Top Signs You Need a Roof Replacement

February 14, 2022

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After years of use, your roof will eventually wear out and require replacement. Knowing when to replace your roof will save you a lot of hassle, headaches, and money. Waiting too long to buy a new roof can cause extensive and costly damage to your roofing structure and property. Here are several signs that you need to replace your roof. 

Shingle Issues

Shingles serve an essential role in maintaining the integrity and health of your roof. They act as a seal that protects against environmental damage. However, numerous things – including age, inclement weather, foot traffic, and poor installation – can result in shingle problems. You may notice curling, buckling, missing, and worn-out shingles.

While not all shingle issues call for roof replacement, when most shingles are warped, missing, or damaged, replacement is the best course of action. You may be tempted to replace the problematic shingles only, but it will be a short-term remedy.

Water Damage In The Attic

The first signs of roof damage appear in the attic. For instance, you can detect a leaky roof by examining the attic for water stains, peeling paint, and mold growth. Also, you may see sunlight through your roof boards. Consider hiring a roofing professional to assess the extent of the water damage and advise accordingly. They may recommend a new roof if the damage is extensive.

Old Roof

Although several factors like material, local climate, and maintenance affect a roof’s lifespan, a typical roof will serve you for 15 to 50 years. After this duration, you should start planning for replacement and call a roofing expert for an estimate. Consult your home improvement records to learn when your roof was installed and estimate when it is due for replacement.

Nowadays, homeowners have the option of overlaying the existing shingles rather than replacing the entire roof. Overlaying gives your roof a facelift without incurring the hefty replacement bill. However, replacing the whole roof is an excellent option since you identify and tackle any issues underneath the shingles. 

High Utility Bills

A worn-out or damaged roof increases your energy bills significantly. A leaking roof, for example, allows hot or cooled air to escape, requiring your HVAC to work hard to reach the desired temperature. Similarly, older roofs are less energy-efficient than newer ones. They fail to keep out the heat during summer and retain it during winter, thus raising utility expenses. 

If you suspect that your roof is contributing to high energy costs, consider a replacement. A new roof lowers utility costs in several ways. First, energy-star-rated roofs are more energy-efficient than their unrated counterparts. 

Second, the right roofing material and color based on your local climate goes a long way to conserving energy. Lastly, proper roof ventilation reduces a home’s energy needs.

Sagging Roof

A sagging roof is not only a safety issue for you and your family but also a threat to your roof’s structure. The common causes of a sagging roof are excess weight, water damage, substandard installation, and old age. It is not uncommon for pooling water on your roof to seep into the roofing material and weaken it, resulting in sagging. 

A sagging roof is a good candidate for replacement before it wreaks havoc on your home. As such, watch out for any rotting boards, slumping, and saggy spots on your roof and consult with a local roofer to determine when it is time for a replacement.

Replacing a roof is a huge but worthy expense for any homeowner. It lets you address underlying roofing problems while enjoying the benefits of a new roof, from improved appearance to increased energy efficiency and a long lifespan. 

Contact Barrier Roofs for roofing replacement in Kentucky. We provide excellent roofing services using quality materials at competitive prices.