Every homeowner experiences roof problems at some point in life, no matter how much they try to avoid them. And although it's easier to think about roof repairs when a roof problem occurs, there are times when they won't work. In fact, you may sometimes have to replace the roof. Of course, everyone would want to avoid a roof replacement process, but it's sometimes inevitable. The sooner you know you need to replace your roof and hire a competent roofer to replace it, the safer you are. Unfortunately, most people can't tell when they should replace their roof and when roof repair makes more sense. You know the time for roof replacement has come when you notice any of the following three signs.
Roof Tiles Have Become Too Loose
Your roof should be inspected at least once a year. This helps you catch or spot roof problems early and act fast. It's good to know that most roof problems get bigger with time. In fact, the more you neglect them, the more expensive and irreparable they become. Roof tiles are some of the roof parts that should be inspected more often. If you realize they are loose, you should hire a professional roofer to assess the situation. Usually, if more tiles are loose or perhaps missing, you should get ready for a roof replacement process. A roof with a couple of loose tiles is usually dangerous because it can cave in on you at any time. So hiring a roofer to replace the roof with several loose tiles is a good idea.
Flashing Is Severely Damaged
Flashing is the material that's usually placed around the roof vents or even chimneys, among other protruding roof sections. A roof with flashing helps prevent water damage issues because it averts the water away, minimizing the effect of runoff. Flashing is often made using impenetrable materials like galvanized steel or aluminum. When it's extensively damaged, replacing the roof might be the only option. Typically, the water will leak inside the walls if the flashing is loose. When this happens, mildew and mold will grow, and the wooden parts might begin to rot. If the roofing structure is experiencing irreparable damage, you should replace the entire roof.
The Roof Is Too Old
All roofs, including yours, are expected to last for several decades. However, a lot of things happen to the roof as it ages. First, it loses its ability to withstand inclement weather and other harsh elements. Whether you have a shingle or tile roof, a time comes when it deteriorates due to age. Even if the roof has several shingles layers, its efficiency and reliability get compromised with age. So if your roof is several decades old or has neared its lifespan and it's not functional, replacing it is a smart idea.
For more information, contact a local company like Earhart Roofing Company Inc.
When you have something you like inside a jar, you probably put a lid on it — right? In a way, you can think of your house in the same manner. You like and value the items inside, along with the inside of the house itself. So, it only makes sense that you would protect the interior of your home with a lid. That lid is your roof.
Keep that perspective in mind as you read this blog. Learning more about roofing will feel more interesting if you remember what a roof does: it protects the inside of the home and the people who live in it.