Roofs are an essential component of any home. All roofs have a lifespan, usually determined by the type of material used and its quality and durability. The lifespan is often between 20-25 years, depending on the roofing material’s quality, kind, and resilience.
It is not a good idea to try to replace or maintain your roof on your own; only qualified professionals should handle roof replacement and maintenance. Before you call in the professionals, you should be able to determine whether your roof is expired or needs to be replaced. Here are a few things to look out for when checking for expired roofs:
- Damaged shingles
- Moss growth
- Sagging or uneven roofs
- Stained or discolored roofs
- Damp ceiling
- Age
Damaged Shingles
If your roof has missing or loose shingles and also shingle edges that are curled, it is a clear sign that it is nearing the end of its lifespan and should be replaced as soon as possible. Shingles can get damaged because of various reasons, like age, wind, insufficient ventilation, and unfavorable weather.
When you inspect your roof for signs of aging, you should look for cracking and other damage that is not glaringly obvious, like checking the gutters to see any shingle granules or pieces. Granules protect the roof from wear and tear. The roof ages faster once the granules have been removed from the shingles.
Moss Growth
Moss growth on the roof may appear to be a charming sight straight out of a folktale, but it is not good for your roof. Moss growth is usually caused by either excessive moisture or an abnormally high quantity of water accumulation on the roof.
Since moss is a very resilient organism that has the propensity to grow back after being removed, scraping it off your roofing shingles by hand may not be very effective.
Sagging or Uneven Roofs
Sagging roofs are caused by water damage to the roof’s supporting structures beneath the shingles. Water builds up at the roof’s lowest points, causing some components to sag or depress. As a result, the top becomes uneven, and the roof shingles do not fit back in place properly.
Stained or Discolored Roofs
The growth and accumulation of algae cause roof stains or discoloration as a result of the presence of moisture on the roof. Even after being washed with soap solutions, algae still leaves behind discoloration in the form of spots or patches.
This sign is a common occurrence in homes that are located in hot and humid climates.
Damp Ceiling
The presence of gaps or spaces between roof shingles is the root cause of damp ceilings. Aside from making the roof damp, it is also susceptible to damage or moss growth because water can seep through the gaps. The absorbed moisture weakens the roof, which results in the deterioration and cracking of damp ceilings. Damping is a significant warning sign that your roof needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Age
It would help if you recorded how long your roof has been installed and examined its appearance from time to time. After a period, the materials used in roofing tend to look old or aged. When a roofing material reaches the end of its allotted lifespan, the quality of the material begins to deteriorate or decline.
Expert Help
Roof replacement and maintenance should never be attempted on your own, as most DIY methods or home remedies provide only temporary solutions and do not produce accurate and long-lasting results. If you notice any of the above signs on your roof or it’s near the stipulated life span, it is time to replace it or perform thorough maintenance.
This is the best time to contact a local roofing contractor such as Home Service Hookup. Home Service Hookup works with homeowners to connect them with reputable local businesses. We save you the time and effort of searching for local home restoration companies or contractors by bringing them to you.
You will have the best professional quality for your home services with us, and your home renovations are guaranteed to be of the highest standards. We bring you the most experienced experts, capable of meeting any home restoration or renovation requirement.
You may be surprised to learn that roofs have an expiration date. As a responsible homeowner, you must pay close attention to the state and condition of your roof. You should never ignore any sign calling for replacement and maintenance. It is also critical to remember that roofs should be replaced every 20-25 years, as this is the average lifespan of most roofs.
