For most homeowners, there isn’t too much thought given to the literal roof on top of your home. While it’s often a silent worker that goes unnoticed – once it shows signs of wear or breaks down you’ll find yourself wondering if you should repair or replace it.
Chances are if you’ve been living in your home for a while, it is likely that you’ll need a new roof at some point. It can still be difficult to truly know when the time comes. Here are 3 signs that it may be time to get a new roof:
1. Shingles are buckling or blistering.
If your shingles are buckling or blistering, it’s probably because of improper installation. In this case, the roofer may have used a poor adhesive that can’t withstand extreme heat or didn’t properly cover the roof before laying down new shingles. Whatever the reason, if your shingles are curling up at the edges and cracking apart, this is a sign that a new roof is needed. Keep in mind that shingles also age and wear out over time and can become brittle and crack or curl. Once this happens, water may seep into your house, which can cause further damage to the wood underneath.
2. You discover algae growth on your roof.
If you see green or black spots on your roof, it could be algae. Algae are often found in moist areas like rooftops, where they can spread quickly without being noticed until it’s too late. Algae growth is caused by water damage to your roof and/or poor ventilation. If you’ve had a leaky roof or neglected to clean the gutters regularly, then algae may have taken hold of the area where moisture is collecting on your home’s shingles. The best way to prevent this from happening again is by keeping up with maintenance tasks like cleaning rain gutters and checking for leaks regularly.
3. Dark stains appear on your ceiling or attic.
Dark stains appear on your ceiling or attic. This is a sign that water is leaking into your home. This needs to be repaired immediately before mold begins forming in the walls and ceilings of your house; if you don’t notice it soon enough, then mold could start growing inside those areas too!
You might not think about your roof as often as you do the insides of your home, but it’s important to keep an eye on it. Water damage and mold are by far the most common issues that arise when roofs aren’t maintained properly; they may seem like minor nuisances when they first appear, but they have the potential to cause major damage if left untreated for too long.
If you don’t want to deal with these sorts of headaches down the road (and who does?), take some time now and schedule some inspections with a professional roofer. They’ll be able to let you know whether or not it’s time for repairs and give recommendations about how to best go about fixing whatever problems might be affecting your roof.
We hope that our tips have helped you better understand what to look for when deciding if you need a new roof. If you’re not sure whether your roof needs replacing, we recommend calling a professional for an inspection. Brodeur Roofing provides professional services for roofing, siding, and more. We proudly service Southeastern Connecticut and surrounding areas. Licensed and Insured.