How to Know Your Roof Needs Replacing
Basic steps to make sure this is the best choice for you
According to the National Association of Home Builders:
- If you have a wood shake roof, you can expect it to last about 30 years.
- Fiber cement shingles can last about 25 years.
- Asphalt shingle roofs for about 20 years.
- If you own a home in an area with extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, snow, and hail, you can expect a shorter lifespan for your roof.
Bottomline, there are many factors that can lead to your roof needing to be replaced no matter the material utilized, the key is to make sure you are taking the necessary steps to be informed and make the right choice for you (and your home).
Factors such as…
Aging
Determining how long a brand new roof will last all depends on the roofing materials used. Asphalt shingle roofs generally last 15-30 years. When you inspect your roof shingles, see if you have curling or cracked shingles. If you do, this may be a good sign that you’ll need a roof replacement in the near future. When shingles are cracked or curled, this allows water to seep inside the roofing structure leading to rot and mold. If you see these signs, it’s a good idea to call a roofing contractor like TruBlue Roofing and Remodeling right away before the damage becomes severe.
Here’s how you can test whether your roof needs replacement: Do this on a moderate temperature day because extreme temperatures tend to make asphalt shingles more brittle than usual. With a putty knife, pry a shingle by gently bending the shingle up. If it breaks or cracks, then you’ll know it’s time for a new roof.
Windy Conditions
North Carolina is one of those states that suffer hurricane damage on almost a yearly basis. If it’s not a hurricane, it could be a tornado or severe thunderstorm. With these conditions, gusty winds are the main culprit for roof damage during storms. When a roof shingle pulls up due to wind, this allows water to seep into the roof structure and cause water damage as well as mold. When the deck of the roof suffers water damage and rotting, this requires roof replacement.
Rain, Snow, and Ice
Missing or torn shingles lead to water dripping through the roof. This water damage can seep into your insulation, ceilings, and electrical wiring. Like rain, snow can melt and seep through the roof’s soft (rotten) spots, causing mold and rotting. Also, snow and ice dam at roof
overhangs when ice melts and refreezes. This can also block gutters and back up water beneath the shingles.
You can most likely spot water damage at flashing points like the one around the chimney or dormer windows. If you have leaks in more than one flashing point, then your roof may need replacement.
Temperature Fluctuation
North Carolina is the land of ups and downs temperature-wise. You could have one week of 70+ degree weather in winter and then the next week it’s 30 degrees. When this happens, condensation and moisture can build up between the attic air and outside air.
Once you realize your roof has damage, it’s time to contact a roofing contractor to repair or replace your roof. After you’ve found a few contractors to interview for the job, ask for a roof estimate. To learn about roofing estimates, check out our “What You Can Expect from a Roof Estimate” article. It gives you a detailed explanation of the roofing estimate process along with tips for what to be on the lookout for in an estimate.
If you’re planning to file a roofing insurance claim for a damaged roof, then check out our article
“Top Roofing Insurance Claim Mistakes.”
Now that you know the signs of roof damage, you’ll be able to make a better informed decision
when you do contact a roofing company.
TruBlue Roofing and Remodeling has many years of experience repairing residential and commercial roofs.
Please contact us today for a quote at (919) 589-7290.
