The lifespan of the roof in your home is primarily determined by the material used in the construction of your roof. Traditional asphalt shingle roofs typically last 20-25 years. Wood shingle roofs can last 20-30 years. Metal roofs typically last 40 to 50 years. Slate, copper and tile roofs can last up to 100 years, or even longer. Is there any way to know if you need a new roof?
Here are 7 signs of a damaged roof and ways you can avoid further damage:
There are signs of damaged tiles
This is one of the most obvious signs. Damaged shingles are often a bad sign, if you see them on your roof consider making repairs.Missing shingles that are cracked and dented are signs that a replacement is necessary. Sometimes the edges of the shingles are curved the same way; this damage is usually caused by wind, rain, and changes in temperature.
The roof is falling
If you notice that your roof structure is leaning down or sinking, you may have a damaged roof.
To address this situation the first step is to find a trained roofer. Pitched roofs can look good one day and be damaged much more the next day, especially after natural phenomena like a storm.There are mold or mildew stains
The growth of mold or mildew on the roof or walls can be a major sign of leaks, it can be the result of condensation problems, or even a simple plumbing issue.
It is necessary to verify that the insulation is dry, that there is adequate ventilation in your home, and that the bathroom fixtures and pipes do not show leaks or perspiration of any kind. These types of problems can be corrected for less cost than replacing the entire roof.
In addition to producing unsightly stains and indicating possible ceiling damage, mold and mildew can have a negative effect on the quality of the air you breathe in your home and eventually the health of your family. You need to solve these kinds of problems as soon as possible.Paint is peeling
Blisters (swelling of wood or trim) or peeling paint on the exterior or interior of your home can be caused by water accumulating on the underside where it shouldn’t be.
These types of brands have to do much more than an aesthetic problem; indicate the presence of a serious leak that may be due to roof defects, although this is one of the main possible causes that should be investigated.
- There are water stains Water stains on the ceiling or down the internal walls, as well as dripping water into the home, are circumstances that must be investigated in order to discover their origin; they may be due to leakage or, in many cases, condensation. Especially in winter, warm and humid air rises through the structure and often condenses in the attic, where it can create water pools and seepage through the roof.
- The roof is leaking The clearest sign that your home may need a new roof is finding water inside your home. In this case, you should periodically check your attic, especially after storms or in case you notice ice buildup on the eaves. You should look for signs of water penetration, because major leaks within the home are very likely to originate there. However, you should be aware that water can travel a considerable distance – for example, along beams or within walls – from the point where it infiltrates to the point where it is finally seen.
Preventive vs Corrective Maintenance
When it comes to preventive maintenance, reference is made to carrying out systematic review and under certain criteria to devices of any kind to avoid breakdowns caused by their use, passage of time or wear. The same happens with the roofs, it is necessary to carry out preventive maintenance from time to time to keep the structure in optimal condition (depending on the type of roof, of course).
On the other hand, the corrective maintenance is destined to correct the errors of the equipment or device that depend on the intervention to return to its initial function. In the same way, a corrective maintenance on roofs allows to extend the useful life and improve the aesthetic aspect of the roof since it eliminates, repairs and prevents leaks in the roof, channels, finishes, etc., managing to protect and revalue your investment.
To determine when preventive or corrective maintenance is necessary, it is important to have the opinion of qualified personnel and specialists in roof installation, repair and maintenance who know how to identify signs of wear in the structure.
At Sentra Construction we offer structural and roof inspection services to identify possible signs of repair. You can request an inspection by accessing the Contact section.