“Rain drops, fallin on your head” we all know how that song goes, and it’s awesome…as long as its not actually happening to you in your own home because you have a leaky roof. It could be time for a roof replacement, or maybe not…
There are a lot of different variables that come into play that can impact the performance and durability of your roof. In fact, there are actually ways that you can indeed tell if you need a new roof! The experts here at Roof Troop have come together and created this check list to help determine whether or not you need to consider getting a roof replacement.
Got Leak's?
What is probably the most easy way of telling you need a new roof is water leaking or water stains on your homes ceiling. Both of which are not cool to experience. Some people would even argue that seeing the stains are worse than a leak because it means its puddling up and will eventually pop through. One of the first areas you should check other than the ceiling is the attic, after all, that’s the closest area to the roof. Water can also travel a fair ways…it’d be worth it to check across beams and inside walls as well.
Ice dams are another big sign. An ice dam basically runs down the slope and freezes. When this happens over time, the ice that forms and freezes will eventually work its under the shingles and penetrate the roof deck.
However, a total roof replacement may not be what you actually need in those situations, it could just be that some shingles got blown off or flashing was made loose. Those would just need simple repairs and additions as long as it’s not a crazy amount of shingles or flashing.
Whatever you case may be, never wait until it’s too late to have it checked out and fixed. If we got a dime for every time somebody called us after the fact…well let’s just say we wouldn’t have to be roofers anymore. The longer you wait, typically, the more costly it becomes. Our past customers would agree, it is much better to call early on when its cheap and small, than when its big and expensive! At roof troop we offer free inspections!
Water Stains
No matter where the leak is coming from, it should always be investigated. However, it might not even be a leak…it is possible that it could just be built up condensation, especially over the winter months!
Most water leaks will start small, as most do, but don’t just ignore it! Even if the leak isn’t coming from the roof, it is worth investigating so you can fix it.
Paint Damage
If paint is peeling or bubbling, inside or outside, this means that water is likely pooling up under there where it shouldn’t be.
Even though this is more of a cosmetic detail that might not seem like a big deal, a little leak like this could indicate that something is wrong with the roof. However, to be clear, this isn’t the case every time…it’s just worth looking into.
Mold
Mold and mildew growth could be the sign of a leaky roof. This happens as the result of condensation issues or even plumbing. A great way to have that checked out is to call a roofing inspector in Colorado Springs that knows exactly what to look for! However, if you want a DIY list of things check…here you go! Check the insulation and make sure its dry, make sure nothing in the bathroom is leaking or sweating as well. I think we can agree these things are probably less costly to fix than a whole entire roof replacement.
Beyond just the poor aesthetic look of mold and mildew, it can have a serious effect on the air quality in your home. Everyone knows it’s not healthy to breathe that air in. If you notice mold or mildew by your roof, give your local roofing experts a call today!
Granule Loss
If you are ever working on the gutters at home, you may notice some granules mixed in with the leaves. It’s not a huge cause for alarm since it naturally occurs with age, however, an excessive amount may be something to voice concern about. So, what exactly is considered too much?
There is not a specific quantitative amount that is “too much”, the best way to tell is by looking at the shingles themselves. Roofing shingles, especially asphalt shingles, are manufactured in a way that actually overuses granules. These naturally wash away. The cause for concern is if you see many different bare patches across the shingles on your roof. What this means is that now the asphalt underneath it is at risk. These shingles will need to be replaced. Depending on how many of the shingles are bare, it may be time for a new roof replacement altogether. If you have any questions about your specific situation, or would like an extra set of eyes, feel free to give us a call!
Whenever you or somebody in your family is cleaning out the gutters, make sure they are aware to pay attention to any large amounts of granules that are in the gutter. Also make sure to take a look at the shingles and check for bareness.
Structural Problems
There are sometimes where it isn’t a storm, it isn’t loss of granules, and it isn’t leaks…it could be the structure of your roof. A sagging roofline can occur at any age of the home. However, we do notice older homes struggling with this more often.
Homes that are old, or even log cabins, use wood beams for roof support. This was pretty common back in the day and is still somewhat common today. The main issue that arises here though is over time, the wood beams will warp and bend. Cracks sometimes can also form when the house is under stress from either a heavy load of snow, or seismic activity. When these situations occur, it’s easy for the roof to stretch and crack as well.
