Roofs are an important part of the house. Unfortunately, a lot of home owners do not think about their maintenance until there is a problem. These avoidable problems can costs thousands of dollars in repairs and damage. When any of the following issues are present, it may be time to look into a replacement.
Age
Depending on the building materials used and the weather conditions, the average lifespan is 15 to 20 years. If the roof has been on the house for a long period of time, it may be time for a replacement. They should periodically be checked for any physical signs of wear and tear.
Missing Shingles
Wind and faulty installation can cause missing shingles. Repairs are an option, but chances are the problem is more serious than it seems. Missing shingles can be indicative of a worn out tar strip. If this is the case, replacement may be a more economical solution than a repair job.
Curling Shingles
Improperly fastened shingles, poor installation, and no back coating are all reasons for shingles to curl. Weather can also play in a role in the curling. The sun dries and shrinks the asphalt in shingles. When this occurs, they become brittle and easy to lift. Curling shingles is a sign that it needs replacing in the future.
Missing Granules
Granules can become dislodged from the shingles. This is a normal occurrence, but the significant loss of granules is not. The granules protect the shingles from UV damage. Once the granular coating is gone, the fiberglass or asphalt mat underneath the shingles is exposed. If granules are the issue, it will be easy to spot. The top of the house will have areas that will look different. There may be light or dark patches. These patches show the spots where there are missing granules. Sometimes the granules will show up in the house’s gutters.
Moss
Moss can also cause damage. The root system of the moss can dig underneath the shingles. As the moss grows, the shingles can begin to separate from the structure. On a windy day, they may possibly blow off. A smaller patch of moss is a correctable problem. If there are several moss patches, the entire structure may need replacing.
Sagging
Sagging is never a good sign. Roof decking is made from wood. Sagging occurs when the decking has too much weight or is weakening from rot or wear. Sagging is a more noticeable issue. To check for sagging, compare the angle of the area in question to the chimney or other houses. If the section looks sunken in, then it is damaged.
The roof of the house is a major house structure that is often taken for granted. It is a good idea to investigate its condition every now and then. If any of the replacement indicators are present, there is a problem. Even though no one really wants a replacement, the economics of the situation may make this option a better financial decision.
This post is brought to you by William Smith, a proud homeowner for the last 15 years. When it comes to professional roofing Mississauga repairs, he recommends Keating Roofing Contractors Ltd. 2550 Goldenridge Road Mississauga, ON L4X 2S3? (416) 259-3171