Top 10 Signs You Need a New Roof
Even with regular care and preventive maintenance, your roof will eventually need to be replaced. General wear and tear, extreme temperatures, weather, and pest and animal damage can all affect the lifespan of your roof. Eventually, the cost of repeated roofing repairs will exceed the cost of roof replacement, and you will know it’s time to invest in a new roof installation. A roof replacement can improve the comfort, safety, and energy-efficiency of your home and increase its value. Here is a look at the top 10 signs you need a new roof in Baltimore County, MD.
Your Roof is Over 20 Years Old
While some roofing systems can last 50-100 years with proper maintenance, others may only last 20-30 years. The lifespan of your roofing system depends on the quality of materials and installation, the weather and climate, and the wear and tear it experiences. You can often extend the lifespan of your roof by scheduling regular roofing inspections and keeping up with preventive roofing maintenance. However, if your roof is over 20 years old and has major damage, it may be safer and more cost-effective to choose roof replacement over roof repairs.
Missing, Buckled, or Curled Shingles
If you have a shingle roofing system, your shingles should lie flat against your roof. If your roofing shingles are curled or buckled, that is a warning sign that your roof has experienced major damage or wear and tear. Damaged shingles will eventually fall off, exposing your roof underlayment and decking to the elements. If shingles aren’t replaced, you have an increased risk of roof rot, water damage, pest and animal intrusion, and roof leaks. Walk around the exterior of your home and look for fallen or missing shingles. Check your gutters and downspouts for shingle granules. Then get on a ladder and look for signs of missing shingles or damaged shingles on your roof.
Missing or Damaged Roof Tiles
If you have multiple missing or damaged roofing tiles, your roof deck or underlayment may have experienced wear and tear and damage. You should check for signs of water damage or leaks on your roof, exterior siding, and in your attic.
Light Leaking Through Roof Boards
Go up to your attic and look up at the ceiling. If you can see light leaking through the roof boards, your roof has major damage. Ignoring it can lead to water damage, mold and mildew growth, structural issues, pest and animal intrusion, and damaged wiring and insulation.
Sagging or Buckling Roof
As your roof ages and experiences wear and tear, it may begin trapping water or moisture. This can cause your roof or ceiling to sag or buckle. If you notice that the roofline looks uneven, you should check for signs of a roof leak or water damage.
Leaks or Signs of Water Damage
Inspect the interior and exterior of your home and look for signs of roof leaks or water damage. You may notice water stains on your home’s exterior siding, damaged or missing gutters or downspouts, overflowing gutters, water pooling on your roof or around your foundation, or mold or mildew growth on your roof or siding. In the interior of your home, the most common signs of water damage are:
- Water stains or discoloration on the walls or ceilings
- Wet or moist insulation
- A musty odor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Rusted or corroded metal
- Warped or rotting wood
- Sagging ceilings
- Peeling or bubbling paint, plaster, or wallpaper
Damaged or Cracked Flashing
The flashing around your vents, skylights, and chimney protects your roof from water intrusion and damage. Eventually, these seams may become weak and damaged. Examine all points to look for cracks, breaks, buckling, or warping. If damaged flashing isn’t replaced, water can infiltrate your roof underlayment and deck and eventually cause roof rot and leaks.
Pest and Animal Issues
Roof damage makes it easier for pests and animals to enter your home. If you hear signs of animals in your attic or notice an increase in insects in your home, they may be coming in through cracks or gaps in your roof.
Increased Utility Bills
Your roof offers protection from the elements. It prevents the heat and cold from entering your home and keeps heated and cooled air inside your home from escaping. If your home slowly starts to feel less comfortable and your heating and cooling system doesn’t seem to be working as efficiently, you may have roofing damage. Check your utility bills and compare them to last year’s to see if they have been increasing.
Roofing Repairs are Adding Up
While all roofing systems will eventually need repair, an aging roof will need frequent, costly repairs. If your roofing repair costs are adding up and you’re investing in repairs every year or multiple times per year, it may be a better investment to schedule a roof replacement. A roofing contractor can perform a roof inspection and give you a professional recommendation as to whether roofing repairs or a roof replacement would be more cost-effective.
Call Badger Contracting to Schedule a Roofing Inspection Today
If you see signs of damage to your roof, our team at Badger Contracting can conduct a thorough roofing inspection. We will be honest and transparent about whether you need roofing repairs or a roof replacement and can provide you with an estimate for the cost of a new roofing system. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a roofing inspection or request an estimate for roof replacement in Annapolis, Baltimore, Columbia, Owings Mills, Bel Air, Towson, Westminster, or Glen Burnie, MD.