Warning Signs You Need a New Roof

Your roofing troubles will only get worse if you let damage linger. After years of degradation and lack of maintenance, you’ll need to purchase a new roof prematurely. Read on to learn the warning signs indicating you need a new roof.

Your roof communicates important messages to you. Openings in the surface, substantial water damage, and the foul odor of mold all translate to one thing: you need a new roof. Roofs last on average between 15 to 25 years, depending on quality of workmanship, durability of roofing materials, and proper upkeep. As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to schedule annual roof inspections. By doing so, you catch red flags and identify problem areas before they become irreparable issues. Here are the warning signs that you need a new roof:

• ✔
  Damaged Roofing Materials
  One of the most apparent signs of damage are shingles that are curled, cracked, or missing granules. If the shingle tabs aren’t replaced, they wreak havoc to the surface underneath. When the problem worsens, you’ll notice entire areas of shingles that are deteriorating and each of them must be replaced. If there are multiple areas with rotting groups of shingles on your roof, it’s best to invest in a new roof installation altogether and start fresh.
• ✔
  Leaks
  Before water drips through your ceiling and forms a puddle on your floor, it has to get through your roof deck. Most roof decking is made of a thin layer of plywood called oriented strand board (OSB). If you’re struggling with leaks, that means the OSB has been exposed to frequent moisture, and there’s potentially wood rot and decay. This creates a recipe for disaster when your underlayment is no longer sealed after years of untreated wear and tear. Poor sealant allows water inside your walls and ceilings. Then, the excess water drips inside your home wherever there’s an opening. Whether it’s through a light fixture or a soffit vent, water finds a way to escape wherever it can.
• ✔
  Mold
  After heavy rainfall and when snow melts on your roof, instead of water running off and into your gutters, it sits on your rooftop. Mold is a fungal growth that thrives in wet and humid conditions. And where there are leaks, there’s a chance of mold. The smell is unpleasant enough, but mold is also unhealthy to inhale. Those who have allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues are most vulnerable to this health hazard, as it reduces your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ).

Roofing problems are tricky; mold is hard to find, it’s not easy to locate the source of a leak, and detrimental roof problems aren’t always obvious to the untrained eye. If you’ve recently Googled “how do you know when you need a new roof?”, then that’s a sign itself. But instead of further exploring the issues on your own, it’s best to consult with a professional. It’s wise to have experienced roofing contractors perform routine inspections and maintenance throughout the years. Roofing involves intricate and laborious tasks that shouldn’t be considered for a DIY home improvement project. Once a professional identifies issues, they should implement repairs as soon as possible. When minor problems linger, they inevitably play a key role in your roof’s downfall.

If you smell mold, notice leaks, or see other signs of roof damage, call New Image Roofing. Don’t let problems get out of control. Taking good care of your roof adds years to its service life. Plus, you save a significant amount of money on a roof replacement that could’ve been avoided. If your roof is causing you stress or frustration, there’s no need to worry—our experts provide superior solutions and dependability. New Image Roofing proudly serves the Atlanta region with dedication and expertise. If it’s time for a roof replacement, we perform a free inspection first, then answer your questions, and eliminate your concerns. When you notice telltale signs of roof damage, our team knows the most suitable solution for your home. Speak with one of our specialists today.