A new roof is not the most glamorous purchase but there comes a time when it needs to be done. If done properly, a new roof can yield a big return on your investment. At Alliance Roofing, we do not want you to wait until you have active leaks to consider a roof replacement. This will lead to more damage and in turn more repairs needed. We want you to be able to make an educated decision as to when it is time for a new roof. We also want you to feel comfortable with the roofing contractor you choose; get a couple different estimates and make the choice that is right for your family. Just remember, the cheapest estimate is not always going to be the best estimate (as the saying goes “you get what you pay for”). The following are some things to look for that will help you determine if you need to reach out to a roofing contractor.
- Is your roof 15 years or older? If it is, it is time to get an estimate for a new roof. At 20 years old, your roof has done its time and will not be able to protect your home to the fullest any longer.
- Is sunlight coming through? Holes in the roof are a dead giveaway that your roof is damaged. I know you are thinking, ‘obviously’, but sometimes this can be overlooked especially in attics and other rooms that are not often used. Check for holes that are letting in sunlight room by room. To do this you will need to make the room as dark as possible by closing any blinds and doors and turn the lights off. Then, look to the sky and if you can even a small glimmer of light, you have holes in your roof.
- Do you have leaks when it rains? Another obvious sign is that your roof leaks when it rains. Only, it is not always that obvious. If you are aware of leaks in your roof, do not hesitate to get it repaired. Even a small leak will let moisture in between cracks. This moisture will expand and contract with temperature changes, in turn widening the opening in your roof. This will spread quickly, weakening the integrity of your roof. The longer you wait, the more dangerous it becomes and the more expensive it is to fix. If you do not see any leaks, check for dripping when it rains and remember what we said before, do not overlook your attic!
- Do you have stains and discoloration on the ceiling or walls? When roof leaks have been going on for a long time, you can see it on the ceiling and walls of your home. As moisture drips further and further down into your home, it will bring dirt and dust with it. When this dirty water soaks all the way through to the surface of your ceiling and walls, it will discolor the paint. These discolorations are grey, brown, or yellowish in color. On the ceiling, it will appear as a circular ring. On the walls, it may look like streaks dripping down. As we said, these stains indicate that the leaks have reached all the way into your home. These are signs of very advanced water damage and need to be fixed as soon as possible.
- Has your energy bill increased? If you suddenly see a spike in your air conditioning or heating costs, the cool or warm air may be escaping out through your roof. If you address this ventilation issue in your attic with a roof replacement or roof repair, your heating and cooling expenses should drop.
- Do you have visible roof damage? Safety first!! Do not get overzealous about checking your roof’s exterior. Falls from a roof can be deadly. At Alliance Roofing, your safety is our priority! Do not attempt to walk around on your roof unless you are professionally trained and geared-up. That is what we are here for! This is what to look for on the outside of your roof during an inspection:
- Damaged or Missing Shingles; if shingles or tiles are missing, cracked, broken, peeling, or damaged in any way
- Damaged Chimney or Flashing; when the flashing (the material connecting the chimney to the house) is cracked or damaged, it invites moisture in. This moisture expands and contracts with changes in temperature, worsening the problem. Such temperature changes include both the weather and the use of your fireplace.
- Chimneys, vents, pipes, and other objects that penetrate your roof are places where deterioration may initially develop. Often, the fixes can be confined to these specific areas.
- Debris
- Pieces of roofing material; Are there pieces of roofing material and/or chimney flashing in your lawn or gutter? Now that you know what to look for, you can determine whether it is time for a new roof (or at the very least a roof repair). At Alliance Roofing, we want to support you and your family and help you make the right decision. If you are still not sure if you need a new roof or roofing repair, you can call our office at (843) 689-9400 to schedule a free roof inspection!
