Whether you’re a new homeowner or have lived in your house for years, you are constantly learning things about your home. Since your home likely didn’t come with an owner’s manual, knowing when it is time for a new roof may not be obvious. Some things are lived and learned, but knowing when you replace your roof doesn’t have to be one of them. Check out our top signs that you are due for a roof replacement.
6 Signs It’s Time for a New Roof
- Age of the Roof: Having an older roof is one of the leading indicators that you may need to replace it. The average asphalt shingle roof should last anywhere from 15-20 years, depending on the quality of the materials and installation. However, if your home is more than 20 years old and you haven’t had it regularly maintained, then it’s likely time for a new roof.
- Shingle Damage: If you notice cracked or missing shingles on your roof, then this can be a sign of damage caused by extreme weather conditions, age deterioration, or poor installation. Whether you have minor or significant damage, getting it fixed as soon as possible will help prevent further issues.
- Peeling Paint Inside Your Home: If there are peeling paint spots inside your home near your ceiling, then this could be an indication that water has been leaking through your roof and into your home interior, which is a sure sign that you need to get a new roof installed right away!
- Algae Buildup: Another possible sign that you need a new roof is if algae and mold buildup have started to appear on its surface or around certain parts of your property. This generally means that there’s moisture trapped in the material due to improper ventilation or other structural problems with your current roof system.
- Saggy Roof: A saggy roof is often due to either insufficient support from trusses underneath or incorrect nailing patterns used during installation. Either way, having a sagging part of your roof can cause severe damage over time, so it’s essential to get this checked out and replaced if necessary.
- Attic Condensation & Ice Dams: If you spot condensation in your attic during winter months or large amounts of ice dams accumulating around the edges of your home’s exterior walls, then these are both telltale signs that point towards needing a new roof replacement as soon as possible—especially if any water has already made its way through into other rooms within the house!
Hiring a Professional Roofer: Questions to Ask Before You Hire
When you are in the market to hire a professional roofer, there are a few questions that you should ask before making your decision.
- What kinds of roofs do you specialize in? Knowing the types of roofs, your potential roofer specializes in can help you determine their expertise and give you an idea of what options are available for your project.
- Are there any warranties associated with your work? Ask about any warranties related to materials or labor so that if something goes wrong, you have some recourse.
- Can I see examples of previous work? Requesting photos or references from past clients allows you to get an idea of the quality of the roofer’s work and helps protect you from potential scam artists.
- Do you carry insurance? Make sure that the roofer has the necessary insurance to protect your property in case of any accidents or damage.
- How long have you been in business? Established businesses with a history of good service are often more reliable than newer ones with little or no experience.
- What is included in your estimate? Ensure that all materials and labor are accounted for in the forecast so there are no surprises when it comes time to pay the final bill.
By asking these questions, you can ensure that you hire a qualified roofer who is capable of delivering quality work at an affordable price. Good luck!
