A roof is one of the most important structures of a home. It is responsible for protecting those within the home from the elements, as well as helping with heating and cooling. Roofs don’t last forever, however, and need to be replaced occasionally. There are four major signs that your roof needs a little TLC.
Shingle Condition
Normally, shingles are supposed to lie flat, overlapping one another. When they don’t, this signals a problem with the roof. Shingles curl up in high humidity or when they are repeatedly exposed to moisture, so even the best shingles may curl over time. This can let water seep under the shingles and also makes the roof inefficient at controlling the heat that escapes the home. Additionally, according to Carlson Brothers Roofing, a roofing company, blistering and rotting (with or without mold growth) indicate a moisture problem, either within the shingle or within the mat. A final problem with roofs that is not related to moisture damage is missing or broken shingles. This problem is caused by high winds, so it’s a good idea to check the roof after significant storms.
Sagging
The material underneath a roof sometimes rots, either from moisture exposure or age of the material. Houses also settle significantly over time, which can cause shifting of roof supports. This results in sagging of the roof. It is problematic because sagging allows water to collect in the low spots of the roof, and because shingles can shift to the point of compromising the moisture barrier. This collection of water, combined with the shifting of the shingles, can result in leaks. To find areas that may be sagging, look at the roof an hour or so after it rains. If an area of the roof appears darker because water has yet to evaporate fully, this indicates that that area is low compared to the rest of the roof.
Dark Spots
When moisture finds its way under a roof, it can cause dark spots to appear on ceilings or walls. The dark spot can indicate where the roof is in worst condition. If the dark spot is on the ceiling and is accompanied by bulging, the roof needs immediate attention. The bulging indicates that water is collecting above the darkened area. Most frequently, these bulging areas give way only partially, resulting in a trickling leak, but the ceiling also can collapse completely in that area if the weight of the water becomes significant enough. Carlson Brothers Roofing asserts that common areas to see dark spots are around chimneys, vents, or skylights.
Layers
According to Shiner Roofing, Siding, and Windows, a company that specializes in exterior improvement services in northern Virgina and Maryland, multiple shingle layers may be a sign that your roof is in trouble, even if you have no leaks and the top shingles look good. It indicates that the roof already has needed attention in the past. When you do the inspection, check on the quality all layers of shingles. You need to do this because poorer quality shingles need to be replaced more often—it is possible that many layers simply indicates a lack of funding for more heavy duty materials.
Frequency and Benefits of Replacement
On average, a roof lasts 12 to 20 years, but the life of the roof of course depends on the quality of the roofing materials and the environmental stresses to which the roof is exposed. For instance, according to the Old House Web, an online home resource, some roofs may last for as much as 50 years or more. If you live in a humid climate, you may find that you need to replace the roof more often because the high humidity may accelerate mold growth, curling, or buckling. Once you know the roof needs replacing, don’t be discouraged. Replacing the roof means the opportunity to increase the efficiency and elemental protection of your home—for instance, if you put on a photovoltaic roof (a roof coated with a substance that converts sunlight into electricity), you can reduce your power bill in addition to lowering heating and cooling bills.
