Something that’s ironically overlooked when purchasing a new house or renovating is the thing over your head — the roof! The roof needs to be replaced every 20 to 30 years, depending on the quality and environment.
Those living in the house at the time often miss certain signs that it’s time to get a new roof. These are 5 tell-tale indicators that you should be replacing your roof very soon.
1. The Roof Is Old Enough to Drink
Think back to when you bought your house. Do you remember how old the roof was when you purchased the home? If it’s been longer than 25 years, you should start looking into replacing your roof.
Rooves aren’t meant to outlast the house. They’re exposed to variable environments, like strong gusts or even earthquakes. Over time, they lose their resilience and require replacement.
Plan to redo your roof before its 30th birthday.
2. Dark Stains on the Ceiling
This is often a disastrous sign, and it can spring up at any time. It means there’s a leak.
Water is seeping through wherever it’s coming from and leaving stains above your head. This may be a leak within your house’s plumbing if it’s a two-story or has more levels. However, if your home is a ranch-style house, then the water is coming from outside.
This can only happen when there’s a leak in the roof.
3. Nature’s Reclaiming Your Roof
You should periodically check the top of your roof for algae, moss, and other growths.
You might be able to get away with sweeping it away, but if there’s extensive coverage, it could spell devastation. Plants creep their way into structures and ruin their integrity. Growth of this expanse could put untold strain on your roof.
Attempt clearing away any growth with pesticides or abrasive cleaning. If it’s too extensive, you may have to replace that section of the roof. Hire an inspection company to make that judgment.
4. It’s Raining Shingles
Watch your head!
When shingles are falling off your roof, it’s usually a sign of age. The adhesive attaching the shingles to the roof is at its failing point.
You should consider reshingling your roof. But this is a sign of a very old roof; it might be in your best interest to replace it altogether.
5. If You Can See Sunshine, Get a New Roof
This is a glaring (literally) problem. If your roof has beams of sunshine flowing through the ceiling, your roof has reached its expiration date.
Having a gaping exposure to the elements can cause more than interior damage. This is a potential health risk because rodents and other pests can easily make their way into your home.
A rule of thumb: if you can see sunshine, get a new roof.
You’re Under a New Roof
Rooves are typically overlooked when purchasing a home. There’s also very little thought into replacing them periodically. It should be done every 2-3 decades.
If your ceiling has staining, your shingles are covered in moss or are falling off, or if you can see the sunshine through the ceiling- it’s time for a new roof.
Interested in renovating your home? Check out our other articles on more home improvement ideas.
