Red Flags: How To Tell If Your Roof Needs Repairs or Replacement
Not only is your roof structurally important, but a roof in disrepair is unsightly. Unfortunately, no roofs are impervious to damage, as time and weather will take a toll on any material.
Unstable roofs can deteriorate to an emergency status extremely quickly, posing a danger to your home, family, and belongings. Careful maintenance and repairs can keep your roof in great condition, but only for so long. If a replacement is necessary, delaying the project can lead to more problems and costs down the road.
Careful consideration, planning, and expert assistance can help you get the most out of your investment, whether you need to replace the roof completely or execute repairs.
The first step in determining if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced is an accurate and complete assessment of its current state.
Age Is a Crucial Factor
By determining the age of your current roof, you may be able to learn if your roof is dangerously past its prime. Different materials age differently, up to 90 years difference in lifespan, so make sure you take that into account.
Newer homeowners may not have that information readily available, but you can find out from documents that were a part of the sale. The home inspector’s report or seller’s disclosure will likely have that info.
Interior Examination
Finding water damage on the top floor or attic of your home is a tell-tale sign that your roof is in disrepair. Depending on the state of your roof and materials used, water damage can appear as a bulge or warp in your ceiling, a leak, mold, or unseasonal humidity in the room.
If there is minimal damage to the interior of your home, that is a good sign that repairs will do the trick. However, this is when age becomes an important factor. If the material of your roof is well past expiration, there could be unseen damage between the roof and ceiling.
Exterior Examination
Since you have already determined the age and material of the roof, as well as interior conditions, observing the exterior condition is the last step to make your plan to mediate the issues. Always prioritize safety when assessing your roof. If you are not comfortable with the task yourself, contact a professional to assess it for you.
The appearance of your roof from the outside will hold many clues to its structural state. The specific materials used on your roof are susceptible to different kinds of damage.
Some damage or wear is very obvious, like missing shingles, cracks in wood, or rust on metal. Others are more subtle, like moss, curled shingles, or failing sealant. If you observe a magnitude of issues, replacement may be imminent.
If you find minimal damage and determine that your roofing material is well within its average lifespan, some small repairs and increased upkeep will help you preserve its integrity for as long as possible.
Weigh your findings of age, material, and interior and exterior damage to make a plan with confidence. Please let us know how we can help assess, repair, or replace your roof.