By Dud Eddy
A lot of homeowners underestimate just how important their roofs are, but the truth is that your roof is undoubtedly one of the most important features of your property. It’s what protects your home from element exposure and all sorts of water damages; however, every roof experiences wear and tear over long periods of time.
And when homeowners neglect roof maintenance for too long, it typically leads to significant issues like rot and water intrusion. This is why it’s always a lot better to proactively look for red flag warning signs before needing a roof replacement, and we’ve partnered with the roof replacement Grove City OH experts at Roofs by Warren to provide our readers with 9 red flag warning signs indicating how it might be time to consider a new roof at your property.
So, don’t ignore the below warning signs that it’s time for you to consider a roof replacement appointment!
Water Damages In Your Attic Or Upstairs Areas
Moisture marks, including discolorations and stains, are serious warning signs that you can never neglect. This also includes red flags like peeling paint along your ceilings and walls, because these issues are indicators of roof leaks.
You should also periodically inspect your home’s attic areas for signs of roofing leaks, which can include symptoms like damp rafters. Although you’ll always be your property’s first line of defense when it comes to noticing roof replacement warning signs, you’ll also need to be realistic about what your personal limitations are.
It’s often more effective (and safer) to hire roof inspectors on a yearly or biyearly basis to check out your roof and spot minor damages before they grow into worse repairs. There are countless trained professionals throughout your local area who understand the safety techniques and own the tools that are necessary for thoroughly inspecting roof damages.
Your Roof Has Surpassed Its Expected Lifespan
It’s important to know your roof’s age, because the expected lifespan of most roof materials is anywhere between 20-50 years. Your roof’s expected lifespan also depends heavily upon your area’s climate, because cold places like Grove City OH often experience more household repairs due to harsh winter seasons.
Here’s a brief overview of expected roof lifespans:
- Asphalt shingles will likely last around 10-20 years in warm climates like Florida, and often even less in cold places like Ohio.
- Metal roofs require far less repairs, and they tend to last anywhere between 30-50 years.
- Clay tiles typically only do well in warm areas, and they’re capable of lasting around 40 years.
Homeowners should know exactly when their existing roof was installed, because this gives you a better idea as to how long your roof will ultimately last before needing to be replaced.
Roof Sagging
Roof sagging is another red flag warning sign indicating your need for a new roof. Any drooping around your roof is a sign that significant damages have occurred, and that further damages are very likely.
Be sure to check for other warning signs like rotting boards, trapped moisture and sagging spots—and these types of inspections are especially important around your roof’s lowest points.
Although roof sagging can sometimes be difficult to recognize, this red flag is something that roofing specialists can recognize rather easily.
Mold, Moss & Fungi Issues
Mold, moss and fungi development along your roof is an indication of trapped moisture, which can wreak havoc on your roof’s long-term durability.
To eliminate this type of fungi development, you’ll need to carefully brush away the underlying issues with a stiff brush. And if the moss is still present after brushing, you’ll likely need professional support and a thorough inspection to eradicate the development for good!
Buckling Or Curling Shingles
When roof shingles start buckling or curling, it’s a red flag that they’ve sustained significant damage and have more than likely already lost proper attachment.
These curved shingle surfaces can easily get caught in strong winds, which can further exacerbate roof damages in strong storm events. There are certain scenarios in which roofing teams can replace specific shingles that have become damaged, but it’s also possible that these issues are an indicator of larger roof replacement problems as well.
Missing Granules Or Shingles
In Ohio, strong thunderstorms and tornadoes put a massive strain on residential roofs. High winds can easily cause shingles to fly off completely, and it’s even more common for roof shingles to become lifted and damaged.
There are some situations where you can replace a handful of shingles on your roof, but roof repairs sometimes lead to roof replacements when certain conditions necessitate a completely new roof.
Missing Gutter Guards, Flashing Or Fascia
If any other aspects of your roof’s supporting structure go missing or become cracked, it’s a serious red flag indicating the need for a significant repair or replacement job.
Proper support is absolutely essential for your roof’s long-term durability, and neglecting these repairs can sometimes lead to collapse risks!
Abnormal Cooling Bill Increases
Cooling homes in today’s ever-warming climate requires constant energy consumption, and this is especially the case during the hottest summer months. A solid roof can support indoor cooling in a variety of unique ways, including reducing your monthly energy bills.
So when you’re noticing abnormal cooling bill increases, it could be due to roof leaks and other material issues reducing your home’s overall efficiency—and the only way to resolve these issues is to get a roof replacement!
Inspection Finds Roof Repairs Aren’t Sufficient
It’s normal for homeowners to prefer a repair appointment before investing in a roof replacement, because repairs after all are always going to be more affordable than replacements.
But if you get an inspection after your repair job has completed and the inspector finds that the repairs aren’t quite enough to provide you with long-term safety and durability, then it’s likely that your best option will be to get a full replacement—as opposed to continuous repairs.
Contact Roofs by Warren When You Need A Roof Replacement In Grove City OH!
There are many red flag warning signs associated with needing a roof replacement, and the above sections only detail a brief glimpse into the most common dilemmas that homeowners experience when going through roof repairs.
One of the top roofing contractors in the Grove City OH area is Roofs by Warren, and you can speak directly with their industry specialists today about your home’s roofing needs when you click on the link to their website located at the top of this article!
