Homeowners may dread the thought of having to get their roofs replaced. However, it is a realistic expectation to have to get a roof replacement at some point if asphalt shingles are installed on a home. It may be difficult for untrained individuals to determine if they need a roof replacement. Maintenance services from a certified roofing contractor are a good way to extend the lifespan of a roof. The following points identify signs that a roof replacement is needed.
Quality of the Roof
Roofers use a variety of factors to determine if a roof should be replaced. The age of roofs is important because it may affect the condition of the materials. If roofing materials have reached the end of their lifespan, a replacement is ideal because they are likely to degrade. This can lead to issues such as roof leaks. If there are obvious signs of aging such as discolorations or frequent repairs, consider the advantages of getting a replacement, which will be under warranty and less likely to need repairs.
Condition of Shingles
As shingles age, they lose granules, which are a part of the protective coating on shingles. When shingles lose too many granules, they cannot perform as intended. Moisture damage and roof leaks are likely outcomes if the issue is not addressed. A certified roofer can assess the granule loss. If it affects a significant portion of the roof, a replacement will likely be recommended. Otherwise, the damaged shingles can be removed and replaced to prevent further damage. Granule loss is evidenced in downspouts and on the ground. They resemble sand. Shingles may also change in appearance and curl or buckle indicating that a roof replacement is needed.
Attic Changes
A roof that needs to be replaced cannot provide adequate protection for the underlying attic. Sunlight shining through the cracks in an attic is a sign that a roof replacement is needed. The light shining through is an indicator that the attic is not properly protected against moisture damage. Advanced stages of damage might have signs such as splintered wood, mold growth, or darkened rafters that have gotten damaged from leaks or moisture.
A certified roofing contractor is a good resource to use to learn more about roof replacement signs. They can inspect and determine if there is anything that can be done to extend the lifespan of roofs. Their inspections can also be used to estimate how much longer materials can last. If there are alternatives to a full replacement such as a reroof, inspections can help make this assertion.
For more information, contact a company like Iconic Roofing LLC.
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.