Making sure your house’s roof is in tip top shape is an important part of owning a home. However, many people tend to overlook it and may not notice when problems arise. Having a bad roof can cause water to get inside and ruin the interior of your home and it can also raise your energy bills. Replacing a roof can be expensive but if done correctly a new roof will last you years. Here are a few things to look out for to know whether your roof needs replacing or not.
1. Leaks
Of course, the most obvious thing is a leak. A telltale sign your roof needs help is a leak. It is important to keep an eye out for leaks, especially after a storm, because even a small one can turn into a big problem if not fixed. You should also look for water stains which will indicate a leak even if you do not see dripping water. Look on the ceiling and if you notice a spot that is darker than the rest then you most likely have a leak. Leaks not only cause issues with your roof they can also cause problems with the flooring below as well as furniture if they drip on it. Make sure to check regularly for leaks.
2. Shingles
Another sign that your roof needs replacing is missing or broken shingles. Keep an eye out for spots where shingles have blown off as well as any shingles that are cracked or curling. You can also check your gutters and the ground around your house for any fragments of shingles. Since some of your shingles may be hard to see from the ground make sure to reach out to an experienced roofing company for an inspection. If you notice one or two missing shingles, you can sometimes create makeshift replacements that will help hold you until you can have a professional come out.
3. Growths
When your roof begins to age you may notice that stuff starts to grow on it. These growths include mold, mildew, algae, and moss. If your roof lacks proper drainage this can cause these growths to thrive due to the moist environment. These growths may occur on the shingles of your roof as well as the gutters and if not taken care of can start to come inside your home as well. It is best to keep an eye on the whole roof as well as the gutters for these annoying organisms because you do not want them to spread.
4. Light Coming Through
Another way to know your roof needs help is to go into your attic and look at the roof boards during the day. If your roof is in need or replacement, you will see some light streaming through the space between the boards. This can become an issue since that space will also allow for moisture to come in.
5. Energy Bills
A way to know your roof needs work without looking at your roof is to look at your energy bills. If you have noticed a drastic uptick in your energy bill one cause could be an issue with your roof. A roof that needs replacing tends to allow heat and air to escape and in return cause your bill to rise. This could be from poor ventilation or insulation but either way you should have someone come inspect your roof.
6. Ice Dams
Now this is not going to be a sign that most people see year-round but during the winter if you see ice dams forming then your roof is not healthy. An ice dam is a buildup of ice on the eaves of your home. This occurs from poor ventilation in your roof causing ice to melt and run down from the roof to steel guttering and then re-freeze. During the colder months keep an eye out for ice dams on your home.
Bottom Line
These are just a handful of signs that your roof has reached the end of its life. It is always important to have a roofer come out to inspect your roof once a year especially after a big storm. Make sure that you take care of your roof by cleaning your gutters and not allowing branches to hang overhead. A roof that is well taken care of should last years but when it does reach the end make sure to replace it before it causes too many problems.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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