A strong, sturdy roof is arguably the most essential part of your home as it keeps your family safe against the elements. When you first notice that anything is wrong with your roof, it may be a little panic-inducing. A few shingles that are out of place don’t always warrant a roof replacement, however, there are some signs that it is time for a new roof.
The life expectancy of your roof all depends on the materials that it is made out of. Asphalt and wood have an expectancy of 20-50 years while materials like clay, concrete, slate, and metal can last up to 100 years. If your roof is starting to reach its age limit, it’s probably time to start looking into a roofing company for an estimate. Again, depending on the material, you will have to either get it completely replaced or repair it with an overlay of the existing shingles. This option is typically only available to those who have asphalt roofs.
Overlaying simply means that a new layer of shingles is installed over the old ones. It can be less expensive than overhauling the entire roof, making your house look fresh. With that being said, however, it is usually better to tear the old one off and start anew. Replacing your roof lets you catch any problems lurking underneath the shingles and has a longer lifespan than overlays.
Even if your roof is not old yet, you will still need to conduct inspections to check for any problems. If your roof has asphalt or wooden shingles, exterior damage can look like shingles that are curling or buckling, missing, or appear warped. If you have a metal, slate, rubber, clay, or concrete tile roof, you’ll want to look for spots that look thin or cracked, missing pieces, or areas that seem dented or worn. Pay close attention to spots that are more prone to damage, such as slopes where the sunlight hits and where the roof slopes meet. Damage to the roof valleys is cause for concern as well, as they direct water into the gutters rather than inside the walls.
If you notice that your roof is starting to look a little less sturdy than normal, there is an underlying problem. Sagging or drooping anywhere in the roof typically means that the decking is weakening from moisture. The decking is the support system that keeps the roof up, so once it is sagging, the entire roof will need to be replaced. If you are walking on the roof and notice that it feels spongy or bouncy, that also means that the decking is weakened. Call a roof repair company right away to assist you.
If you see any of these signs occurring on your roof, reach out to the roofing company Challis to assess your situation. They can make recommendations based on if you need the roof repaired or replaced.