Replacing the roof on your home is a major expense for homeowners, but that’s certainly no reason to neglect its replacement especially when the infrastructure is damaged and you have water infiltration. It is therefore very important to keep a close eye on the condition of your roof and make the right decisions about when to replace your roof. Most of the advice in this article is for shingle roofs, but there are many innovative materials to choose from when selecting your new roof.
The following article will give you some clues as to whether or not it is time to replace your roof.
1: Neighbour’s Roofs
This may seem like a simplistic piece of advice, but your neighbours’ roofs can provide you with a wealth of clues. In fact, if you live in a neighbourhood where houses were built every few years, your roofs will likely be on the same wear/replacement cycle. Look across the street to check their shingles, especially the roofs you can easily see from your second floor window. Another thing to consider is the orientation of your home. West-facing surfaces often show the first signs of damage.
2: Granules in gutters and smooth shingles
New asphalt shingles have a grainy texture and are generously covered with granules. As the shingles age, they lose their granules and begin to become smooth. If you notice that your gutters are full of small granules or that you have a pile of grit at the bottom of your downspouts, you may see these as signs that it is time to replace your roof. Smooth shingles are definitely not doing their job anymore.
3: Energy consumption
Your energy consumption can give you a clue as to when it’s time to replace your roof. A significant increase in energy consumption could be a sign that your roof is no longer providing the effective insulation it was designed to do and it may be time to replace it. Most energy providers can provide you with this kind of data.
4: Ice build-up
Icicles hanging off the edges of your roof may look perfect on a cold, sunny winter day, but they’re a telltale sign that your roof isn’t holding up as well to the heat. Ice forms when the snow on your roof melts due to heat loss from your attic, then refreezes when it hits the cold winter air. It is therefore very important to inspect all sides of your roof during the winter, even if you don’t usually go into the back or side yard.
5. Damaged Shingles
Shingles are your roof’s first line of defense. Look to see if you have large roof patches that have shingles that are curling in the corners, cracked, or missing altogether. In these cases, your roof can no longer protect you effectively. If your shingles are starting to lift or curl, it’s definitely a sign that it’s time to start thinking about replacing your roof.
In any case, if you have any questions about whether or not you need to replace your roof, don’t hesitate to contact professionals. They will be able to answer your questions and guide you towards the best solution for you.
