Deciding if a new roof is necessary or not can be a tricky activity, especially when it doesn’t seem damaged. However, a bad roof may bring a lot of problems, such as your possessions being destroyed by the weather. Learn 5 easy ways to tell if you need a new roof or not.
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Visible Leaks
One noticeable and easy way to see if you need a new roof is the sight of leaks. Unfortunately, many people ignore leaks since they think that it is not a big deal. However, they are the sign that your roof is in bad shape and needs repair or even replacement. The thing about leaks is that they keep growing, even if they start small.
If you hear any dripping sounds, if you see mold growing in your walls or ceiling, if there are water stains in your walls or ceiling, if there is a musty smell inside your house, or if you feel a high humidity level indoors, it is time to check if you have any leaks in your roof.
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Observe the Shingles
Shingles start deteriorating while they age, so it is probably time to get a new roof when you see inconsistent shingle color. The reason is that shingles change color when they arrive at the end of their life span, and they also get curled on the edges.
You may also see some missing shingles and titles as well. All of them are signs that your roof needs to be fixed or replaced. Be aware of rust if you have a metal roof. Don’t try to cover the rust. It is a sign that your roof needs maintenance. When ignored, the rust will create pinholes, which will lead to more problems.
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Storm Damage
Storms can rip or open your roof apart, so always check your roof after the storm is gone. Some minor storms are responsible for a lot of damage that goes unnoticed. The best procedure, in this case, is to schedule an inspection, so no damage goes unperceived. The inspections are commonly free, luckily.
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Age
Everything has a life span, and roofs are no exception. The life span is very different, though, and it depends on the material and if the roof is adequately taken care of or not.
Usually, a roof made of cedar lasts 20 years and starts to split and fall apart when it is time to change it. A tiles roof is very resistant and can last centuries, as we have seen in historical buildings. However, individual tiles need to be changed from time to time, so maintenance is essential. Finally, a roof made of concrete will only be broken because of a structural fault or natural disaster.
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Think About the Future
To know if you need to change your roof or not, think about your future. Do you picture yourself living in the same house? Does the damage ask for a replacement? Calculate the long-term investment of your decision, and choose what is best for your future.
Changing roofs is an easy task when supported by Vanity Roofing, a roof-specialized company located in Ottawa that offers several services, such as home renovation and roof repair. Get your free estimate right now.
