Roofs are an integral part of every house. Though you’d like them to last forever, the truth is that roofs eventually need replacing. You can do what you can to maintain your roof so it will last a long time, but sooner or later you might see signs of wear and tear.
How will you know when it’s time for a roof replacement?
#1 Consider The Age:
Generally, the average service life of a typical roof is about 20 to 30 years. Asphalt shingle roofs may last about 30 years, while others, like slate or natural stone, can last up to 50 years or more. The age of the roof is one of the main ways a person knows when it’s time for replacement. Consider the material of your roof, and its overall age. If you were told, “You can expect this to last for X number of years,” and the time is nearly up, then it’s a good time to consider roof replacement.
#2 A Large Number Of Missing Shingles:
Due to storms, roof shingles might get blown off. If 2 or 3 shingles are missing, they can be repaired and replaced. However, when you observe that several shingles are missing, this is an indicator that it is time for a roof replacement. When the shingles are missing from a particular section or region of the roof, it exposes the underlying protective layer to changing climatic conditions. Without the support of the shingles, the underlying layer will gradually lose its functional efficiency. This loss of efficiency will lead to severe damages to the roof which are probably beyond repair, and you would therefore have to replace your roof.
#3 Uncontrolled Growth Of Moss And Mildew:
When the roof is not well-maintained, water (due to rainfall, snow, and hail storms) collects in the nooks and corners of the roof. This stagnant water becomes a suitable place for moss and mildew to grow. If this condition of the roof is ignored for a long time, the moss and mildew will retain water, causing damage to the interior of the house, including its ceiling and walls. While inspecting the roof, if you see that the entire roof is covered with moss or mildew and observe water stains on the ceiling and walls, then it is the right time to get the roof replaced.
#4 Shingle Problems:
When inspecting the roof, if you come across shingles that have curled up, are broken, cracked in between, or have bulged out, then they are not in the proper condition to provide effective protection to the house. Such shingles won’t serve any purpose. Rather, they would help destroy the condition of the underlying roofing area and cause damages that are quite expensive to repair. So when you observe that the shingles are not in good condition, get your roof replaced.
Summary:
If you’re like most people you don’t think too much about your roof and you don’t consider yourself a roofing expert. That said, you might see signs that make you wonder, “Is it time for a roof replacement?” If and when you start to think that might be the case, give Arko Companies a call to ask for their expert opinion. Call Arko at 763-434-2756 for more information.