When Roofing Replacement Is The Best Option

If you think about it, your roof is under a lot of different stress throughout its life. Your roof must cope with high winds, rain, snow, and excess heat in the summer with continual exposure. With so many challenges it must endure, a roof will need regular maintenance to continue protecting you and your home from the elements. In the event of a failing roof, the least expensive option is to have the roof repaired, but sometimes this isn’t the best course of action. So, when is getting the roof replaced the best option?

Excessive Moisture in the House

If you notice a single small leak, your roof may need repairing by replacing some old or torn shingles. However, if you see significant water present in your home following a storm, this could indicate several leaks. Unfortunately, once your roof develops multiple leaks, it becomes increasingly challenging to repair rather than replace it.

Water leaks, when left unpatched, can increase in size, creating critical damage to your home. In some cases, materials like insulation and framing are beyond repair and require replacements to ensure structural support and safety. The following damage to your home can occur with moist seeping into the house from a compromised roof:

• Wet or ruined insulation
• Discolored water stains on walls or ceiling
• Damaged walls or ceiling
• Wet drywall
• Wood rot in the framing and roof structure
• Wood warping

Rain isn’t the only concern for leaking, as snow can also create challenges for an aging roof. When the snow melts and freezes again along the top, it can form dams made of ice. These ice dams can push up underneath shingles creating leaks. Unfortunately, unlike a rainstorm where a leak could quickly be identified, ice wouldn’t melt right away and could produce water damage later on.

Heavy Storm Damage

Throughout the country, various weather conditions can wreak havoc on the life of a roof. Severe thunderstorms can carry heavy rain, hail, and damaging wind gusts that have the power to rip shingles right off the roof. Hail storms can leave millions of minor dents in the shingles that can contribute to additional damage and leaking.

In tornado-prone or hurricane-prone areas, the effects on the roof of a home can be even more significant. You should always perform a visual inspection of your roof following a violent storm. If you notice any shingles missing or find shingles on the ground around the home, you need to replace them immediately. Even a few shingles missing can lead to leaking and water damage within the house. A professional roof contractor can replace a few shingles in a matter of minutes, even in difficult-to-reach areas with steep slopes.

Once the weather has significantly compromised the roof, there’s no amount of repair that can bring it back. Since the roof provides both the home and occupants protection from the elements and comprises a vital component to the structure, it becomes unsafe not to replace the roof.

End of Lifespan

Another aspect to consider regarding your roof is its age. A roof, no matter how well it’s installed and maintained, won’t last forever. There are places on a roof where you can identify the years that have taken their toll. For example, shingles that appear uneven with warped edges or odd curls signal a roof near its end. Shingles that appear smooth without the sandy coating each one comes with are another sign that your aging roof might need replacement.

Other issues that confirm an aging roof needs attention are discoloration, algae, and moss formation. When you notice discoloration, this could be due to fading following ultraviolet exposure over several years. A quick look and many roofing contractors can identify an old roof by its level of discoloration. To identify algae is present, there are signs such as dark-colored streaks that form across the surface. While initially, these streaks only affect the roof’s appearance, left untreated, they can lead to damaged shingles.

Moss formation carries with it another danger. Moss holds moisture and the presence of significant moss increases the weight placed on the roof. Not only does moss add further strain on the home, but it also puts water in continual contact with the roof, which can lead to leaking.

Finally, the date your roof was installed also helps determine whether it needs replacing as a typical lifespan is between 20 and 30 years. After two or three decades, your roof has earned its retirement and requires immediate replacement before significant problems begin to develop.

Recognize When it’s Time to Consult a Roofing Specialist

With all the strains a roof is under, it’s no wonder they need replacing now and then. Moisture seeping into the house, storm damage, and age all contribute to roof wear and tear. The best option for homeowners is to contact a licensed professional roofing company and have their home evaluated by experts who can recognize all the signs of an ineffective roof.

You can search online for roofing replacement Arlington and discover the local services available to help you decide the next step. Unfortunately, with a damaged or aging roof, you’re going to have problems the next time a storm moves through your area. It’s essential to act now and get a resolution to the issue before any more of your home becomes compromised. Schedule an inspection with a licensed specialist and have them describe the condition of your roof in terms of age, damage, and possible leaks.

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