10% Discount for Military & First Responders! *Discount must be mentioned while scheduling estimate.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF YOU DELAY ROOF REPLACEMENT?

Ceiling with water damageFor a home to look beautiful and function properly for many years, it is crucial to keep an eye on its exterior parts, most especially the roof, to determine whether they need to be repaired or replaced. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of putting off roof replacement until severe problems start turning up and causing them headaches. But that could actually set you up for worse problems.

Signs You Need a New Roof

If you have become accustomed to a dry, cozy and efficient home, having a strong and well-kept roof is incredibly important. Here are several telltale signs you need to replace your roof as soon as possible:

1. Your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan. An asphalt shingle roof is expected to last between 20 to 30 years. Unless you have a clay or concrete roof, which can last up to 100 years, or a slate roof, which normally has a 60-year service life, then you should consider replacing your roof after the 20-year mark – even if it appears to be in great shape from the ground. One indication that your roof is a candidate for a replacement is when you live in a neighborhood, and your neighbors are starting to replace their old roofs.

2. Your roofing shingles are curling. A shingle can curl in two ways: first is cupping, which occurs when the edges of the shingles curl upward, and second is clawing, which is when the center comes up while the edges stay flat. Both are usual symptoms of weathering and warn that problems may be starting. Depending on the scope of the curling, you may need a new roof within one to five years.

3. Your shingles are missing. While there should be no issue with replacing a few shingles here and there, getting new shingles to match the color of the old ones can be pretty difficult. Granule colors may have changed quite remarkably over the years. Also, day-to-day weathering may have slightly altered the colors of your existing shingles. You can keep patching up your missing shingles until a larger issue presents itself, but once your roof starts to look like a checkerboard, opting for a full-on replacement should be the best move.

4. There are granules in the gutters. It is normal for an asphalt shingle roof to shed granules after its installation. However, if the roof is at least 10 years old, then granules collecting in the gutters is a sign of a bigger problem. Granules provide protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Once they fall off, the shingles will deteriorate at a much faster rate.

5. You can see sunlight peeking through the attic. Keep in mind that if light can get in, so can rain, snow and cold air. If you can see sunlight from your attic, better check for water stains to determine whether you have an active leak. Small leaks can be patched, but the presence of structural damage and old age make it wise to replace the entire roof sooner rather than later on in its lifespan.

6. Your entire roof is sagging. A sagging roof is a clear indication of a structural issue, whether with the decking in the attic or supports in the foundation. While it does not necessarily pose an imminent danger, a sagging roof is a lot easier to take care of when it is small and localized. If you see a droop, call in a professional roofing company as soon as possible.

What Can Happen if You Delay Roof Replacement

1. Water Damage

If you have an older roof that is in need of replacement, neglecting it can lead to persistent and costly water-related damage. Areas in the roof that allow moisture or heat to flow into your home are not only detrimental to the stability of the roof, but also the comfort of the residents. Water can stain your ceiling and walls, rot wood and encourage the growth of mold. In order to minimize the extent of damage to your home, you should move fast to get your old, damaged roof replaced.

2. Health Risk

An old and leaky roof can let undesirable things into your living space. If you have holes in your roof, for example, they may allow water inside, mold to form and rodents to infest your home. For people sensitive to mold, inhaling mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose and skin rash. Rodents are also associated with a number of health risks and may cause considerable property damage by chewing through wiring and other furniture. Make sure to replace your outdated, shabby roof to prevent facing these troublesome circumstances.

3. Structural Damage and Collapse

If your run-down roof is allowing water to leak into your home, it can cause more damage than you initially realize or is immediately noticeable. Water may begin to rot away at your structural beams, which can potentially result in a roof collapse and even compromise the stability of your home. This is especially the case with one-story houses. Of course, you want to avoid anything that can lead to a structural collapse, particularly during inclement weather, so it is best to contact a roofing professional once your roof exhibits symptoms that indicate the need for roof replacement.

4. Fire Hazard

By putting off roof replacement, you may unintentionally put your entire house at risk for fire. For instance, many homes rely on electric power that is roof-channeled into the panel box or comes from the side of the house. If water comes into contact with any electrical connection, it can be a significant fire threat to the people living inside the home. An accidental fire can also destroy expensive valuables and a great portion of the house.

5. Devaluing Your Home

A roof in need of replacement will not only perform poorly, but also look unsightly. If you are planning to put your house on the market in the near future, roof replacement is an essential home improvement task that you will want to consider ahead of time. When a potential home buyer inspects your property and sees the awful condition of your roof, the person can easily be turned off because no one wants to tackle a renovation right after purchasing a house.

Meanwhile, if you decide to replace your roof, it will both increase the curb appeal and resale value of your residential property. Even if you are simply looking to increase the equity of your house, investing in a replacement roof is a smart choice.

Contact Us for Roof Repair and Replacement Today

Breathe new life into your home with premier roofing contractors from TopTier Roofing. From a full-on roof replacement to simple skylight repair, snow and ice removal, and venting and insulation services, our certified team is here to help you. With keen attention to detail and a diligent work ethic, we will readily transform your living space into a personal sanctuary. Call us at (315) 877-3760, or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment or request a free, no-obligation quote.

Share This Posting
TopTier Roofing logo
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon
APULIA STATION  |  BALDWINSVILLE  |  BREWERTON  |  BRIDGEPORT  |  CAMILLUS  |  CICERO  |  CLAY  |  DELPHI FALLS  |  EAST SYRACUSE  |  ELBRIDGE  |  FABIUS  |  FAYETTEVILLE  |  JAMESVILLE  |  JORDAN  |  KIRKVILLE  |  LA FAYETTE  |  LIVERPOOL  |  MANLIUS  |  MARCELLUS  |  MARIETTA  |  MEMPHIS  |  MINOA  |  MOTTVILLE  |  NEDROW  |  PLAINVILLE  |  POMPEY  |  SKANEATELES  |  SKANEATELES FALLS  |  SYRACUSE  |  TULLY  |  WARNERS