Should I Replace My Roof? What You Need to Consider!
With springtime approaching, most people have been asking the question “Show I replace my roof?”. Knowing what to look for is the first step in determining whether it’s time to replace your roof! At JT & Sons, we have put together a list of few things we consider when helping our clients determine if they should replace their roof or not.
Cracking
Shingles are going to have to be replaced if there is cracking going on. The scope of the replacement depends upon how soon the issue is caught, so vigilance remains important.
Wind Damage
The trouble with a wind damaged roof is that the exposed spots on the roof can be difficult to detect, especially if the shingles have been lifted. A shingle that has been lifted due to winds may have loosened the sealant and possibly the nail, all of which means replacing the roof.
Exposed Nails
Exposed nails can rust and lead to a leaky roof. Depending upon how many nails are exposed and how long they’ve been exposed it may call for a roof replacement.
Granules Missing
Roofs will lose granules through the course of time, so whether you need a completely new roof depends on the age of your roof and how many granules remain.
Curling
Seeing curling shingles can mean a sign of bigger issues, like leaking, which can mean a roof replacement. Shingles can curl because they weren’t lined up properly, they’re old, they weren’t installed correctly, you have poor ventilation in the attic or you’ve got a layered roof. If you see curls, it’s best to have it get checked out sooner than later.
Leakage
If you’ve got a leaking roof, there’s no time to waste to get it fixed. A leaky roof can lead to structural damage.
Missing Gutter Apron
When water flows off the edge of your roof, some of it clings to the underside of the shingles and dribbles toward the fascia. If you have gutters but no gutter apron to stop the water, it will wick behind the gutter. Eventually the fascia soffits and even the roof sheathing will rot. You may see water stains below the gutter on the fascia and soffit. This is a sure sign that the gutter apron is missing. Though you may not need a new roof immediately, you might have to replace it eventually.
Hail Damage
When a large hailstone hits an asphalt shingle, it can tear or even puncture the shingle. But usually, it just knocks granules off the surface. When a shingle loses its protective layer of granules, UV rays from the sun begin to destroy it. More granules fall off around the damaged spot and the bruise grows.
Holes Drilled on Purpose
Tiny holes in shingles are sneaky because they can cause rot and other damage for years before you notice the obvious signs of a leak. You might find holes left over from satellite dish or antenna mounting brackets or just about anything. And exposed, misplaced roofing nails should be pulled and the holes patched. Small holes are simple to fix, but the fix isn’t to inject caulk in the hole. You’ll fix this one with flashing and spot replace the roof.
We’re here to help! If you’re still looking for expert help on this, give us a call and we will assist you on if you should replace your roof or not.