Your roof acts as the first line of defense against the elements, which is especially important during the cold winter months. But, as it ages, you might begin to notice signs that you need a new roof. It is absolutely essential that you catch these signs early to keep your loved ones safe from the elements while protecting the interior of your home.
At Lifetime Roofing, we understand how important prompt response to an aging roof can be. We also understand how detrimental it can be to ignore the signs of an aging roof. If you believe you might need a new roof but aren’t sure what signs indicate this, keep reading to see what our experts recommend looking out for.
The Importance of Replacing a Damaged Roof
Replacing a damaged roof is important for maintaining your home’s structural integrity and keeping your loved ones safe. Your roof serves as the first line of defense against the elements, preventing water from leaking into your home and causing more internal damage, mold growth, and compromised structural components.
In addition to protecting your family against environmental factors, a well-maintained roof contributes to your home’s overall energy efficiency. It acts as a seal, preventing air from escaping your space. Neglecting roof damage may lead to more extensive and costly repairs. Additionally, it may cause damage to parts of your home that were initially unaffected.
Finally, a damaged roof may significantly impact the appearance of your home. If you are hoping to improve your curb appeal or want to sell your home, it is essential to address damage and schedule appropriate replacements as soon as possible. Addressing damage when you need a new roof is the best way to preserve the longevity of your home, keep your loved ones safe, and prevent more long-term, financially harmful damage.
Signs You Need a New Roof
1. Your Roof is Old
Depending on your roofing material of choice, your roof may have a lifespan of 15 to 30 years. Whether you’ve never replaced your roof before or your roof is several decades old, you might need a new roof. If you’ve just moved into your home and you aren’t sure how old your roof is, you might be able to spot visible signs of age, such as granule loss, shingle loss, or sagging. It is always best to replace your roof if you believe it is approaching the end of its lifespan.
2. Shingles are Damaged
One of the easiest ways to determine that you need a new roof is by checking for signs of visible damage, including cracked or curling shingles. Damaged shingles indicate that your roof will struggle to protect your home from the elements. As you ignore these signs of visible damage to your roof, you may notice water infiltration in your attic and other parts of your home, leading to much more costly damage. If the damage to the shingles is localized, you might be able to simply schedule repairs to the area. However, more substantial damage across the roof requires a full replacement.
3. You Notice Sagging
As the first line of defense against the elements, the structural integrity of your roof is crucial. If you begin to notice one or more portions of your roof sagging, this is an indication that the structural components of your roof are compromised, and you will certainly need a new roof. When you notice this sagging, it is essential that you reach out to your trusted roofing professional as soon as possible. They can help support the roof while you wait for a replacement and ultimately save you from even more costly and harmful damage to your home.
4. It’s Leaking
Some signs that you need a new roof aren’t so apparent from the outside of your home. Instead, you might want to take a look inside. If you notice water stains on your walls extending from the ceiling, this might indicate a leak in your roof. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to replace the entire roof, it is an indication that there is a problem with the roof. As soon as you notice the leak, it is best to reach out to your roofing professional. They can come out to inspect your roof and the leak and determine if the problem is minor or if you need to schedule a roof replacement.
5. There is Moss or Algae Growth
While it might seem harmless at first, moss and algae growth across your roof can lead to even more substantial damage as it grows. Moss and algae trap water, which can quickly lead to roof decay and a reduction of its lifespan. If you have only just noticed this moss and algae growth, cleaning your roof might be sufficient enough to protect it from more substantial damage. However, if this moss and algae have been present for quite some time, it might be best to schedule a roof inspection to determine the extent of the damage. At this inspection, your professional can help you determine if you need a new roof to keep your loved ones safe.
6. Your Energy Efficiency Declined
Your roof plays a major role in the energy efficiency of your home. If you have recently noticed an uptick in your monthly energy bill, this might indicate that there is a problem with the insulation and ventilation of your roof, and you may need a new roof. Once you’ve replaced your roof, you might even find that your energy bill is lower than it had been prior to the replacement. While it might be a significant upfront cost, replacing your roof will save you money in the long run and is a worthwhile investment.
Calling a Professional if You Aren’t Sure if You Need a New Roof
If you are struggling to determine whether you need a new roof or minor repairs are a more appropriate approach, it is always best to reach out to a team of trusted professionals for help. Your trusted roofing professional can perform a thorough inspection, finding problems you might not have noticed and ultimately saving you much more money on costly roof and home repairs.
If you’ve noticed problems like leaks, it is best to reach out to your professional as soon as possible. Failure to address water infiltration can lead to mold and mildew growth in your home, which can be especially detrimental to immunocompromised individuals. It is best to avoid putting off roof inspections, as doing so will only cost you more money down the line.
Turn to the Professionals for Roof Replacement
If you need a new roof and you aren’t sure where to turn, finding a trustworthy roofing company is an essential first step. At Lifetime Roofing, our team of experts has years of experience repairing and replacing roofs on homes across the Northern Utah area. Whether you are interested in replacing old asphalt shingles or you want to try a new, more modern metal roof, we have the materials to deliver your most reliable roof. If you notice signs that you need a new roof, don’t put off scheduling. Contact us today and protect your loved ones from the harsh Utah elements.