Your roof is one of the most important elements of your home — it keeps you, your loved ones, and your belongings safe and dry. If your roof is getting closer to the end of its lifespan, you may need to start thinking about replacing it. Here are some telltale signs that you need a new roof.
1. Roof Age
One of the biggest ways to tell if it’s time to replace your roof is by the age. The average shingled roof lasts between 10-20 years and the average metal roof lasts between 40-70 years. If your roof is anywhere in that age range, it may be time to replace it. If you have another type of roofing materials, you can find out its average life expectancy here. You can also tell if your roof is reaching its age by keeping your eye out for neighbors replacing their roofs. Usually, homes built around the same time in the same neighborhood that experience the same weather conditions can lead to replacing roofs at or around the same time.
2. Missing, Damaged, or Decaying Shingles
For those with shingles, another telltale sign that a roof replacement is needed in the near future are missing, damaged, or decaying shingles. You should do a thorough inspection of your shingled roof each year, careful to follow safety precautions. Be sure to look for any shingles that are buckling, curling, or cracking too.
3. Leaks & Water Damage
If there are any signs of leaking or water damage inside your home, that may mean it’s time for a new roof. On both the interior and exterior of the roof, check for any dark stains or rotting areas. These are both sure signs of water damage. No matter how small they may seem, they are damages you cannot ignore because they’ll quickly get worse. You should call a professional immediately to see if a small repair can fix the damage, or if you need a roof replacement entirely.
4. Sagging Areas
Along with dark stains and rotting areas, you should also look for sagging areas on both the interior and exterior of your roof. Sagging is a result of water damage too, but can be even more detrimental and can be a sign of serious, structural damage. If you find an area that’s sagging, you should try to use your hand (or a broom if you can’t reach) to lightly feel if the spot is soft, wet, and/or bends easily. If it does, you know you have moisture damage and it needs to be addressed. You should also especially look for sagging in areas that tend to collect rainwater or snow, like the valleys and dips in your roof.
5. Rot, Moss, and Algae
For shingled roofs, you should inspect for signs of rotting or decaying. Moldy buildup on groups of tiles or in the valleys of your roof can be very damaging to your roof. Algae and moss growth may not necessarily indicate it’s time to replace, but it can be an unsightly eyesore that should be addressed, especially in humid climates, before it gets worse over time. You can use a garden hose and spray the areas to remove most of it, or make a solution of 50:50 water and hydrogen peroxide to get rid of the rest. However, be sure to protect the area and landscaping below from runoff and always follow safety precautions.
Why Your New Roof Should Be a Metal Roof
If after thoroughly inspecting your old roof, you decide it's time for a new roof, Bridger Steel highly recommends installing a metal roof. Metal roofing is becoming more and more popular due to its many high-quality and high-performing characteristics. One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose to install metal roofing is its life expectancy. A metal roof will last between 40 and 70 years compared to shingled roofs, which only last between 10 and 20.
Metal roofing is also extremely durable, meaning its able to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions like high speed wind, heavy rainfall, and heavy snowfall. They’re also virtually maintenance free, only requiring an annual inspection and no annual cleaning. Metal roofs are also a great choice for those looking to become more eco-friendly, as they can easily support the weight of solar panels, are ideal rainwater collection systems, and are also extremely energy efficient. There are multiple styles of metal roofing, as well as a variety of different colors and finishes, so there’s a metal roof suitable for any design style or theme.
If you’re ready to take the leap and replace your old roof with a new metal one, get in touch with a Product Specialist today. Our team of experts will work directly with you to help you choose the best panel profile, gauge, and color or finish best suited for your project’s specific needs. We can also help answer any questions you may have about metal roofing and the benefits of installing a metal roof. Fill out our Get a Quote form today to get started.
