Like all other things, the roof has its shelf life. Covering your house is a significant and quite expensive project, and the result should be quality roofing that should serve its purpose for many years. Still, during its lifespan, you'll surely repair it several times.

However, at some point, you may realize that the repairs are in vain and that roof replacement is something you must plan any time sooner. It may mean replacing the entire structure if worn out or damaged or just installing a new roof underlay and shingles. In that case, the wooden structure can be saved if it is still in good condition. That can significantly affect the cost of this project.

If you regularly inspect the roof, once or twice a year experienced inspectors will point out when this structure needs to be replaced. But if you trust your judgment and knowledge of your own home and don't call inspectors too often, it's good to know things showing that roofing replacement is necessary. 

Leakage

One of the most alarming signs is, of course, a visible leak inside the house. It means that the roof is dripping somewhere, and the reasons behind that can be numerous, starting from problems with the underlay to poor waterproofing. If this problem has gone beyond your attic and reached the rooms, the situation is almost urgent.

In addition to visible leaks that indicate a problem, there are also more subtle issues that can do much more damage than broken tile or damaged insulation. These are actually not so much hidden problems as you might not associate them with roof damage. These can be stains, mold, rotting woodwork, or peeling paint from the walls.

If you spot any of these, it's time to take a peek into your attic. It's very possible that you'll find the causes of these problems there. Also, check seals around drains, chimneys, gutters, and vents. Don't be surprised if you come across a dump spot, puddles, and leaks. You might also want to check the underlay and look for signs of rotting.

Although the leaks are an obvious problem that you should solve as soon as possible, now is the right time to call a professional inspector to assess the damage to the roofing and what can be done about it. There is a big chance that replacement will be the best solution.

Your Roofing is Old

If the roof on your house was built several decades ago, it is certain that the materials and technology back then weren't as quality and advanced as today, so the roofs couldn't have been better. So, if the top of your house is more than 20 years old, even if it doesn't look worn and devastated, it may be time for a preventive replacement.

Traditional asphalt shingles have the shortest lifespan, about 25 to 30 years, of course, providing regular maintenance. Metal roofs can be in good shape for much longer, from 30 to 50 years. Finally, concrete and clay can last up to 100 years, depending on the quality.

Tips on maintaining different roofing types are below:

https://www.angi.com/articles/what-can-i-do-maintain-my-roof.htm 

If you take a look at your roof, visible spots of moss and lichens indicate the need to replace the roof. These parasites can't damage the construction, but they can reduce its functionality of moisture retention. Then, on old roofs, loose, twisting of the covering and deformations of the structure often can be spotted, resulting from years of exposure to the elements.

If you wait too long, there may be deterioration and permanent damage to the roof's structure, especially if it's wooden. That will greatly increase the repair or replacement costs. So, check your home records to check when the roof was installed or replaced, so you can plan your actions in time.

Visibly Sagged Roof

The top of your house protects you and your premises from the elements, radiation, and other outside factors, but that doesn't mean it's bulletproof. Water can still find its way to the interior and cause damage along the way. Besides moisture, it can bring additional problems.

Water damage and material fatigue can be the primary reasons behind roof sagging. They can cause parts of the structure to rot and bend under the weight of the covering and tiles. That'll cause noticeable hollows, which become the weakest point and a ''ticking bomb'' on your roof.

A common reason for sagging roofs is the weight, which weakens the structure over time. If you covered the house with, for example, concrete tiles, parts or the entire roofing structure would lose its load-bearing capacity and bend over time. That's why a sunken roof is not only unattractive - it can also be a warning of a potential collapse, which can not only cause damage but also put you and your loved ones at risk.

The Energy Efficiency of Your House Drops

Apart from providing protection, the roof has another function in your home, which is to prevent energy losses, especially thermal energy. As you know, warm air goes up, and if it finds openings in the roof, missed tiles, or bad seals, it’ll go outside. Over time, these losses will increase, and your budget will suffer.

Huge losses through the housetop will occur if you live just under it but haven't insulated it well. It means you will have a problem heating the attic in winter, while summers can become unbearable due to inefficient cooling.

In general, if the underlayer and shingles are old, their energy efficiency is low. New materials and installation techniques can bring the necessary upgrades to improve the roof function and prevent energy losses. When upgrading the cover on your house, you can install solar panels, which will bring additional benefits to the energy efficiency of your living space, as well as significant savings on bills.

Missing Shingles

It’s not uncommon for shingles to fall off during storms, strong winds, or rain. However, if this happens very often, it's an early sign that the roof structure is not in the best condition and doesn't hold the shingles properly. This is usually preceded by their curling or buckling, i.e., when the link between them and the construction loosens.

Missing or damaged tiles will contribute to water entering the attic, but this problem won't be immediately noticeable. Therefore, to begin with, look for a place in your attic where the light goes out. It's more than obvious that those places are problematic. If there are too many holes, filling them and replacing the tiles won't help.

Finally, pay special attention to flashing, which also loses its function over time. Considering it's made of porous caulking material, after a certain time, it might suffer damage due to the elements and moisture, which opens new cracks through which water can pass. On this page, see how you can perform roof inspection all alone.

The roof of your house is like the cherry on top of the cake when it comes to providing a comfortable and safe living space. It has to be in good shape, but it still has a certain life expectancy. It's not meant to be eternal, so you have to about learn warning signs indicating roofing replacement.

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