Roof replacement may be a cringy thing to hear your roof contractor say. However, something far worse than hearing this is to do nothing and hope the problem will fix itself. When it comes to your home, ignoring or putting problems off can cost you big in terms of your health and finances.
So, when your roofer says you need a roof replacement, you should tackle this as soon as possible.
Here are some common reasons you’ll need a roof replacement.
Aging Roof
One of the most common reasons you’ll need roof replacement is that your roof is old. Certain roof types expire faster than others. Most roofers will be able to look at the condition of your roof and tell if you’ll need a roof replacement. They will notice missing granules, cracked or missing shingles, and other problems indicating your roof is aged.
If you want to investigate, you can learn the roof age by asking the previous homeowner or acquiring the roofing permit if one was required in your city.
Here’s a look at the most common roof types and how long they last.
● Asphalt – 20 to 30 years
● Tile – Up to 100 years
● Slate – Up to 200 years
● Cedar Shake – 30 to 50 years
● Metal – 40 to 70 years
● Rubber – 40 to 50 years
While these are the common life spans for most roofs, regular cleaning and maintenance may allow you more time out of these various roof types. Switching your roof type may be a good idea if you want your roof to last longer and not have to get replacement often. This depends on where you live and what materials are best for your home. For example, a slate roof is extremely heavy and needs a structure that can uphold it. An average home may not be able to support it.
Serious Leaks
Water leaks from the roof can lead to severe water damage throughout the home, resulting in significant financial setbacks and potential health risks. It’s important to remember that water and homes don’t mix unless it’s for cooking or cleaning. Any water entering your home from sources you didn’t initiate can cause serious problems, such as mold. Left unchecked, mold growth can become so toxic that you may have to pay for expensive remediation or move out of your home.
Some leaks may be easy fixes. For instance, if there are small leaks from tiny openings in the wood decking, your roofer may suggest roof repair. Or if shingles are missing in a tiny area of the roof, exposing the decking to the elements, a roof contractor may be able to fix this small area. However, if there is wood rot, missing shingles across the entire roof, and other problems causing water to enter through the roof, you’ll likely need a roof repair.
Damage From Nature
If nature significantly damages your roof, you’ll undoubtedly need roof repair. Here are a few ways Mother Nature may cause you to need a premature roof replacement.
Severe Storm Damage
You may need a roof replacement if severe storms are rolling through your neck of the woods. Roofs and roofing shingles are made to withstand brutal beatings from the elements. However, even the strongest roof types may succumb to severe storm damage.
For instance, you may need roof replacement if a severe hail storm has recently passed through your town. Additionally, if you live in an area that has experienced severe tornadoes or hurricanes and high winds have knocked off most of your roof’s shingles, you could need a roof replacement. Another way mother nature can wreak havoc on your roof is in winter with ice storms.
If you suspect that your roof has suffered tremendous damage from a recent storm, it is a good idea to call a roofer to inspect the damages. Not only will this avoid problems with leaks in the future, but it could also ensure that you file a claim with your insurance company within a reasonable time to ensure that your damages are covered.
Fallen Tree Damage
Another way Mother Nature can destroy your roof is with a fallen tree or branches. In most cases, this type of damage can be prevented by ensuring that you hire a tree company every two to three years to monitor the health of trees on your property. They will eliminate excess branches by pruning and trimming. They will also inform you if your tree is sick or dying, which could result in a catastrophic event.
Sometimes, fallen tree damage may not be a preventable occurrence. For instance, lightning striking a perfectly healthy tree, causing it or a portion of it to fall on your home, is something you can’t avoid. As a result, you will likely need a roof replacement.
Fire
As with Mother Nature, a fire may be something you can’t avoid. There may be something wrong with your fireplace that may have caused a fire that spread to your attic space and destroyed your roof. There could have also been a stove fire in your kitchen that burned your roof. Although some of your roofs may be salvageable after a fire, you’ll likely need a replacement.
Damage From Moss and Black Algae
Damage from moss and black algae is among the most preventable damage your roof sustains. As soon as you see evidence of these microorganisms growing on your roof, it indicates that it needs cleaning. Being proactive and getting a roof cleaning at least once a year can prevent this type of damage.
Spotting these living organisms is relatively easy. Moss will appear on your roof as small patches of a green, plant-like organism. Black algae will look like a giant blog of black dirt, which, in reality, is a living organism feeding on the granules of your roof.
If you see such items on your roof, getting a roof inspection right away is a good idea.
In some cases, roof repair and regular roof cleaning may solve the problem, helping you save on the cost of roof replacement. However, if the damage by these organisms has caused wood rot on your roof decking, plenty of shingle loss, and leaks, your roofer may encourage you to replace your roof.
Building an Addition
You’ll likely need a new roof if you decide to change the attic space in your house or increase the story height of your home. For instance, you may decide to turn your unfinished attic into a space for your teenager or a secret getaway for you to perform your hobbies or watch a football game in peace. In some cases, you may be able to just simply add drywall, doors, and other things to make this space livable.
In other cases, you may have to increase the height of the attic space to accommodate the people living in the space.
If you want to add height to a ranch-style home, you’ll definitely need a roof replacement. As a matter of fact, adding a new story will change the house’s architecture and may require a new style of roof entirely.
Improving the Overall Value of the Home
One more reason you may need a new roof for your home is to increase your home’s value proactively. According to Remodeling Magazine, replacing a roof can increase the value of your home by about 60 percent.
This percentage can increase even more if you sell your home to a potential buyer who values energy efficiency. Mentioning that you recently replaced the roof could mean more money at closing. Even if you don’t decide to sell your home, a new roof could mean significant savings for you. A new, properly installed roof can help regulate the temperature in your home and lower the cost of your energy bills.
Exterior Home Improvement and Roofing Services
The Pros at Excel Home Improvement in Romulus are the contractors to turn to for not only roofing installation and services, but also siding installation, new gutters, soffit repair, trim and more. You should feel confident in making an investment in your home, that’s why our roof replacement comes with a 10yr warranty on workmanship, and a lifetime warranty on the shingles! Fill out a Form online to get a Free Estimate!