As the primary safety barrier between you and the elements, having a roof that anyone can be proud of is important. However, as Mother Nature does what she does best, the sun, rain, and wind start taking its toll on the one thing that should be protecting you.
Catching a small problem before it turns into an expensive home repair project can save you plenty of money and hassles in the long run, which is why it’s important to keep the following signs it’s time for a new roof in mind – ensuring that you remain dry and safe for many years to come.
1. Your roof is old.
Everything has an expiration date, even your roof. Thus, if your roof is turning 25 years old, its’ definitely time to start shopping around for a brand new replacement. It’s also important to take into consideration whether your roof was installed over a previous roof and if it was properly ventilated. However, the average age of a new roof is between 20 – 25 years.
Besides, the chance that your roof is outdated is also high if your roof is 25 years old. Why not spruce your home up with a brand new roof?
2. Shingles are missing.
Whether due to age, the sun, or strong winds, shingles can go missing. Thus, it’s always important to inspect your roof after a major storm in order to check for any missing shingles. It could result in having to replace an entire roof. If not, you could end up with bigger damage seeping through to the rest of your home.
3. You can see sunlight.
Seeing sunlight through your roof is never a good sign. Noticing any daylight coming through the roof boards in your attic means that you have certain holes/openings in your roof. Chances are, you may even notice moisture in certain parts of your attic. Unfortunately, unless you’re able to repair those problems, it’s probably time for a new roof.
4. Gravity is taking its toll.
If your roof is sagging, it’s most often an indication that there’s something wrong with the structure in your attic or the foundation. Unfortunately, if you don’t fix the problem, it’s only going to get worse. According to Mark Graham, vice president of the National Roofing Contractors Association, “You’re not necessarily in imminent danger, but this is the kind of thing that’s a lot easier to take care of when it’s small and localized than when it has progressed.”
5. You’re finding shingle granules in the gutters.
Granules help to keep the sunlight off the asphalt on your roof. Once the granules start falling off, you’re exposing your roof to more sunlight than recommended – meaning that your roof will deteriorate much faster than you can afford. Thus, if your roof isn’t brand new and you’re noticing shingle granules in the gutters, it means that the shingles are most likely halfway through their lifespan.
Bonus tip: Algae growth.
Although not an indicator of having to replace your entire roof, it does call for a good clean. It’s definitely a cosmetic problem which can result in structural damage if you don’t clean your roof regularly. However, it’s important to avoid cleaning it yourself in order to avoid washing off the granules needed to protect your roof. Instead, call commercial plumbers in Melbourne that complete professional roofing services to do it for you.
In order to avoid having to replace your whole roof, it’s important to do regular maintenance by hiring professional roofing services for roofing repairs and gutter cleaning – ensuring that minor problems are fixed before they turn into costly projects.
At the end of the day, keeping your roof in tip-top condition remains a priority. Remember, it’s less costly to be safe than sorry.
Contact us for professional roof repair services and gutter cleaning in order to avoid a complete roof replacement.