As a homeowner, finding yourself with any kind of damage to your roof is stressful enough. In another blog we talked about how to decided whether to repair or replace your roof, but here, we're going to talk about some surefire signs a repair just won't cut it.
Usually, when your roof is sagging, this is a sign of a serious structural problem. In the most serious cases, you risk a total roof collapse or extreme damage to the interior of your home if the structural damage becomes extensive. Call a roofing contractor as soon as possible to come out and do an inspection to assess the severity of the issue and the urgency of getting it replaced.
Roofs are designed to last a long time, but unfortunately they aren't going to last forever. The age of your roof is a huge factor in whether or not it can still be repaired. Most asphalt shingle roofs are going to last around 20-25 years, so if your roof is over 20 years old, it may be time for a new one. Some definite signs it may be time for a full replacement include shingles that are buckling or curling at the edges, or the presence of granules (small pebble like pieces of your shingles) in your gutters and on the ground. These are both indicators that your shingles (and likely your entire roof) are nearing the end of their life.
Storm damage is probably the leading cause of roof replacements before the lifespan of the roof is up. Severe storms can bring lots of nasty things along with them, including hail, strong winds, downed trees, and inches of rain. It doesn't matter what condition your roof is in before the storm, high speed winds can rip off shingles, opening up your roof to leaks and UV damage. Wind blown debris or falling tree limbs can cause holes and damage that is extensive enough that a new roof is the only option. Fortunately, when faced with damage from a storm, you are likely to have a good shot at an insurance claim, and may be able to get some or all of your roof replacement covered.
You may be asking yourself why this would mean you yourself need a new roof. Well, houses in a neighborhood tend to be built around the same time, so if you find your neighbors are all replacing their roofs, it may be time to consider getting a new one as well. This is especially true if you're having issues with your roof. At the end of your roof's life, a repair will always just be a bandaid, and rarely will it fix the problem entirely.
If any of the points in this article resonate with you, and you think it may be time for a new roof, give us a call at Colony Roofers today! We pride ourselves on being a trusted name in the roofing industry in the greater Atlanta area, and we would love to come out and offer a free 30 minute inspection, and answer any questions you may have.