Over the years, you have been striving to keep your roof together thanks to routine maintenance and timely repairs. However, the time has come to replace the entire roof because quick fixes no longer seem to work. Your roofing contractor can help you determine whether it is time you installed a new roofing system or if there are better or cheaper options. But before you contact a roofer, the following are some indicators it is time to start planning for a roof replacement project.
1. Old Age
Some roofing materials last longer than others. For instance, metal roofs may generally serve you for a longer time than wood shingles. Whichever roofing materials you have, the roof might break down under your care. Some common signs of old age include having an outdated look, curling shingles, and the need for frequent repairs. Your roofer could recommend replacing the entire system to save money. New roofs have fewer maintenance needs and a warranty to cater to repair expenses.
2. Sagging Decking
You'll know your roof is about to cave in if the roofline looks bent or slanted. The ridge of your system should always be well aligned. If it suffers severe water damage, the wooden boards and decking supporting the entire system might begin to warp and deteriorate, weakening the roof's stability.
At this point, even professional repair may not extend the life of your roof. Before the structure caves in and puts you at risk, consider calling your contractor to assess the damage and plan a residential roofing project
3. Major Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are a common problem that can quickly be addressed through timely repairs. Leaks occur due to cracks or holes on the roof's surface. It could also be due to faulty flashing or ice dams. Many homeowners postpone leak repairs and end up dealing with major roof damages.
Over time, water damage and rot might spread to adjacent roof areas. The holes and cracks might become bigger and create big entryways for water to seep into the inner layers of the roof. At this point, your roofer might recommend a residential roofing project rather than spending more money on repairs.
4. Too Many Damaged Shingles
When you find a missing or damaged shingle, you often replace it. Over an extended period, you might find that your roof looks ugly due to the shingles' unevenness. This is also a sign that your roof is old. In some cases, you might find that you need to replace so many damaged shingles simultaneously, which could increase the project costs. Therefore, your roofer might recommend installing a new roof instead of replacing too many shingles.
A professional roof inspection is the best way to determine whether you need a new roof. Let the experts help you make the right decision based on the condition of your roof. However, these signs can help point you in the right direction.
For more information, contact a company like Hinkle Roofing & Construction Incorporated.
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.