Signs That You Need a New Roof
Unfortunately, our roofs don’t last forever. Asphalt shingles have a maximum lifespan of 20 years, wooden ones can last to 35 and metal can even reach a 100. However, these numbers shouldn’t be taken for granted since they vary according to climate, installation process and maintenance.
In countries with difficult climates such as Canada, roofs usually live up to half their lifespans. To check if the weather has gotten the better of your roof, look out for these signs:
Cracks & Leaks
The number one signs for roof replacement are cracks and leaks on the roof or in the attic. This means that your roof got broken somewhere down the line and is now letting water pass through the shingles and flashing, right into your home.
If you have one to two leaks in the attic, the problem might get fixed with partial repair, but usually, they are a warning sign that your entire roof is starting to decline.
Try to seal the cracks and stop the leaks from spreading until professional roofing comes along. If left unfixed, these leaks can cause immense damage to your home, including to the foundation and basement.
Moss and Algae
Moss might add a unique aesthetic touch to older homes, but it isn’t so good for your roof’s structure. When nature starts growing on your roof, something isn’t right. This includes bird nests, pesticides, moss, and algae.
Another sign for roof replacement is mold growth in the attic. This means that there are high moisture levels in the area or that water is somehow getting inside. If you have wooden shingles, rot may start to occur. Try to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Algae isn’t that dangerous for the roof, but moss is. If you find it difficult to remove or if it’s spreading with extraordinary speed, you might be facing extreme moisture problems.
The Shingles
The best way to determine if your roof needs replacement is by looking at the shingles. What kind of condition are they in? Have they started to curl, break or even disappear? Have you started finding granules in the gutters?
All of these are signs that your shingles are having a hard time. Look at your warranties and check if your roof is reaching its maximum age. If you have one to two damaged shingles, the problem can be solved with a partial repair.
In other cases, you should immediately contact professionals to get adequate advice and solutions to the problem. This also applies to the flashing. Loose flashing leads to attic leaks and mold growth.
Saggy Roof
This is one of the most obvious signs. Of course, you should replace the roof if it’s saggy. If you ignore a saggy roof, it can lead to the most dangerous situation – total roof collapse.
The causes for this occurrence are many: improper installation, low-quality material, moisture issues, water accumulation and pressure, dysfunctional gutters and ice build-ups.
To make sure you don’t face a saggy roof in your life, follow this short guide:
- Don’t hire an amateur roofing company
- Make sure that the roofing material is of the highest quality
- Remove debris and ice from the gutters
- Regularly clean and inspect your roof
- Remove moss and algae as soon as they appear
- Look out for the previously mentioned signs
Available Roofing
Available Roofing is your professional roofing company in Oakville. With over 14 years of experience in Commercial & Residential Roofing, we are proud and dedicated to offering the highest level of quality and service. Contact our Toronto roofing repair expert today.