If you’re looking for warning signs to keep an eye out for that are telling you that you need a new roof, then you are in the right place. Some of these signs may be telling you that your roof has reached the end of its life and you’re going to need a complete replacement, while others may easily go away when you get your roof repaired.
When it comes to your roof, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. While you may not take that much time to think about it, it’s actually one of the most important components in your home – after all, you wouldn’t last long without it, as it keeps you and your home sheltered from the weather and affords you the privacy that you need. But because of this, it’s recommended that you always hire a professional when it comes to any roof-related issues that you suspect or are experiencing in your home. A professional who is trained to work on roofs will know the best conditions for undertaking any necessary work and will know what needs to be done to solve any problems that you’re having.
So, let’s take a look at some of the main signs that you need a new roof – if you’re experiencing any of these at home right now, it may be time to call out a roofing professional to take a look.
1. There’s light in your attic
If you have an attic or loft and there’s light coming into it when you’ve not switched the electric light on, then this could be a sure sign that your roof is in need of some work. Light in your attic or loft usually means that your roof is suffering from missing shingles or cracks, so take a look around the exterior of your home and see if you notice any visible damage to the roof. But whether or not you are able to notice anything concerning straight away, it’s probably time to ask a professional to give your roof a once-over, as there may be issues that your untrained eye hasn’t picked up on. After all, if the daylight is getting into your roof easily, then other things can, too. A few small cracks in your roof might not seem that serious, but it can lead to nasty problems like vermin getting into your home through the roof or a leaky roof that leads to water damage.
2. Your roof is old
As a general rule, most roofs will be in need of replacement after around 20-25 years. The total lifespan of your roof will be dependent on several factors, including the material that it is made from and the weather conditions in your area. If your roof is constantly being rained on or pelted with hail, then it’s unlikely that it is going to last as long as it would in a drier climate.
If your roof is made from copper tiles, then you’re in luck – this material is the one that tends to last the longest, with an average roof lifespan of over one hundred years.
Fiberglass shingles and steel tiles are also long-lasting with average roof lifespans of up to 50 years, and slate, concrete and stone tiles can last anywhere between 40-100 years. On the other end of the scale, however, an asphalt roof will only last around 20-40 years, and an asphalt flat roof even less, with an average lifespan of ten years. Wood shingles last around 30 years and a rubber or plastic roof has an average lifespan of 40-50 years.
So, consider the material of your roof and how long it has been up – if it’s coming towards the end of its average lifespan, it may be time to think about getting a replacement. Check out a reputable roofing company like Semper Solaris, who will be able to professionally check your roof to determine whether a new one is needed before carrying out roofing installation.
3. The shingles aren’t flat or are missing
Shingles that are no longer lying flat on your roof can be one of the most obvious signs of damage. This issue could be due to a number of factors, including lasting water damage or a faulty installation. If you suspect that the shingle problems are due to a fault during installation, then you should check your insurance options when it comes to faulty workmanship.
If shingles that won’t lie flat are caused by other issues such as water damage or other weather-related causes, then you may be able to get away with repairing or replacing a small area of your roof rather than having an entire roof replacement. The best thing to do is speak to a professional who can look over your roof, determine the cause of the problem, and recommend the best course of action for you to take.
In addition to shingles that won’t lie flat, missing shingles can also be a big problem for your roof if there is underlying damage. So, it’s important to hire a professional if you spot any missing shingles as they can determine whether the shingle will simply need replacing, or whether it’s a sign of a more serious problem underneath that will need to be repaired.
4. The roof is leaking
A roof that is leaking water should never be ignored. This problem could be down to a number of reasons, including blocked gutters, missing shingles and more. If your roof is leaking, it’s best to call out a professional as a matter of emergency as not only could allowing it to continue lead to further damage in your roof, but also water damage around your home that could be costly to repair. In the meantime, it’s worth getting buckets to place under the leak so that you can minimize any damage.
It’s important that you have a leak in your roof seen to straight away as they can lead to serious structural issues in your home, including water damage, mold, mildew and more. Most of the time, a full roof replacement is the best choice if your roof is leaking water in.
5. The roof is sagging or drooping
Finally, if you’ve noticed that your roof is sagging, it’s important to get a professional to look at it straight away as this could be a sign of deep water damage, or other serious structural issues in your home. On the other hand, it may be a simple fix – if your roof needs more stability in the attic, then a professional will be able to install extra struts or rafters. Or, it could be that your roof is simply too heavy for your home, and will need to be replaced using a lighter material that is more suitable. And if the sagging in your roof is due to deep water damage, the damage will need to be repaired and your roof completely replaced.
These are just some common issues that tend to be clear signals that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. If you notice any of these on your roof, the best option is to call a professional to look at it as soon as possible.
