The roof is often the most ignored part of the home until something goes wrong. As a result, by the time most people start thinking of repairs, it’s often too late. Unfortunately, according to This Old House, even a properly maintained roof will still need to be replaced, especially if it’s more than 20 years old. Here’s how you can find out if your roof needs repairs or a total replacement.
Water Damage in the Attic
This is one of the most obvious signs that you need a new roof. If you start noticing moisture marks and brown or gray stains, you should consider replacing your roof. Another sign of water damage to watch out for is peeling paint on walls and/or ceilings. If you check the attic, you will also see damp rafters or leaks. However, inspecting these damages yourself might not be the best move when it comes to deciding whether your roof needs some fixing or a total replacement. Instead, you must call in a roofing specialist so they can do a professional inspection. If your roof is too far gone, they will tell you how long you might have left until a replacement becomes an emergency.
Your Roof is More Than 20 Years Old
How old is the roof of your house? Depending on the type of roof, most roofs have a lifespan of about 20 years. Knowing if your roof has outlived its lifespan requires knowledge of when it was installed. If you aren’t sure, you can go through home improvement records to find out. However, you must also note that there is a difference between when the roof was last replaced and when it was fixed. Sometimes, a roof can be installed over another layer of shingles. If that’s the case, and the roof is older than 20 years, it’s highly likely that you need a new roof.
Rotting Roof
This is another sure sign that you are better off with a new roof. If you start noticing several damp areas throughout your roof and mold spots, you might be dealing with a rotting roof. In most instances, it’s usually impossible to replace and repair specific beams and areas without compromising the entire structural integrity of the roof. For that reason, if your roof is rotting, it’s wise to replace it altogether, especially if that’s the recommendation from a roofing contractor.
The roof is probably the most important structure in your home. As such, failing to replace it when it’s about to give out can cause more serious issues for you. Whenever you suspect that you need a new roof, call a roofing contractor immediately and have it checked.
