[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Replacing your roof is no small job, but there are times when it simply must be done. There are warning signs to watch for that will help you know when it’s time to replace the roof to best protect your home. In this article we are going to look at the red flags that indicate your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof
Roof Age
This may seem like the most obvious sign you need to replace your roof, but many people think that if a roof looks fine, then it must be fine. Roofs have an average lifespan of 20-25 years, and just because it may look okay, there may be internal, hidden problems that have arisen that require attention. You may also want to see if your roof was installed over an existing roof, rather than scraped down all the way to the sheathing. There may be much older shingles underneath your newer shingles that are in dire need of replacement.
Shingles Curling, Buckling, or Missing
A good sign that your roof needs replacing is if the shingles are starting to show some serious age. If they’re curling, buckling, or just plain missing, you know that there are major issues with the whole roof that need to be addressed.
Sagging
Sagging is a definite red flag. If your sheathing is sagging in between the roof joists then you know that the structural integrity of the roof is suspect and that you may need to strip it bare and rebuild. Don’t ever put off a sagging roof! It can be a sign of water damage, rot, and other problems that indicate it could leak (at best) or collapse (at worst).
Shingle Granules in the Gutters
Shingles don’t last forever, and the shingle granules running off the roof and falling into your gutter are a good sign that the shingles are coming apart and need replacement. If you’re noticing these granules building up in your gutters, call so we can inspect your shingles right away and see what kind of condition they’re in. Odds are it’s time for replacement. When in doubt, call your Ace Roofing specialists.
Visible Daylight Showing Through Roof Boards
Finally, if you’re in your attic and you see light peeking through the roof, then it’s definitely time for a roof replacement. If light can get through then water can get through, and if water can get through then you could be in for a world of hurt when the next heavy rain hits. It could lead to rot and water damage and mold to all sorts of places inside your house; better to replace the roof than have to renovate the interior to fix all of that.
Pros and Cons of Each Season
There is no one perfect season to replace a roof. Each season has its pros and cons, and finding the right balance is essential in deciding what you need to do and when. Obviously, there are times when the time to replace a roof is “right now”, but there are other times when you may have a little leeway.
Spring
Spring is a great time to replace a roof, and is a common one for those who have noticed problems cropping up during the winter season. Winter may have exposed leaks or sags, and spring is the obvious time to patch it up or redo the whole thing. Acting quickly in the spring means that you may even prevent damage to your home as spring thunderstorms are common in the Austin area.
Summer
Early summer is ideal timing for roof repairs as the rain has stopped and the extreme temperatures haven’t set in yet. Sometimes, after a very storm heavy spring, the summer months could have a small waitlist for roofing inspection and repairs, so be sure to reach out early so we can accommodate you the best we can – the earlier you call the better!
Autumn
Cool, stable weather make the work easy and the installation process smooth. Temperatures between 45 degrees and 85 degrees are ideal for roofing, as the asphalt is at its best.
However, this is also a time when many many people are trying to get their roofs replaced, so the waiting list can still be long, with many of the people who wanted summer roofs replaced are turning to autumn.
Winter
Winter can be good or bad, depending on where you live. Here in Texas, we don’t have much to worry about in terms of deep snow, but temperatures do dip low on occasion. With the prime temperatures and lower chances of rain, winter is a great time to consider repairing your roof. Especially with an aging roog, it can pay off to get ahead of your roof repairs and be ready for the stormy spring months approaching.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]