Key Signs That It May Be Time for a Roof Replacement
Budget Home Supply • May 5, 2020
Wondering when is the right time to repair or replace that roof? Here’s how to find out.
The Roof is Over 10 Years Old
While a roof may last up to 25 years before it requires a full replacement, homeowners need to start looking for signs of wear and tear after about 10 years of age. Regardless of ostensible damage, roofing technology has improved immensely in recent years, and many older roofs will be made with materials that will be considered unsatisfactory by today’s standards. Anybody who isn’t sure if their roof is up to snuff should talk to an expert at a local Boulder lumber yard
to find out more.
Taking the time to thoroughly inspect the roof on an annual basis can help prevent little issues from becoming big issues. Keep in mind that sometimes a roof that is in desperate need of replacement will look perfectly fine when viewed from the ground with the naked eye, so homeowners need to be sure to commit to staying on top of the condition of their roof. This is especially true if the current roof has been installed over the foundation of a previously laid roof.
If neighbors whose houses were built in the same era have already replaced or have started replacing their roofs, this is a good sign that it is time to do the same. Reaching out to local home improvement stores in Boulder
is one of the best ways to find out more.
Things to Look for on an Indoor Inspection
When it comes to inspecting a roof, the most efficient way to go about it is to start inside. If no red flags come up on the indoor inspection, homeowners can then move on to the full outdoor inspection.
Grab a flashlight and head up to the attic, or find an area of the home where the inside of the roof is fully visible and then start to look for any of the following warning signs.
Leaks or Moisture
One of the first things to look for is the presence of drips, water buildup, or moisture on or under the bottom of the roof. Dampness from a leaking roof will not only put the entire integrity of the foundation of the home at risk but can lead to wood rot, mold, rust and air quality issues in the home.
Needless to say, leaks are a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately in order to prevent the damage from spreading. This is just one of the many reasons that it is so important for homeowners to take the time to inspect their roofs on a regular basis.
Stains or Discoloration
Another telltale sign that a roof is failing to successfully keep the outdoors out is the presence of dark or light-colored stains, stripes or spots. While not as obvious as the presence of moisture, discoloration signifies that water and other materials can and have leaked into the inside of the roof. Keep in mind that the same rules also apply to the outside of the roof as well.
Should a homeowner notice the inside of their roof is discolored in any way, they should contact one of their local home improvement stores in Boulder to decide on the next steps to take.
Light Shining Through
A roof that is in good condition should not be letting any light sneak through its surface. If beams of light are leaking through the cracks of the roof, this means that the integrity of the roof itself is in question. If light can get through, so can water, not to mention cold or warm outdoor temperatures that will rack up a homeowner’s energy bills.
The best way to catch this type of problem is to make sure to perform the inspection during the daylight hours and be sure to block off all other sources of light, like windows, in order to avoid confusion.
Moving on to an Outdoor Inspection
Deformed Shingles
Shingle issues are one of the most obvious signs that a roof needs to be repaired or replaced.
Any type of abnormalities, including curling, bending, or the appearance of cracks signifies that it is time to call up a local specialist in lumber in Boulder to find out more. Sometimes deformities can indicate signs of wind damage or that the roof might require extra reinforcement.
If shingles are shedding their granules either around the yard or in the gutter, this also means that they are wearing out and due for replacement.
Cracking
Cracks in the roof might appear on the outside of the roof, or they might be more visible from the inside. Thus, it is important to watch for breaking or cracking on either side of the roof when it is being inspected.
Be sure to pay extra attention to any areas that might have flashing installed, like chimneys, skylights and vents, for example. Keep in mind that cement-based systems are now considered outdated, and a local specialist in lumber in Boulder can help homeowners find a new, superior all-in-one solution.
After noticing a crack, try to trace where it leads to in order to discover the origin of the problem. If the source is unclear, call up one of the local home improvement stores in Boulder for help.
Exposed Nails
If nails are sticking out from the top or base of the roof, this might be an indicator of warped shingles, leaks, cracks or other underlying issues. In some cases, it just signifies a poor quality installation job, which can be remedied with the help of local home improvement stores in Boulder.
Keep in mind that when inspecting a roof, heavy-duty gloves and proper protective gear is a must. Exposed nails can easily lead to injury or tetanus exposure.
Rot or Growth
Obviously a rotting roof is a thing that homeowners dread to discover, but the sooner the problem is detected, the better.
Mold, dampness, discoloration or any kind of plant or fungal growth can all be signs that there may be an underlying rot issue, so if a homeowner notices any of these red flags, they should reach out to some local hardwood store in Boulder right away to find out more.
The Takeaway
The better prepared that homeowners are to detect issues with their roof, the less that they can inspect to shell out in the long run.
When it comes to all matter roofing, local home improvement stores in Boulder
are there to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out to find out more.
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