As a homeowner, you want to make sure your house is structurally sound and everything is in top condition. You’ll need to regularly maintain and repair your roof as soon as you notice any damage. In some cases, repairing your roof might be insufficient and you’ll may need a new roof installed.
So, what are the most prominent signs of a decaying roof, and in which cases do you need to replace your roof entirely? Read this page and find out how to tell if you need a new roof.
Check the Inside of Your Roof
Inspecting the interior of your roof is a simple and safe way to assess the condition of your roofing structure. Take into account that interior damage always points to more significant problems than exterior roof damage.
With that in mind, if you don’t find any issues on the inside of your roof, it doesn’t mean that you should skip checking the exterior as well. That said, here are the biggest signs that you might need a new roof:
- Dark Stains — Dark stains are very easy to identify and may point to more serious roof damage. Roof leaks can cause stains. But so can condensation, which is why it’s essential to know how to identify the difference between the two so you can fix it.
- Mold — Your attic offers the perfect environment for mold growth. That’s why you should check it for mold at least once a year. A moldy attic is a problem that should be taken seriously. Here are the steps to take to get rid of mold from your attic area.
- Water Damage — If you notice any water damage in your attic, your roof is leaking and probably rotting on the inside. Water can weaken your roof’s structural integrity, cause it to sag and even endanger the entire household. If you notice any signs of water damage, contact a licensed roofing contractor without delay.
Check the Outside of Your Roof
Interior roof checks only help determine if your roof has already suffered a breach. Checking the outside of your roof is how you identify and mitigate any problems before they affect the interior structure of your roof as well. Here are the most important things to pay attention to when performing an exterior roof check:
- Rotting — A rotting roof cannot adequately protect your home from water damage. Rotten tiles can easily be broken off during a strong storm. Since Florida is prone to hurricanes, a rotting roof structure can compromise your entire home.
- Moss and Algae Build-up — Moss and algae growth is common on many Florida rooftops, mainly because of the region’s hot and humid climate. Although moss and algae build-up is more of an eyesore than a direct sign of rood decay, excessive growth can lead to rapid roof deterioration due to humidity.
- Missing or Decaying Shingles — If you notice any spots with missing shingles, your roof is due for a repair and likely a complete replacement. If there are any places on your roof with several cracked, curling, or buckling shingles, you should consider installing a new roof.
- Granules in your Gutters — Regardless of your roof’s age, you should regularly check your gutters to make sure they’re draining correctly. While inspecting your gutters, pay attention to any shingle granules. A chipping roof means that a replacement is due, as shingles tend to lose more granules toward the end of their life cycle.
How Old is Your Roof?
One of the easiest ways to determine whether or not you need a new roof is to factor in its age. The average lifespan of asphalt shingle roofs is between 15 and 20 years. And, with the harsh weather condition in Florida and frequent storms in this region, you can expect your asphalt shingle roof to stick closer to the lower number.
Of course, this is not to say that modern shingles can’t last for much longer. Some roofs can have a lifespan of up to half a century or more, but these are the outliers.
It’s also worth mentioning that tile and metal roofs fare better in Florida’s climate than asphalt roofs. If you’ve had the same asphalt shingle roof for over 15 years, it might be time to replace it.
Don’t know how old your roof is? Keep an eye on what your neighbors are doing. If a few homeowners in your neighborhood are replacing their roofs simultaneously, this can be a telltale sign that you should too.
Homes in the same neighborhood are often built in a similar fashion and around the same time. This is a simple but effective way of determining your roof’s age if you don’t have any other useful information.
Get a Free Estimate Today!
The tips we shared with you above cover some of the simplest and most basic ways to determine whether you need a repair or a complete roof replacement. Whatever the case may be, the best way to go about it is to hire a licensed roofing contractor to inspect your roof thoroughly.
They’ll recommend the best course of action depending on the state of your roof. In some cases, you’ll have to repair an isolated area to prolong your roof’s life expectancy for a few years.
Is your roof showing signs of decay? Make sure to contact a roofing contractor you can trust. Call us now at 813-373-9088. Or fill out our quick online form and get a free roof estimate for your next roof replacement project.
