5 Signs You Need a Roof Replacement

Your roof is the overarching protector of your house or business. It keeps you safe through storms, sun, heat, and natural debris. When you’ve been in the same place for years, it’s easy to forget about its maintenance—until a neighbor recently replaces their roof, or you begin to notice a dated appearance you didn’t notice before. 

Regardless of the material or the quality, no roof is invincible forever. With time, wear and tear can lower the effectiveness of your roof. Taking care of your roof is critical in maintaining the entire building. It's a responsibility that can prevent costly damage and ensure the longevity of your property. That being said, we understand that it can be a significant investment, and you want to feel confident in your decision, whichever way you choose to proceed. How do you know it is time, or what measures to take? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

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Signs Your Roof Needs Replacing:

You can look out for indicators that your roof needs replacing, both on your building's exterior and interior. A lot of times, when you are facing issues within your building, it can actually trace back to roofing problems at the core. 

1. Shingle Deterioration

Shingles that are missing, cracked, curling, or blistering are noticeable signs of an aging roof. You can also look out for a collection of lost granules, sometimes appearing in your gutters, which occurs as your shingles lose their protective coating.

2. Leaks and Water Damage

Large, alarming, or frequent leaks or water damage on your ceiling and walls requires attention. A replacement is necessary when your roof’s integrity is causing water damage, and it is also a longer-term solution to the issues. 

3. Sagging or Uneven Roof

A roofline that appears to be sagging or caving in indicates pressing structural issues. Additionally, if you can see natural light coming through your roofboards inside, such as in the attic, it means there are likely holes or gaps that need to be addressed. 

4. Dark Spots or Mold Growth

Spots growing on either your interior or exterior, including dark spots, algae, moss, mold, or mildew, can indicate excess moisture intrusion. This can indicate a problem with the quality of your roofing. Outside of things you can see, strong, musty odors can also be a cause for shingle replacement. 

5. Higher Energy Bills

An aging or damaged roof can become less energy efficient and lead to higher costs for your home. Gaps, cracked shingles, or worn insulation can let heat or cool air from inside your home escape. If you notice your bills creeping up without having changed your thermostat settings, consider inspecting your roof for potential issues.

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Roof Repairs vs. Complete Replacement

The difference between a simple repair and an entire replacement can be significant, but the lines between them can become blurred. Some rules of thumb are:

When to Consider a Roof Repair:

• Age of the Roof: If a roof is newer – less than 10 years old – the issues it faces may be less significant. If your roof is experiencing minor issues and is still relatively new in its lifespan, a simple repair may resolve the problems.
• Localized Damage: The size of your damage, including leaks, missing or cracked shingles, can be an indicator of how bad the problem really is. If it’s reduced to small areas or a few shingles, a repair may be sufficient.
• Minor Leaks: Similar to shingle destruction, small leaks can often be patched without requiring the replacement of the entire roof. If you think you may have a leak, TSpark offers Leak Diagnoses to evaluate the necessary steps for proper repair.

When Roof Replacement May Be Necessary:

• Older in Age: The standard lifespan of an asphalt roof – the most common material used – can be 15-30 years. If your roof is approaching this age, a replacement may be more cost-effective than a repair. It is helpful to understand the material of your roof and its lifespan. 
• Widespread Damage: If issues spread to multiple areas of your roof, the material may become compromised, necessitating replacement.
• Structural Issues: Bowing, sagging, or significant water damage are all indicators of deeper problems that roof repairs alone may not be able to fix. 

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Need Help? TSpark Provides Professional Roof Replacement Assessments and Expert Consultation

Sometimes, repairs can be a less daunting task to take on with your roof, but on the other hand, a full replacement can be safer and more cost-effective in certain cases. At TSpark, we perform thorough assessments for both residential and commercial roofs to recommend the solution that best fits your property, needs, and budget. Knowing the signs helps you understand when it’s time to call in TSpark to begin your next project– reach us today at (850)-766-1340 for expert roofing service.