In this guide from Same Day Pros, you’ll learn the signs your roof needs repair, as well as the answer to many other roof-related questions first-time homeowners ask.
Signs Your Roof Needs Repair
There are several signs of roof damage that could leave you calling a repair specialist, but unless you know about it, you won’t know to look for it. These are the most common signs your roof needs repair:
- Granule Collection
Over time, as the shingles wear out and UV rays, wind, and rain all take their toll on your roof, the fine asphalt granules can wear off. They don’t dissipate, however; they typically end up in your gutter, collected along the waterline in your yard, or collecting along the roofline. This can cause problems with the water flow if not maintained.
- Leaky Gutters
Leaky gutters are a sign that your gutter system either needs repair, or something about the roof and fascia isn’t allowing water to flow the way it is supposed to. If water isn’t routed into the gutter over the top of the shingles, it might be time to get a roof inspection done to determine the extent of the damage.
- Shingle Damage
Shingle damage is a very visible sign that your roof is damaged and needs repair. Damage to shingles include missing granules, cracks, chips, curling, fading, or areas that are missing shingles. All of these are signs your roof needs repair sooner rather than later before water damage becomes apparent.
- Water Damage or Sunlight in the Attic
One of the best places to look for damage along the roofline might be surprising. It isn’t above your home, like you might think, but inside the attic. If you can get into the attic and notice areas of water damage or sunlight shining through any part of the roofline, then you should seek a roof repair specialist immediately.
High Energy Usage
Every year, it seems like energy bills are going through the roof. The problem may actually be with the roof itself; a damaged roof lets out more heating and air conditioning than one that is properly sealed, which may lead to an increased usage. Keeping a record of your usage year-over-year is a good way to estimate how it changes, and whether there might be any problems with your home’s exterior structure.
Daylight Shining Through Roof
Climbing into your attic, if you notice any kind of sunlight shining through gaps in your roof deck, it means that the boards have shifted or that the shingles have been damaged in some way. If sunlight can get in, moisture and water can get in, as well as critters like mice and rats.
If you notice daylight or water damage in the attic, it’s a sure sign that your roof needs repair, and you should call a specialist as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to your home.
Damaged Chimney Flashing
For homes with a chimney, the joint that connects the chimney to the roof is covered with something known as flashing. This is often a metal or plastic casing that protects the joint from water damage at the base of the chimney. If you notice this flashing peeling up, or if it has holes or gaps in it, it’s important to have a roof repair specialist look at the affected area and determine the extent of the damage. Damaged chimney flashing can lead to water damage, and can provide an opportunity for critters like squirrels, mice, and racoons to move in.
Peeling External Paint
Some roofs are painted, and this paint isn’t your average exterior paint, but waterproofing and sealant specially designed to protect the roof from the elements as much as possible. If you notice peeling paint on your roof, it’s time to call a roof repair specialist, because your roof’s sealant needs attention. Neglecting your roof’s sealant can cause water damage, UV damage, and more susceptibility to storm damage.
Storm Damage
Heavy storms, wind, rain, and hail are all common causes of roof damage. Once the seasonal storms move through the area, it’s important to have your roof inspected thoroughly to ensure there isn’t any damage to the shingles or underlayment.
If you notice anything that isn’t easy to repair, such as a large branch through the roof deck or hail damage, it might be time for a full replacement. In many cases, however, it’s easy and cost effective to repair this type of damage in a roof that has been well maintained and is relatively new.
Your Roof is Over 20 Years Old
Whenever a roof is over 20 years old, it’s a good time to start thinking about a replacement. By this time, you might have a savings for your roof replacement, or you might be pricing roofers and seeing what you can move around in your budget to make it happen.
Because of the high cost, roofers will often allow you to pay in installments, but it’s important to read the terms carefully if you opt for this. Additionally, for those with a good credit score, taking out a home repair loan may be a viable option.
What is the Lifespan of a Roof?
When kept in good condition, a roof can last for decades. (1) Shingles may wear out over time, making it a necessity to get the roof replaced, but with prompt repairs and frequent maintenance and inspection, you can keep your roof going for 25 years or more.
While some types of roofs can potentially last 25 years, shingles do eventually age, bend, break, tear or simply fall apart.
– Forbes
Depending on the type of roof, it can last up to 50 years without replacement.
Wooden and asphalt roofs are the fastest to wear out, lasting about 10-20 years before they need to be replaced, while slate, tile, and copper roofs provide an exceptional 35-50 years of good home protection.
How Often Should Roof Be Replaced?
You should replace the roof as soon as you notice damage that either cannot be repaired or would not be cost effective to repair. This type of damage is typically caused by strong storms throwing debris onto the roof, or roofs that wear out or are neglected to the point of caving in.
Replacing the roof is a costly affair, and maintenance and repair should be done on the roof as soon as possible to ensure that the roof lasts as long as possible. Additionally, many roofs come with a warranty that cover repair or replacement of the roof if the damage is found to be due to faulty installation by an authorized roofer, or due to the design or material itself.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof?
In the United States, it typically costs around $8,000 to replace an asphalt shingled roof. The actual cost will depend on the square footage of the home, how many peaks it has, and how high the roof’s pitch is. Homeowners with larger homes that have two or more roof peaks may be looking at an $11,000 cost to replace the roof with asphalt shingling.
For alternative roof materials or additional roofing work, the cost may be even higher, as other materials are more difficult to install, require more time and labor to install, and may cost more as a base product.
Slate, tile, solar roofing, and green roofing are all popular roof materials that cost more, but increase the curb appeal and value of the home significantly more than asphalt.
What is Included in Roof Replacement?
Roofing companies are not unanimous in what they offer, so it is always recommended to shop around and see what kind of work each company does and which offer best suits your needs.
When a roof is replaced, the shingles are stripped from the deck, and the deck is inspected. If additional repair is needed to the deck, then it may be included, but it is often an additional charge to the work.
Once the shingles are stripped and disposed of, the roofers will lay new tile on the deck, providing a complete makeover for the roof and ensuring that it is properly waterproofed and storm-ready.
Typically, fascia is included for any area of the roof that has vents or chimneys for additional waterproofing. New guttering and soffit fitting is not typically included, but may be offered at a discounted price.
Find a Roof Repair Specialist Today
It can be difficult to find a new contractor, especially if you are a new homeowner unsure of how to look for professional help when you need it most to keep your home in good repair. Roof repair is a time-sensitive job, often necessary before the next big rainstorm comes through to prevent water damage.
At Same Day Pros, we can help you find a roof repair specialist today, no matter where you are located. We help thousands of searchers find their Pros whenever they need them, wherever they need them – all at no cost to you.
Simply search your repair service or visit one of our top choices and type in your location, and you’ll be able to find pros in your area who are able to take your project on almost immediately. Skip the word-of-mouth referrals and lengthy contractor searches and get straight to comparing quotes and company guarantees.
References:
- Forbes, Signs You Need a New Roof, https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/exterior/signs-you-need-new-roof/
