Your home is your haven. It should be a safe, cozy space that protects you and your loved ones from the elements. When bad weather arrives, the last thing you want to deal with is a leaking or otherwise damaged roof.
If you aren’t sure about your roof’s condition or whether it might be time for a replacement, here is a short list of warning signs to look out for, courtesy of Craftech Roofing in Denver, Colorado.
- The Age Of Your Roof
- Signs Of Weather Damage
- Cracked Or Sagging Ceiling
- Missing Shingles
- Damaged Flashing & Gutters
The Age Of Your Roof
How long a roof should last depends on its type as well as climate and weather conditions. Those constructed of newer and more durable materials like tile, metal, and slate can last for up to 50 years, while wood shake is likely to need replacing after 25-30 years.
Composition or asphalt shingle roofs have a shorter average life span of 15 to 20 years. Regardless of what type of roof you have, the older it is, the more likely you need to replace it — preferably before catastrophe strikes.
Signs Of Weather Damage
Wind, rain, and snow can all wreak havoc on your home. Wind can cause loose or broken shingles to be blown off altogether. Curling shingles allow rain or melting snow to penetrate underneath. Inside your home, water spots on the ceiling are a telltale sign of a leaking roof.
Visible mold, whether on the house exterior where the top meets the wall or inside near the ceiling, is another indication that you may need a replacement.
Cracked Or Sagging Ceiling
Although some minor water damage may be repairable, you could find yourself in a much more dire situation if your ceiling is sagging. A sagging ceiling can collapse at any time, causing injury or death.
Even if you’re fortunate enough to avoid personal injury, older ceilings could contain asbestos or other hazardous materials. You should get your sagging ceiling inspected, along with the roof, as soon as possible.
Missing Shingles Or Tiles
Shingles and tiles aren’t just attractive building elements; they are an integral part of many roofs, working together with the force of gravity to shed water from the top of your house. One or two missing tiles or missing shingles might be easy to replace.
If many are missing or have become cracked or broken, you could be at risk of hidden weather damage which might, in turn, indicate that it’s time to replace your roof.
Damaged Flashing & Gutters
Flashing is used in vents, chimneys, skylights, and other rooftop elements to direct water away from those areas. Gutters also guide more significant amounts of water down and off the top of your house.
Missing or damaged flashing and gutters can lead to extensive water damage, so make sure to check periodically and fix any minor issues before they turn into a major repair or replacement job.
Roof Replacements In Colorado
The best time to replace your roof is before you experience major damage. If you aren’t sure how old it is or whether it’s time to consider a replacement, call Craftech Roofing today. Our Denver roofers can inspect your roof, perform necessary repairs, and replace it entirely when the time comes.
