Owning a home is a big responsibility. The maintenance can be daunting if you have too much to do. When it comes to your home’s roof, you don’t want to take any chances. Roof maintenance is daunting because of the amount of specialized knowledge it requires. Fortunately, you can be on the lookout for these signs that indicate you may need a roof replacement.
It’s important to remember that working on a roof is a dangerous exercise. You should never get onto your roof to inspect it yourself. It’s best to contact a professional. A reputable local roofing company will be able to do an inspection and give you an estimate on a roof replacement.
Look For Signs Of Wear
In south Florida, the weather can batter your roof. If your roof was installed around 20 years ago, it’s time to consider a replacement. The wear and tear of sun, wind, moisture, and even organic matter takes its toll. The average roof needs to be replaced every 50 years.
Pay Attention To The State Of Your Roof’s Shingles
Another simple indicator for replacement is the state of the shingles. Asphalt shingles in particular start to show various signs that they are beyond their sell-by date. These signs include:
Missing Shingles
Some shingles will get blown off from the tab they are attached to. This leaves space for water to get in and cause leaks.
Blistering Shingles
Blistering happens when there is a lot of moisture present on the roof. This can be a result of high humidity, improper drainage, or an inefficient roof ventilation system.
Cracked Shingles
Over time, due to exposure to sun and heat, shingles begin to crack. Once this starts, they no longer provide proper water runoff and will be structurally weaker against strong winds.
Curling Or Lifting
Older shingles will eventually deform from their intended design. When they begin to lift and curl at the edges, they no longer perform well.
Dark Spots
Dark spots on shingles appear when the shingles loose granules that are embedded in the shingle material. You may notice granules in your gutters or drainage pipes. This means that the shingles are starting to break down and need replacement.
Look For Damage To Flashing
Flashing is the waterproofing material that is used to seal projections from the roof, such as drainage pipes and ducting for your HVAC. Sometimes the flashing can be damaged in a bad storm and even blown off. This leaves the roof vulnerable to leaks and further damage. If the flashing is missing you may need a roof replacement sooner rather than later.
Look For Signs Of Moisture, Moss, And Mold
Moss and mold are both types of organic growth that will appear in areas of high moisture content. While moss can look pretty, it creates problems on your roof by lifting shingles, creating water traps, and eventually leaks. Mold is worse since its presence can be bad for your health. Asthma sufferers will struggle where black mold has infiltrated the roof. Moisture is the reason for the previous two evils, but can also be a problem on its own. Structures that are moisture-sodden become weaker and lead to sagging, and potentially even roof collapse.
Inspect Ceilings, Attics, And Crawl Spaces
Using a flashlight, try to inspect the areas inside the house. Look for any signs of water stains or leaks. This will give you an indication that water is making it through the underlayment. If you notice water stains in these areas, you’ll need to schedule a roof replacement.
Roof Replacement And More In South Florida
ABC Roofing has been at the forefront of roofing solutions in South Florida for over 30 years. We value our customers and work on both residential and commercial roofs. If you need a free estimate for your roof replacement, give us a call at 954-344-4622.
