Are you worried about the roof on your home? Have you started wondering if it's time to replace the roof or if it can last for a bit longer? Although an asphalt shingle roof can last for decades and a tile roof may be able to last for a generation or longer, there are still times when a roof may need to be repaired or even be completely replaced due to various issues. These issues aren't always going to be obvious to the average homeowner, no matter how much attention you pay. Watch out for these signs that you may need to replace your roof.
Strong Storms
If you had a heavy storm rip through your area, it's a good idea to have a certified roofer inspect the roof just in case, even if you don't actually think that the roof was damaged. Storms can cause damage that can be invisible or nearly invisible from the ground. Something like a large tree branch puncturing your roof may be obvious. Things like asphalt shingles torn off by strong winds or tile shingles being raised up and dropped by a strong gust of wind can cause damage that won't be visible unless you're actually on the roof itself.
Blocked Attic Vents
Sometimes, renovation work can result in attic vents becoming blocked accidentally by various means. Sometimes, rats or mice may actively block them or they may become blocked for other reasons. However it happened, blocked attic vents can be a disaster for your attic.
Blocked vents can lead to a build-up of humidity and heat in your attic or crawlspace area. This excess humidity can lead to mold, mildew, and dry rot taking hold. In order to know just how much damage has been done, you'll need a certified roofer to inspect both the upper and lower sides of your roof. This will let you know whether you can have things repaired or if you're going to need a substantial portion of the roof and subroof replaced.
Lack of Inspections
Even if you don't see any other warning signs, you should generally have your roof inspected every 5 to 10 years by a certified roofer just to make sure that everything is good. You never know if your shingles are aging earlier than expected or if the previous installers may have done something wrong that reduced the total lifespan of the roof. If you or the previous homeowners haven't had the roof inspected regularly, you can't spot these issues before they become serious leaks in your roof.
For more information about roofing, contact a certified roofer, such as one from JC Roofing & Insulating.
