on your roof. If cement and tar are covering your chimney flash then it needs replacement or repair, preferably with waterproof metal flashing.
Many times, damage to your flashing can be a warning sign to larger structural problems and should be inspected by a professional.
Natural Disaster
Cloud Roofing is equipped to handle your roofing needs from natural disasters. Whether it be a hail thunderstorm, tree damage, or wind damage. Hail damage is one of the most common causes for repair or reroofing in Texas. For example, in 2014, there were 557 hail storms in Texas.
Depending on the amount of damage, it can vary whether roof repair of roof replacement is needed. If natural disasters have increased the problems to your already failing roof, then it is sign that you might need to reroof.