6 Signs It’s Time for Your Roof To Be Overhauled

6 Signs It's Time for Your Roof To Be Overhauled

A roof can last for many years. Yet, there are a few telltale signs that your roof is in need of attention. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should panic and call for a contractor the second you notice any of these six signs. However, it’s important to be educated on what they imply so that you’re ready when the time comes for addressing them.

Your roof can entirely change in appearance. The more time that your roof has been exposed to the elements, the greater chance it will have started to crack, discolor and even develop moss or mold. Smaller patches of damage are common during these times as well. These changes – especially if they occur on a larger scale – are a signal that you need to call for a contractor.

The roof is leaking

The simplest way to see if your roof is leaking is by examining the interior of your attic. Inspect for signs of moisture on the floor, walls, or around electrical components such as vents and outlets. But don’t just look at your home’s exterior either – there are plenty of leaks that occur in other parts of the structure, too. This includes around door frames, windows, and the ceiling.

Increasing levels of water around your home’s exterior is a bigger signal that you need to get on a contractor. Examine gutters to see if they are clogged or if water is pooling near them. You should also check out areas such as downspouts and drainpipes to see if they are in disrepair or unable to carry water away from your home’s exterior.

If you find that there is a lot of water near your home, it’s likely because the gutters and downspouts aren’t draining quickly enough. This can cause standing rainwater to seep into the underlying structure of your roof – causing leaks and weakening it in the process.

Keep an eye out for buckling or sagging on your roof’s surface. Ceilings that are lower than before, cracking of plaster, and obvious misalignment of components such as vent pipes and skylights also signal a need to call in professionals.

While you’re at it, pay attention to where you’re seeing the buckling or sagging. Check for areas close to a chimney, vents, water heater, or other large appliances – these items can weigh down heavily on your roof and cause it to cave in overtime.

Another sign that you need to get a contractor is if your roofing shingles become loose as opposed to cracking. Loose shingles often mean that your roof is in danger of being blown away in bad weather or even be pushed off by strong winds. If you are not sure, simply try to lift them up and see if they come out easily.

If any do, it’s time to call a contractor immediately as they may begin to blow away before you notice them missing. It’s also a good idea to have an insurance adjuster come by and evaluate the situation as well.

There are shingles missing or torn up.

Bare spots on your roof’s surface usually mean that your shingles have been blown away in high winds, torn up from heavy snow or rocks, or are coming loose. Don’t ignore these areas as they will leak very easily and can cause a lot of damage to your home if left unattended.

As you look at the damaged spots on your roof, take a look at the underlying structure as well. If you see any holes or exposed areas of wood or nails, you need to have them fixed immediately. The last thing that you want is for mice or other pests to get into your home via these openings.

Unfortunately, some bare spots are not always avoidable – they can be caused by natural disasters or even maintenance issues. However, you should take care of them as soon as possible to make sure that your home isn’t damaged further.

Closely examine the shingles throughout your roof and see if any are missing. If so, estimate how many you believe are gone in order to have contractors give you a better quote for repairs.

If you find that there are several areas of your roofing shingles missing, it’s best to call in a contractor as soon as possible. Damaged or missing shingles should be replaced immediately – the longer you wait, the more prone your roof is to leaking and coming off altogether.

This is especially true for damaged shingles in areas like valleys and ridges. These are typically harder to replace on your own, so you should call a contractor to ensure that they get done correctly the first time around.

The pitch of the roof has changed.

When your roof is in good shape, the pitch should remain consistent throughout. However, if you notice that there are peaks and valleys on your roof’s surface, it could mean that the underlying structure has begun to decay.

Pitch problems occur when a few areas of the roof begin to sag or dip – causing water to flow at a different angle than normal. This can weaken your roof and cause it to cave in, or even blow off whenever you have a major storm.

If any areas of your roofing are lower than others, it could mean that there’s a problem with the underlying structure – this is particularly true if the damage has been caused by an accident like a lightning strike or fallen tree.

If you spot any damage like this, it’s best to call in a contractor as soon as possible. They will be able to determine what caused the dip and how much work needs to be done to repair it. This way, your roof can be restored without causing further damage or leaks!

If you have an attic in your home, take a look at the framing. If you notice that it is sagging or sunken in areas, then it’s time to call in specialists as well.

Check your roof from top to bottom and see if there are any bumps or depressions where they should not be – these could indicate rafters that have begun to sink or are rotting away.

If your roof is old enough to have wooden framing, then it’s possible that the rafters are going to decay over time. Make sure that you check under the shingles and inspect them carefully as well – if there are any rotten spots, you’ll need a contractor to replace them before they can cause further damage to your home.

The color of the roof is faded and no longer matches your home's exterior design.

If your roofing material is starting to look old and faded instead of remaining bright and colorful, then it’s time for a replacement.

If you’re redoing the exterior of your home, make sure that you choose shingles that will match it well – this includes the style, color scheme, and pattern. While slate or stone can last for a very long time, the style and color may not match your new paint job. In this case, you should get an estimate for replacing the roof with something more suitable.

If you’re in the process of redecorating your home, then now is a good time to consider getting a new roof. A fresh coat of paint can give the outside of your home a whole new look – and it will also match well with any other alterations that you may be considering doing on the inside as well!

You've noticed a lot of moss growth on the shingles or tiles.

If you spot any moss or algae growth, then it’s best to get a contractor out there as soon as possible. Moss and algae growth are signs that your roofing materials aren’t holding up well under the weather. To avoid leaks and even more damage to your home, have a professional take a look at the decay and give you an estimate for replacing damaged roofing materials.

If you’ve noticed a lot of algae growth, then it may also be time to consider changing your gutters as well – if there’s no way for water to drain away from the roof properly, then that can cause major damage in the long run.

This problem is a clear sign that your roofing materials are in need of a replacement. While slates and tiles can last for many years without needing to be replaced, they will begin to give way over time – especially if the underlying frame is decaying or otherwise damaged.

Your gutters have been clogged for some time now, with algae growing in them.

Gutters are one of the most important things that you can have, especially if you live in a place where it rains a lot on a regular basis – they provide an easy way for water to flow away from your roof. If gutters become clogged with debris, then they won’t function properly and you’ll end up with leaks and even more damage.

If you notice that your gutters are clogged, then you should get a contractor out there to assess the problem and give you an estimate for fixing them as soon as possible. Any delay in having this done can lead to major damage later on!

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To make sure your roof is in good condition and protecting you from the elements, it’s important to know when a complete overhaul may be needed. By paying attention to these 6 signs that it might be time for an update, you can save yourself some money on repairs down the line.