Several signs indicate a roof may need to be replaced, including significant leaking, widespread staining from water damage, and shingles that are curling, cracked, or missing entirely. If you notice your roof sagging or light coming through from the attic, it's a clear signal that the integrity of your roof is compromised. Also, if your roof is over 20 years old, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. For an accurate assessment, contacting a professional like Collins Roofing in Durham can give you peace of mind. They can provide a thorough inspection to determine if repairs will suffice or if a full replacement is the safer and more cost-effective option in the long run.
You need a new roof if you notice curly, missing, or mossy shinglesCracked roof tiles, damaged or curled roof tiles, loose or missing shingles, damage or discoloration around vents, lack of granules, moss or algae growth, damage around chimneys or skylights. Review your home improvement records to see how long ago the roof was replaced or changed. Knowing when a roof was installed (and what it's made of) gives an idea of how much life it has left. For example, a typical asphalt tile roof lasts 20 to 25 years, while a roof installed over an existing layer of shingles must be replaced after 20 years.
Just because you have a few damaged shingles or a small leak, don't automatically assume you need a whole new roof. If your roof has been properly installed and is less than 15 or 20 years old, it may be fixed with repairs rather than a complete replacement. If in doubt, contact a licensed roofing contractor for a professional opinion. Overlap is when a new layer of shingles is installed over the old one.
It may be about 25% cheaper than a total roof replacement and gives your home a new look, but it's usually best to tear off the old roof and start over. Flashing is a type of roofing material that makes an airtight seal around chimney or other penetrations. Usually made of aluminum or steel, the flashing can last 30 years. But if it rusts or cracks, water can leak into the chimney and into the house.
A local roof inspector can tell you if the flashing needs to be repaired. Shingles will have to be replaced if there are cracks. The extent of replacement depends on how soon the problem is detected, so vigilance remains important. Learn more about a leaking roof and what to do.
The problem with a wind-damaged roof is that exposed spots on the roof can be difficult to detect, especially if the shingles have been lifted. A tile that has lifted due to the wind may have loosened the sealant and possibly the nail, which means replacing the roof. Learn these tips to remove tiles and not have a bed of nails in the ground. Exposed nails can rust and cause roof leaks.
Depending on how many nails are exposed and how long they have been exposed, the roof may need to be replaced. How old is your current roof? Depending on the material, the lifespan of a roof can be between 20 and 50 years, but it varies depending on the material of the roof. You need to know when your roof was installed so you can estimate the lifespan of your roof. If you're not sure when exactly your roof was installed, you can check the home improvement logs to find out.
It also depends on whether the old roof was removed and if it has only one layer of tiles and if it is well ventilated. If the roof was installed over another layer or several layers and is more than 20 years old, you will likely need a new roof. If any of these extreme climates cause serious damage, or if your roof is completely lost, you'll need to get a full roof replacement through your homeowners insurance. Roof replacements can cause disruptions; it's not recommended to stay in the house when the roof is being installed, and noise can be a major nuisance to your neighbors.
If so, this means that the underlying roof covering is vulnerable to aggressive elements and may start to rot, if you have not already done so. Shingles that are curled, cracked, or deformed may require additional inspection to determine if they can be replaced individually or if it is better to invest in an entirely new roof. The climate you live in and the type of storms your roof faces influence the amount of wear and tear you go through. If a roofing contractor performs an inspection and finds systemic problems, replacing the roof may be more cost-effective than paying for repeated repairs.
You See Missing or Broken Shingles A roof with missing tiles or broken tiles is a clear indication that the roof should be replaced. As long as your roof has been properly installed and has adequate attic ventilation, it should be quite close to the manufacturer's specified lifespan. You can replace your roof completely or, if you have an asphalt shingle roof, overlap existing shingles. The roof should be replaced or repaired at any indication that light is passing through the ceiling into the home or business.
If you have a metal roof system, hail damage to your metal panels will result in a replacement if the integrity of the metal is compromised. A properly installed chimney shackle will direct water and debris around the chimney and out of the roof. If it's May and you've just realized that you need a roof replacement, you may have to wait a few months before your local roofing company can include you in their schedule. A roof 25 to 30 years old or older may require a complete replacement, even if the roof itself appears to be in good condition to the naked eye.
It's hard to overstate the importance of a good and reliable roof, which protects you from rain and snow, helps you stay warm at night, and protects you and your loved ones from the outside world. If you can't determine where or why the crack occurred, you may need to talk to a professional roofing company or contractor for more help.
