Wondering if You Need to Replace Your Roof?

How do you know when it’s time to replace your roof? The roof is one of the most important parts of your home as it protects the entire structure from the elements. Replacing it is one of the biggest decisions homeowners face. If your home has an old roof and you’re experiencing problems with it, you may be trying to decide whether to continue to pay for fixes and try to get a few more years out of it, or to replace the roof and know you will enjoy years of problem free service from it.

Signs Your Home May Need a New Roof

If you are experiencing obvious roof failure, such as widespread leaks, or sections of the roof peeling or falling off, then it may be past time to replace the entire roof. But there may be other things going on that also mean it may be time to replace your old roof with a new one.

1. Water damage or leaks inside the home. Water damage can be a very costly outcome of a roof failure. Signs of water leaks from roof failure include stains or peeling paint on ceilings or walls, or attic rafters that are wet, peeling or warped from water damage. Caught early, a localized leak can be repaired. Widespread or repeated damage however may indicate it’s time for a roof replacement.
2. Light visible through the attic roof. Light seen from inside your attic may indicate missing, rotted or broken roof underlayment, shingles or tiles. If light is seeping through, then water damage will surely occur during rain or snow. This is a clear sign of an aging roof or catastrophic damage from a weather event or falling debris. Call your roofer right away to investigate.
3. Sagging or rotting roof or ceilings. A sagging roof is a clear candidate for replacement. Check for sagging with a visual inspection as far back from your home as you can to get a good view. Your roof lines should be straight, from top to bottom where sloped, and horizontally across where flat. Any sagging areas in the roof line are a sign of moisture causing warping of the roof components. Sagging may also be accompanied by mold. Call your roofer if you notice sagging in your roof.
4. Missing, rotting, broken shingles or tiles. Aging roofs experience decay in the adhesive materials holding shingles and tiles in place. When the adhesive fails, roof materials may move or fall, exposing the roof to moisture intrusion. Shingles also age and decay over time. They may warp, curl or crack and no longer perform their job of protecting your home from the elements. This usually means it’s time to replace the roof.
5. Asphalt granules worn away. Asphalt shingles are covered with granules that give the shingles protection from UV light and water damage. Over time the granular coating may be damaged by hail or storms, wear away and fall off. If shingles are smooth and granules are missing, the shingles will fail and need replacement. You may notice asphalt granules or even pieces of shingles showing up in the rain gutters, a sign that the roof has begun to fail.
6. Flashing or fascia missing. The metal and connecting parts on your roof, such as flashing around your chimney, are vital to maintaining roof integrity. If those pieces are missing or failing, it’s possible your aging roof needs replacement. Your roofer can determine if the failure is localized and only needs a part replacement, or if there are wider issues with the roof’s integrity warranting replacement.
7. Moss or algae (dark streaks). In moist climates, or if roof maintenance has not been done, an aging roof may accumulate moss or algae where moisture has gathered. Small patches of moss can be removed and treated by your roofer. However, if there is wide damage from moss and related moisture intrusion, then roof replacement is the best solution.
8. You notice energy loss (higher heating/cooling bills). If your energy usage seems to be slowly creeping higher, and you’ve eliminated leaks in windows and doors, this may be a sign of air leakage due to roof decay or damage. A professional roof inspection will determine whether the condition of your roof is affecting your energy usage. Installing an energy efficient roof will lower overall heating and cooling costs for years to come.
9. Storm damage. As storms have become more severe, catastrophic roof damage is happening more frequently. After any significant storm event, it’s important to have your roof inspected. Some localized damage may be repairable if dealt with soon, but if enough damage has occurred to make repairs too costly or ineffective, a roof replacement will be the best option.
10. You plan to sell your home soon. If you are planning to sell your home soon and the roof is visibly aging, a new roof can increase the value of your home. Work with your roofer and real estate agent to determine whether a reroofing project makes sense before you sell.
11. You plan to stay many more years in the home. If you’ve been in the home a while or purchased an older home but plan to stay many years, installing a new roof to replace one that has reached its expected life is a good investment that will protect your home and belongings, and help you avoid future damage leading to unplanned, costly repairs. It may even save you on homeowner’s insurance, so check with your insurance agent.
12. Your roof is past its expected lifespan. An aging roof is more susceptible to failure and damage. You may notice homes like yours in the neighborhood having new roofs installed. That is usually a sign that roofs built at the same time are due for replacement. If your roof has passed its normal lifespan, consult a roofer to get an idea of the timetable and options for a roof replacement so you can plan ahead.

Is Roof Replacement a Cost Effective Investment?

Sometimes roof replacement is the best and most cost effective solution. If needed repairs are quoted at a price that makes investing in a roof replacement a better long term investment, then reroofing the home might be the wisest decision. If your older roof has reached its expected lifespan, replacing the entire roof will save time, trouble and money on future roof repairs. With a quality roof installation, you may save money on energy costs. And a new roof increases curb appeal and the value of your home, so it is money wisely spent.

Prestige Roofing Las Vegas Replacement Roofs

Prestige Roofing in Las Vegas has been serving their community for over 25 years, offering a wide range of roofing options, from copper and zinc to slate, tile and shingle roofs. If you have an aging roof, contact us today for a free estimate on a roof replacement.