Have you been putting off roof repair? Will you be trying to squeeze one more winter season out of your current roof? There are seven key warning signs that will tell you it is probably time to call in Century Roof and Solar for an inspection to ensure you are set for “one more year!”
Seven Signs That Your Roof May Need Repair or Replacement
1. The Roof Noticeably Sags Anywhere
This is a clear sign that you should get your roof inspected, even if it is not yet leaking. Century Roof and Solar recommends immediate investigation because a sagging roof could signal that there’s a structural problem somewhere in the attic, or worse, your home’s foundation supports. A sagging roof could just be a mistake in the application of right hand trigonometry when the workman framed out the roof or even natural settling of the structure that happens with wood frame homes. Sagging may or may not spell out imminent danger, but we feel that is best for you to get to the underlying cause of the visible problem so you know what the issues are. Century has local engineers and architects that we can refer in the event we think that you have structural problems.
2. You are Missing Entire Shingles
Repairing or replacing roof sections that come loose is usually easy. But the new shingles will not necessarily match the color of the older, faded shingles. If you do not want your roof looking like a checkerboard, consider a roof replacement. Often times, roofers will recommend to install additional layers of roofing over the existing. This practice leaves the top layer vulnerable to wind blow off due to poor attachment. When we see roofs that have full missing shingles, the first thing that we investigate, is if there are more than one layer of shingles on the roof.
3. Your Roof Is 25 Years Old
The National Home Inspectors Association pegs the normal lifespan of a roof at somewhere between 20 to 30 years. If your roof is nearing the 25-year mark, you need an inspection to get a proper assessment about whether you should consider having a new roof replacement. This is even if everything looks okay on the outside. Leaks can often times take years to bleed through to the interior sheetrock and alert you that there is a problem. By that time, more costly damage can already be done, and additional money will need to spent on potential re-framing and or interior repair.
4. You Have Cracked Shingles
Cracked shingles are usually a sign that the roof is near the end of it’s useful life. Cracking shingles need to be repaired as the cracks can allow water to travel between the shingles. Sometimes surface cracks can appear on newer asphalt shingle roofs and it is wise to have us remove a couple samples and send to the manufacture for further analysis before the warranty triggers down to no longer cover the labor for replacement. If you see cracks on your roof shingles, it is time to inspect the whole roofing system to get a true sense of its condition and cause.
5. The Roof is Covered with Algae and Moss
Old roofs collect debris that can provide a home for algae, mold and moss. The presence on lichen on a roof is a natural occurrence. Typically lichen is more prevalent on the areas of the roof that receive less sun, such as the east and north-facing sides. Some roofs can safely have this lichen removed, some roof types would get damaged or discolored when removing lichen. We always recommend consulting with the material manufacture to determine if the roof can be safely cleaned. Tile roofs can be safely power washed, but it is not advised to power wash an asphalt shingle roof. Keeping the roof clear helps to avoid the growth of lichen and it improves the water drainage across the surface of the roof. Also, some new roofing materials have anti-algae properties that keep away the green stuff and keep your roof looking good as new. The anti-algae feature built into modern day shingles is usually warranted from manufactures for the first 10 year life of the roof. But eventually, like everything, Mother Nature takes its course. At least the anti-algae feature defers the possibility of any unsightly discoloration on your roof.
6. There are Granules in your Gutters
Granules are the stubbly material on asphalt shingles that protect the asphalt core of the shingle from the sun’s damaging rays. A new asphalt roof installation shedding some granules is normal, but if your roof is more than 10 years old, it’s a serious problem. Granules keep the sun’s rays away from your home; without it, shingle deterioration is accelerated.
7. You Can See Curling Shingles
Weathering issues with your roof shingles usually present themselves as curling, and there are two kinds. Curling in the middle of the shingle (called clawing), or on the edges (called cupping). The appearance of curling indicates that the shingles are close to developing leaks, due to water being able to run backwards up under the shingle, which could lead to bigger problems down the road.
Contact Century Roof and Solar for a Roofing Inspection and Estimate
Repairing your roof by yourself is complicated, dangerous, and not worth the hassle and risk. Contact the professionals at Century Roof & Solar to do the work for you. Our trained technicians have the experience and specialize in roof leak detection, roof repair, roof replacement, and solar energy needs! If you’re in need of a roof replacement that is also the perfect time to consider going solar. We would be happy to provide you with a comprehensive estimate for the highest quality of materials and methods of installation that the industry can provide.
Contact us online 24/7 or call our office at 1-888-233-7548 for more information.