You won't find many people who enjoy spending thousands of dollars on a new roof. As a result, many people put off regular maintenance and troubleshooting in the hope of saving money. However, you won't know when things get serious if you don't know how your roof is currently performing.
Unfortunately, it's not always easy to know when a roof is needed.
Even if you think you need to replace the entire roof, that may not be necessary.
There are many variables that can affect roof performance and durability. Is there a way to know if you need a new roof? Yes! The specialists at Pine Apple Roofing LLC, Dallas, Texas have compiled this helpful checklist to help you determine if it's time to look into roof replacement. Or not.
1. Leaky Roof
The seals in your roof are there to prevent water from entering your home. Unfortunately, these seals break over time. When this happens, water can begin to enter your home and contaminate your walls and ceilings.
While some water leaks are easy to fix, not all. If the damage is severe enough, it might make sense to invest in a new roof instead of repairing a roof that needs to be replaced anyway.
A residential roofing company in Dallas, Texas can give you more information about your options. Talk to an expert to see if your leak is bad enough to warrant a new roof or you can proceed with the home roof repair.
2. Chimney Damage
You need a special material to create a waterproof seal around the chimney. It's not enough to put shingles around that area and call it a day. The shingles may not be flush with your chimney and allow water to enter your home.
Chimney flashes help here. This material helps create a waterproof seal around your fireplace. However, it can wear down and be damaged by storms over time.
As time passes, your flash can rust and crack. These problems will break the seal and cause water to enter your home. You will need to consult a professional roofing company in DFW to solve the problem.
3. You see the light
Ideally, you shouldn't see any light coming into your house from your roof. Your roofing material should cover the entire surface of your roof. However, sometimes the roofing material can disappear.
You will begin to see the light in your home when that happens. Not only will this cause water to seep into your lower levels, but it will also pave the way for debris to enter your house through the holes.
Ceiling holes are a serious problem, so you'll need to have them repaired by an expert like Pineapple Roofing LLC roofing company in Dallas, Texas.
4. Loose Roof
Roofs are only designed to support a certain amount of weight. It's okay to exceed that amount from time to time. The problem, however, is if rainwater and debris remain on your roof and create a load over time.
When your roof is overweight, it can start to sag. When that happens, it's a huge structural problem and a recipe for disaster.
If you notice your roof sagging, contact a professional roof repair company in Dallas, Texas, as soon as possible. They will help you take care of relaxation to avoid major disasters.
5. Higher electricity bills
Your roof is one of the most important things that contribute to the climate of your home. Your HVAC unit can only do so much if the air is constantly coming out. Your roof traps that air in your home to help maintain a comfortable temperature.
However, it won't be as easy for your HVAC unit to maintain the climate in your home if the air is coming out of your ceiling. This makes it difficult for your unit to work to maintain a stable environment, which will increase your energy bills.
This problem is sometimes hard to spot, so contact a roofer to find out the problem and find out if you need a new roof.
6. Shingles damage
Shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials. They are affordable and provide great protection for your home. Unfortunately, over time, they can wear out and begin to lose effectiveness.
Watch out for any of the following problems with your shingles:
Curling
Buckling
Algae
Missing
Color change
Each one of them is a sign that your roof needs help. Have the roofer look at the problem and see how bad things are.
In some cases, water can also begin to collect in problem areas. This creates fertile ground for mold, so you can't let this problem last too long.
In some cases, you can solve the problem by replacing multiple damaged shingles. However, if enough singles are damaged, investing in a new roof may make more sense.
7. Roof aging
Unfortunately, roofs don't last forever. Depending on the type of roof you buy, you will have a limited time to take advantage of your purchase.
One of the most popular types of roofing, shingles have a lifespan of about 30 years. Other types of covers are more or less, depending on the quality and material used.
As your roof ages, it becomes more difficult to repair and maintain it efficiently. Before making roof repairs to improve your home, check your documentation to find out when you bought the roof. If you're nearing the life of your roof, it's probably a better investment to buy a new roof.
You'll have to do it last anyway, and it's better to do it sooner rather than later. You don't want to be stuck with roof damage that affects your quality of life and not get roofers to your home in time to fix the problem.
Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home, so you can't afford it to fall apart when you need it most. Always be on the lookout for signs that you need a new roof up. You can solve problems before they become more expensive when you do.
Just because you have a few damaged shingles or a small leak, don't automatically assume you need a whole new roof. If your roof has been installed properly and is less than 15 or 20 years old, you can get by with repairs rather than a complete replacement. When in doubt, contact a licensed roofing contractor for a professional opinion.