Top warning signs you need a new roof from Watkins Construction & Roofing. A roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Not only does it provide an essential barrier that helps protect you and your family against the elements, but it also protects the interior structure of the rest of your house.
Just like any part of your home, your roof will eventually deteriorate and the time to get it replaced will come. The exact amount of time that you can expect to get out of your roof depends on several factors including how well it was installed in the first place and how well it is maintained once it is installed.
Trying to figure out whether your roof needs replacing can be tricky, but here are some good signs to look for when trying to tell if you need a new roof.
Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are one of the most obvious signs that it’s probably time to start looking into a replacement. Leaks can cause more problems than just water damage. Over time, if left untreated, leaks can lead to mold and mildew growth as well as costly structural problems. It’s important to catch issues like these before they get too serious, so it’s never too early to talk with a professional if you notice a leak in your ceiling or walls.
Missing Shingles
If you’re looking for signs that you need to replace your roof, start with the shingles. Shingles are the visible part of a roof after all. They’re also the first part to be damaged when water gets underneath them. You can check for missing, curling, or damaged shingles by looking on top of your roof or standing at ground level and looking up.
If you see any missing or severely damaged shingles, that means leaks have happened in the past and the underlying cause hasn’t been addressed. For situations like this, it’s best to call in a professional right away. If left unattended for too long, you may need to replace all the shingles on your roof.
Presence of Roofing Materials on Gutters
Homeowners often overlook their gutters, but they play an important role in keeping water away from your foundation and preventing moisture damage to your home.
Water that gets past your gutters will eventually make its way to the ground or a drain. However, if there are leaves, pine needles, and other debris in your gutters, the water has nowhere to go but back toward your roof.
To prevent this, you should clean out and inspect your gutters at least twice per year, making sure to check for shingle granules or pieces of roofing material that could be signs of a deteriorating roof. If you notice either, we recommend contacting a licensed contractor to repair it as soon as possible.
Signs of Wear and Tear
While there is no “universal” age to indicate when you should replace your roof, most experts agree that it is advisable to do so after approximately 20 years. The reason for this is that a roof’s lifespan tends to deteriorate over time and there is a significant decrease in its ability to protect your home from water damage once it has reached the 20-year mark.
There are many variables that go into this decision including, but not limited to, pitch (steepness), quality of materials used, and local weather conditions. Some roofs are made with materials that stand up better than others. In general, metal roofs last longer than shingles. If you have a metal roof, you may be able to get away with replacing it around 15 or 20 years old. Conversely, if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you may need to replace your roof before its time.
Damaged Decking
When it comes to the roof of your home, decking is quite literally the foundation of the structure. It provides the support for all other roof layers installed on top like the underlayment, flashing, and shingles. Therefore, if there’s damage to your decking, there’s likely damage to other parts of your roof as well which can be a sign to replace your roof.
Need a Roof Replacement? We Can Help!
Tired of constant roof repairs? Looking for better quality roofing materials? Are you ready to add value to your house?
We understand that your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. That’s why we take pride in providing the highest quality roof replacement services available. We want to help you make a wise decision on the roofing system that will best fit your needs and budget.
With over a decade of roofing experience, Watkins Construction & Roofing in Jackson, Ridgeland, and Byram, MS, are one of the top roofing contractors in the region. If you’re experiencing any roofing issues, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly and knowledgeable experts at 601-891-5005. Alternatively, fill out our contact form and schedule a complimentary inspection today.