If you’ve been in your home for quite some time, or you’ve recently purchased an older home, you may be wondering how soon you’ll need to replace the roof. If you don’t know exactly when the roof was originally installed, it can be hard to know when it needs replaced based on age alone.
Luckily, there are some tell-tale signs that your roof is failing and needs to be replaced. Let’s take a look at the five most common warning signs:
Sign #1: Visible Damage
Obvious damage to your roof is easy to see and a clear sign it may be time for a new roof. If your roof has experienced severe damage due to environmental factors, it is probably best to replace the whole thing rather than fix only some areas. Damage due to wind, ice, hail, or large branches can be severe and require more than just new shingles. Structural repairs may be necessary and if this is the case, a Maryland roofing company may suggest you replace the roofing system as a whole.
Sign #2: Worn Shingles
Cracked, sun worn, and stripped shingles are another sign your roof may need to be replaced. Shingle damage can happen over time, and when only a handful of shingles are damaged, they can easily be repaired without a full replacement. But when the majority or all of your shingles are worn and damaged, it’s time to replace the roof. As shingles wear, they can begin to curl at the edges, and the rough granules on them may begin to fall off, leaving the shingles bare.
Sign #3: Dark Spots
Large, dark spots on your roof can be a sign of failure caused by excess moisture. These spots are commonly moss and/or algae growths that thrive in the moist conditions of your faulty roof. In some cases, these dark spots can be treated and the moss and algae can stop growing, but in others, there is simply too much moisture contained within the roofing system, making replacement the more effective option.
Sign #4: Major Leaks
If you’ve found leaks throughout your attic, it may be time for a new roof. While a single leak can be common and easily fixed by a professional, several leaks can signal a bigger problem with the integrity of your roof. If you suspect you have several leaks, it is important to work with a professional roofer to determine whether your roof is salvageable or whether you should simply replace the entire system.
Sign #5: Old Age
If you do happen to know when your roof was originally installed or last replaced, you may not need to see visible damage to know that it’s time for a new roofing system. Residential roofs are typically built to last 15-20 years, so replacement is vital once it reaches this age. If you live in a townhome or condominium, a neighbor or nearby homeowner might be able to tell you when your roof was installed, as it is common for roofing services to be performed on multiple homes in a neighborhood around the same time.
Replace Your Roofing System with Platinum Exteriors
Replacing the roof is task that most homeowners dread, but it’s necessary in order to help you avoid costly leaks and other damage that can be a financial burden in itself to repair. By working with a trustworthy and professional Maryland roofing contractor, you can rest easy knowing that your home and the people inside of it are safely protected. Platinum Exteriors is a trusted roofing company with many years of experience in providing homeowners with updated, high-quality roof replacements. Give us a call today to learn more.
