The roof protects you and your family from extreme weather conditions and helps to keep the heat in! No matter how new your roof may be, eventually, you will need to repair it or replace it. You may also be considering a complete replacement if you are planning to sell your home, as it can significantly increase the value. Roof repair is expected to be part of regular roofing maintenance. However, at some point, you may have to replace a damaged roof if it can no longer provide proper protection.
For homeowners, the question is “how do I know when it is time to repair or replace my roof?” In this post, we will consider what might let you know it is time to repair or patch the roof, and the signs that the roof needs a complete replacement.
When to Repair or Patch a Roof
1. Missing Roof Tiles
Extreme wind, trauma, dryness, or weaknesses can all cause missing roof tiles or shingles. When you start to notice missing tiles, there is a problem that needs attention. Missing roof shingles or tiles can lead to damages inside and out of your home resulting from leaks that may develop.
To avoid such issues, it is recommended that you frequently inspect your property for missing roof tiles and shingles.
2. Staining or Mold Growth on Interior Ceilings or Walls
Mold and mildew could be indications of a leaky roof. Note that if left unattended, a water leak could result in structural damage, which can become expensive. Therefore, look out for strange stains on the interior walls and ceiling to indicate the need for repairs.
3. Sagging Roof
Examine the rafters in your attic for any signs of sagging or drooping. This can often be caused by excessive moisture, especially in the case of a leaky roof. Look out for symptoms of excess moisture and schedule a roof repair before you incur further damages.
4. You Notice Outside Light in Your Attic
If you inspect the attic during the day and you can see sunlight streaming in, you can be certain that the roof requires repair. Bear in mind that the roof can be prone to occasional leaks. Request a thorough roof inspection to identify areas that require repair before damages compound.
5. You Suspect Water Damage
If you notice water damage in your attic or other parts of the house, for instance, mold growing in basement walls and under the floors, check to see if there is evidence of a leaky roof. The obvious signs include dry rot or mildew-damaged flooring or trim, cracks in walls and doors, and peeling paint.
The not so obvious signs include warped wood flooring, discoloration on walls, or ceilings spots that you may not be able to readily identify as water stains. In this case, you may not see a leak but there could be some moisture damage to the ceiling or top of the wall.
6. Damaged Ridge
A ridge that is in a bad condition requires immediate repair. Like the other roof issues outlined above, a damaged ridge can lead to a weakened roof if left in disrepair. If you notice this issue, contact a professional to help you with getting your roof fixed up immediately.
When to Replace a Roof
While roof repair could save you money, in some cases, you may have to consider a complete roof replacement. Here are some of the indications that a simple repair may not be suitable.
1. Multiple Cupped Shingle Tabs
Shingle cupping is a sign of advanced age. The common cause of shingle cupping is constant exposure to extreme weather conditions. Constant heat exposure in summer results in the loosening of the roofing materials. In time, cupped shingles result due to moisture absorption, compromising the integrity of the entire roof.
If the roof has more than a few cracked or broken shingles, you may want to consider replacing the entire roof as opposed to patching it up. The underlying foundation of the shingle, upon which they are stuck, may be exposed and already weakening.
2. An Older Roof
The older the roof gets, the less efficient repairs will be. In some cases, it is much more economical to replace an old roof than to continue with multiple repairs. Keep in mind that repairs are only effective to a certain degree. To avoid possible roof leaks, talk to an experienced roofing contractor about a replacement.
Roofs have an average life of about 15 years before they need replacement, but this will vary depending on your usage and the quality of roofing materials used at installation. If you are noticing leaks or cracks after about 15 years of installation, it might be time to conduct an inspection and organize for possible replacement.
However, if your roof is at around 15 years old and in good condition, you may not need to replace it immediately.
3. Excessive Moss Growth on Your Roof
If you have not been up to date on roof maintenance, moss growth is likely to become significant. This is often the case for abandoned buildings. Excessive roof algae decrease the property’s curb appeal significantly. If this should occur, you may struggle to resell the property unless you schedule a roof replacement. You can consult a professional roofing company to assist you with the replacement process and get your property back to its beautiful self.
4. Serious leaks
Your property is prone to water damage if parts of the roof begin leaking. If you start experiencing leaks from multiple sections of the roof, you risk structural damage, eventually resulting in a collapsed roof. It is important to hire an experienced roofing contractor for a complete roof replacement.
The decision to repair or replace your roof depends on the severity of the issue. If you’ve noticed a leak in your roof, it may be time for an inspection and possible replacement. However, if you simply want to patch up some shingles without replacing them entirely, that is totally fine too! The important thing is that you take care of any issues before they turn into more serious problems down the line. To get started with repairing or replacing your roof today contact us at Inland NW Roofing and Repair. We have experienced professionals ready and waiting to help make sure your property stays beautiful all year long!