There is perhaps nothing more vital to your home than the roof. A good working roof will help safeguard against water damage and exposure to weather. However, whether you like it or not, the surface of your roof will begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear as it ages.
Although it may be easy to overlook until there’s a severe issue, like water damage or decay, the problem should be addressed as soon as possible.
On the other hand, if you want to save money and prevent property damage or injury, it is best to replace a roof before it completely fails. This is possible when there is proper roof maintenance performed. Regular maintenance will help preserve value and keep you safe at the same time.
Wondering when to replace your roof? Look out for the below warning signs
Presence of Water in the Attic
Often, signs like water spots, brown, yellow, gray stains, or flaking paint on the walls or ceiling can result from a leaky roof. Always check the attic for signs of roof damage, such as wet rafters or leaks.
Even though you’re in the best position to notice roof damage, we highly recommend scheduling a roofing inspection once a year. This will help avoid repair expenses that could likely add up over time.
The Roof has Reached the End of its Usable Lifespan.
Do you know the age of your roof? The lifetime of a roof may range anywhere from 20 to 50 years. However, this depends on the roofing material.
For example, asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 10–20 years, based on local conditions in Virginia.
Although a metal roof is more costly up front, they typically only need repairing or replacing once every 30–50 years. The same goes with a clay tile roof. On average, they will remain in good shape for 40 years.
However, do bear in mind that knowing the roofing installation date can allow you to make an educated guess as to how long it will last. It is possible to determine the precise date of your roof installation by looking at your home’s renovation documents.
The Roof is Sagging
Sagging indicates that planks beneath the roof have deteriorated due to excess moisture. If your roof is sagging and drooping, contact a roofing contractor immediately to prevent additional damage to your property. You can also inspect the lowest sections of the roof for evidence of trapped moisture, decaying boards, or drooping areas.
You may get a better idea by taking a step back and seeing your home from a distance. Sagging and slumping are telltale symptoms of a roof that no longer supports its weight.
The Massive Presence of Fungi, Mold, or Moss
One sure way to indicate the presence of moisture in the roof is the presence of moss, mildew, and fungus (such as mushrooms). You can usually remove it by using a hard brush, but don’t forget, there may be an underlying issue that should be addressed. It’s always best to have a professional inspect it.
Sign of Curling or Buckling Shingles
Curling or buckling shingles indicate that they are no longer securely fastened and have possibly been damaged. The curving surface has the potential to get caught by a powerful wind, which might result in more damage. You can usually replace a few bad shingles, but it may just be a temporary fix for a more serious issue. Having a professional roofing contractor assess is the best option.
Sign of Missing Shingles or Granules
From experience, northern Virginia can have high winds and rain that may damage a roof quickly. Strong winds often force the shingles to pull up or entirely blow off. In some cases, you may be able to fix the damage by replacing one or two shingles. However, this will depend on the position of the damaged shingle and the state of the surrounding shingles.
Missing Fascia and Flashing
In the same way that missing or broken shingles should raise warning flags, so should any damage to the roof’s underlying structure. The roof’s structural integrity and stability depend on sufficient support. Always look out for the sign of missing fascia and flashing.
Increase in Cooling and Heating Cost
It may be a significant investment of time and resources to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature for most of the year. There are many ways in which a quality roof can be more energy efficient and help retain the cool or warm air inside. To begin with, any holes or cracks in the roof might enable air to escape. Also, the roof color and roofing material may affect its appearance. The scorching heat may be mitigated by a roof made of metal or other reflecting material or tiles of a lighter hue. Solar panel installation is yet another smart technique to save costs on your power bill.
Need a Roof Replacement Company in the Northern VA Area? Loudoun Valley Roofing is Here to Assist
Look no further than Loudoun Valley Roofing. We service multiple areas including Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Purcellville, Leesburg, Sterling, Ashburn, Centreville, and Reston Virginia. Whether it be a roof inspection, roof repair or roof replacement, we can ensure a smooth service when needed.