The Few and the Fearless: A Blog About Roofers

If you're anything like the average homeowner, you probably make a maintenance list each year to outline what home projects you will complete. Is this the year to add a new roof to your list? A new roof installation is a serious undertaking, but it's also one that comes along with serious consequences if you put it off for too long. Make sure you know when it's time to replace your roof and the importance of acting right away.

1. Unexplained Water Damage

If you've detected water spots on the ceiling and you don't have a plumbing issue — a problem with the roof is likely to blame. A roof leak begins for many reasons, but most often, it's the result of wear and tear, such as damaged shingles, worn sealing, or cracked flashing. All roofs will experience some level of wear and tear, but the key is to replace the roof long before it reaches its expiration point. 

2. Elevated Home Comfort Costs

Have you noticed that the cost to heat or cool your home has increased? A damaged roof can cause increased home comfort costs. Severely damaged roofs allow outside air to enter into your home and allow the heated or cooled air from inside your home to leak out. The result of this exchange is a greater dependency on these comfort systems, which translates into greater energy consumption and higher operating costs. 

3. Harsh Weather Conditions

If the weather in your local area was uncharacteristically harsh, it might be time to move up the roof replacement schedule. A powerful hurricane, strong hailstorm, or several ice storms are just some of the weather scenarios that can shorten the lifespan of a roof and require a complete replacement. At the very least, if you've experienced any of these issues, have the roof inspected. 

4. Multiple Owners

If you are not the original owner of the home, and as far you know the roof has not been replaced recently, you should consider having the roof replaced. The type of roof system you have will determine its lifespan, but on average, somewhere around the 15-year mark, homeowners should at least consider a replacement. Again, have the roof inspected to determine if it's time. 

If you suspect it's time to replace the roof on your home, you should begin with a roof inspection by a roofing professional. As part of this process, the contractor will examine and inspect your roof and tell you precisely how to move forward with protecting your home. 

For more information on roofing replacement, reach out to a roofing contractor in your area.