How to Determine When A Home Needs a New Roof

Sooner or later, every home needs a new roof. That’s why every homeowner needs to know the condition of their existing roof and how long they can expect it to last. When selecting materials for a new roof, it’s essential to know the lifespan of the different options available. If you live in a place with extreme weather conditions such as South Florida, you need the advice of an expert to get the most out of your roof. Below is roofing 101 for homeowners.

When to Replace a Roof?

The greatest gift a homeowner can give their home is a regular roof inspection every year. For example, people who live in South Florida should get a roof inspection before hurricane season to prepare for the possibility of weathering conditions of high wind and heavy downpours. Once hurricane season is over, another inspection should be done, to account for any damage that may have been caused by the hurricane.

Regular inspections will alert a homeowner of any damages to their roof, and allow them to deal with their repairs quickly. Inspections can prevent a small problem from becoming a larger one that might significantly shorten the lifespan of a roof and cause costly structural damage. A professional roofer will advise when it’s time to replace a roofing system. By having regular inspections, a homeowner is not caught unaware and unprepared for this situation. An inspection report may indicate that current roofing conditions are satisfactory but may suggest a roof replacement in the upcoming months. Inspections empower homeowners with more time to gather their resources, and also do their research on the type of roof they would like to have installed in the future.

7 Signs A New Roof is Needed

Numerous red flags can signal roof replacement is required. Therefore, it’s important to remember these seven warning signs:

Age: A typical roofing system has a lifespan of 20-25 years. Certain factors can affect this, such as how many layers of shingles are in place or living in an area of severe weather.

Curls & Buckles: Stand back and take a good look at your roof. If you notice shingles that are curled or buckled, you probably need a new roof. To do their job correctly, shingles need to be laying flush and flat against the underlying membrane.

Faded Valleys: Rain will wear out shingles in roof valleys earlier than the shingles installed on flat planes. Erosion of shingle granules occurs faster as rainfall is funneled through valleys into the home’s gutter system.

Bare Spots: Bare spots that indicate missing shingles are a sure sign it’s time to replace the roof.

Flashings: Flashings require water-tight seals around their fittings. If these substances have aged past the point of proper performance, it’s likely the rest of a home’s roofing materials have as well.

Gutter Granules: Examine water runoff from gutter spouts. If it’s gritty with shingle granules, your roof’s topmost protective barrier has aged past its prime and is slowly washing away.

Daylight in the Attic: Take a trip up to the attic and turn off the lights. If sunlight is peeking through tiny cracks and crevices, that means water can intrude. It may already have intruded, and a spongy, damp mess could be lurking in attic insulation.

Ask a Professional Roofing Company

With so many choices, it can be overwhelming for a homeowner to know what is right for their home. After all, it may seem wise to invest in concrete, clay, or slate. However, these materials are much heavier than composite shingles. A consultation with Gustafson Roofing, Inc can help you determine if an existing roof can handle the weight of a transition from shingles to something like slate. To schedule a roof inspection, contact us today, and our experts can help you select the perfect roofing option for your home in South Florida.