The sky’s the limit if you have a roof over your head — or so the saying goes. Keep your outlook bright and your house and family safe by understanding how to spot a roof that isn’t up to par and needs to be replaced.
First things first: Has your roof reached its expiration date?
The type of roofing material used plays a big role in how often a roof needs to be replaced. So a great place to start is by determining what type of roof you have and how long you’ve had it.
Here’s a quick breakdown on how long common types of roofing materials are meant to last:
- Cedar Roof: 15-20 years
- Tile Roof: Can last up to 100 years!
- Composition Shingles: 12-20 years
- Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years
- Wood Shingles: 20-25 years
- Metal Roofs: 50-75 years
The exact lifespan of your roof will depend on how well its installed and maintained — and this is where problems arise. No matter what type of roof you have or how long it’s been in place, be on the lookout for signs that your roof is having trouble and can no longer keep your home safe and dry.
Water leaks and visible holes
If water starts pouring down on your head, then obviously you have a problem. But leaks in your roof are often much more subtle. Your attic typically takes the brunt of the leak and can only be discovered by crawling up and inspecting the area.
No matter how small the leak, over time you’ll likely start to notice severe water damage signs like…
- Peeling or bubbling paint
- Musty smell
- Increase in pests
- Soggy carpet
- Disintegrating wood
Even if you can’t find water leaks in the home, you may notice holes in your roof. This is a recipe for disaster and as soon as the next rainy day hits, you’ll be in big trouble.
Deteriorating siding
Many people don’t realize that a leaky, problematic roof can cause issues with their siding. Keep an eye out for stained, peeling, or bubbling exterior paint. This will probably be especially noticeable around the roofline.
Broken, cracked, or warped shingles
Examine your roof shingles from the ground — how do they look? Keep an eye out for changes in their appearance or things that just don’t look normal.
This might include:
- Staining or other changes in color
- Curled or cupped appearance (known as warping)
- Cracks and chips
- Broken or completely missing shingles
Bald spots and granules
Another easy sign that there are problems afoot is bare spots on your shingles. When your shingles are old or not maintained, they’ll start to deteriorate, causing large bald-looking spots.
You may also notice small pieces of shingles (similar to coarse dust or sand) scattered on your roof. Not good! If you notice this, get your roof inspected quickly.
Moss and mold
We’re no strangers to moss here in the Pacific Northwest. While its bright green and fuzzy appearance can be pretty, it’s Trouble with a capital “T” when it makes its home on your roof!
Moss and other mold and fungi growth is a sign of a moisture problem. Additionally, left to run wild, moss can start to crack, chip, and damage your roof. It’s important to get any moss removed from your roof on a regular basis and have your roof inspected to make sure the moss isn’t a sign of a bigger issue.
Higher energy bills
Did you know your roof plays an important part in keeping your home warm during the winter and cool in the summer? A properly-functioning roof acts as an insulator against the elements. When it’s old and not working as it should, you’ll feel the affects!
You may also begin to notice an increase in your utility bills as your AC or heat has to work harder to compensate.
Your roof just looks bad
Perhaps one of the most noticeable signs that your roof is in trouble is whether or not you like the way it looks! An old, damaged roof drastically changes the overall appearance and curb appeal of your home.
If you’re unhappy with the way your roof looks, chances are it’s old, worn, and in need of a facelift.
Is it time for a new roof? Schedule an inspection to find out
We recommend scheduling a roof inspection every year — especially for Oregon homeowners who have to deal with a fair amount of rain. This will ensure you spot any issues early and can help you avoid a full replacement earlier than necessary.
There’s really no reason not to have this inspection done on a regular basis. Here at Fivecoat Roofing, we’re proud to offer roof inspections to homeowners throughout the Hillsborough area.
When you call us…
- We’ll schedule you for an inspection within 48 hours
- Your inspection will be free
- You don’t need to be home when we come by
Once we’ve completed your roof inspection, we’ll provide you with a detailed report on the condition of your roof, clearly outlining the steps you can take to restore your roof to its top condition. However, there’s never any obligation on using our services.
We’re here to help
Proper workmanship and installation is the single most important component in ensuring that a roof will last through its lifespan. So if you’ve discovered that your roof does need to be replaced, then make sure you hire a trusted, experienced roofing contractor.
As a family owned and operated business, we take our job very seriously. We use the highest quality, name-brand products from the roofing industry’s leading manufacturers. Plus, we offer a 10-year workmanship warranty.
When you choose Fivecoat Roofing, you can feel confident that your roof will be installed properly and protect your home and family for years to come.
