Roof damage isn’t always visible. There are many areas on your roof that you can’t see from the ground and damage to these areas can go overlooked, often to the owners detriment. Yet many homeowners will forgo maintenance and inspections for years until a visible problem appears. By then, it’s often too late. This is why most insurance and warranties require regular maintenance and inspections. It’s much less expensive to repair a leak than replace a roof because a leak was neglected for too long. Yearly inspections and prompt repairs are key to extending your roofs life for years to come.
However, there are times where replacing a roof makes more sense than constantly repairing it. While leaking roofs can be a strong indicator that a roof may need to be replaced, it is hardly the only sign. For instance, it is important to consider the age of a roof when problems occur, roofs are designed to last as long as possible but not all roofs last as long as others. Each year past it’s expected life expectancy can mean increased risks to your home. Many warning signs, if caught early, can mean the difference in repairing or replacing the roof but if your roof is older, you may want to consider the costs of replacement vs the burden of constantly repairing your aging roof.
Here are some signs to look out for:
Missing, torn, or old shingles
Torn or missing shingles can open your roof up to water damage and rot, as well as allowing shingles nearby to be blown off by winds. Old shingles will curl and split, negating any waterproofing protection. Left alone, it is only a matter of time before the leaks start.
Missing or Rusted Flashing
Flashing is the metal that surrounds the valleys where roof sections meet as well as around chimneys, vent pipes, and skylights. These exist to protect weaker areas from water, if missing or rusted, they aren’t able to protect these areas and roof leaks are imminent.
Decayed or Damaged Gutters & Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are extremely critical to a healthy roof, while keeping these free of debris, take a look at what’s in them, finding scraps of roofing or paint chips could indicate a problem with the roof. If found, it is important to have the roof inspected as soon as possible as even the smallest problems can become the biggest headaches if left untreated.
Indoors, peeling wallpaper, cracked paint or discolored plasterboard can indicate hidden leaks that otherwise may have gone unnoticed. Leaks aren’t always obvious and the earlier they are caught the better, but even if your roof isn’t leaking (yet), it could be time to replace it before the leaks start and the damage grows beyond the roof. The best way to know if it’s time to replace your aging roof is to have it professorially inspected, Atlanta Roofing Specialists will be able to clearly explain your situation and if roof replacement is right for you.
If your roof begins failing, your entire house is at risk. From the foundation to the ceilings, a failing roof has the potential to destroy the very thing it’s designed to protect. Like car tires, you can patch your roof and it may work but after a while, the materials break down and the risk for disaster becomes unavoidable. Avoid disaster caused by negligence, have your roof inspected by Atlanta Roofing Specialists today!