The Sure Fire Signs Your Roof Is Beyond Repair

Did you know the US roofing contractors industry is worth $56.1 billion?

With such a vast market, it can be hard to find professionals you can trust to tell you the truth about needing a new roof. What are the signs? Luckily, we’re here to help you out.

Read on to learn about seven of the biggest sure-fire signs you’re in need of commercial roof replacement.

1. Roof Leaks

One of the biggest signs you need new roof installation is leaking. To check for this, you should be paying your attic a visit regularly — especially right after heavy rainfall. It’s important to look for signs of water intrusion and to jump on learning where they were sourced from.

If you can look and see that the leaks are confined to a specific area of your roof, then you might not need a full replacement. No matter what, though, you shouldn’t hesitate to call a professional roofer to inspect the problem further.

When you’re looking for a contractor, remember to ask these questions to ensure they’re trustworthy.

2. Mold, Mildew, Moss

If you notice growth either on your walls, ceiling, or roof, it’s not a great sign. If the growth is indoors, then that can mean a leaky roof, condensation issues, or even a simple plumbing problem. Having a professional come out to look at this can help you narrow down the problem more quickly, and you can have the issue addressed as soon as possible.

One thing that’s common to any type of growth is the fact that they grow in moist environments. If you live in a rainy region, it’s important to ensure your roof has adequate drainage. Without it, you’re leaving your home susceptible.

3. Roof Cracks

Cracked shingles are most often caused by wind damage. If they’re limited to a specific area, replacing those specifically is going to be the most practical solution. However, if they’re randomly dispersed all over your roof, then this is a big sign that it’s in need of replacement.

It’s not always something that needs to happen immediately, though. It’s sometimes possible to wait three to five years.

An easy way to check for cracks is by going up to your attic during the daytime. If you notice light coming through, that’s usually a sign that you have damage.

4. Age

If your roof has asphalt shingles that haven’t been replaced in 20 or so years, it’s time for a replacement. The lifespan of these is around 25 years, but that’s under ideal conditions.

Track down the paper trail on your roof if you’re not sure of its age, or have it examined professionally. Even if you can’t be sure of its exact age, a contractor can look at your roof and tell whether or not it needs to be replaced.

If you don’t have a shingle roof, then your roof is likely to last a lot longer. Wood shingles and shakes can expect to live anywhere between 20 and 40 years, clay tile usually lasts 50 years, metal is 70 years, and slate is 100 years or even longer.

5. Bad Flashing

The flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys helps seal your seams from rain and other weather. It’s important to examine their points to ensure there aren’t any cracks or breaks, as they can lead to unfortunate leaks.

In older homes, flashing is usually made of cement or tar, but it’s smart to upgrade to metal for better durability when you’re updating.

6. Roof Rot

Roof rot can lead to serious issues for your home’s structure. Wood rots when it’s exposed to moisture for long periods of time, leading to the growth of fungus. Identifying a rotting roof quickly is essential so the damage can be minimized.

Here are a few of the biggest signs of root rot:

• Torn flashing or missing shingles
• Water damage on your ceiling
• Sunken sun deck

If water breaches your roof’s protection, it’s only a matter of time before things go awry for its structure. If upon examination, you notice gaps in the shingles or tears in the flashing, this can be a major sign of a problem and it should be addressed immediately.

The same goes for things like water stains on your ceiling. This is a likely sign of leaks, and it can point to larger problems for your roof.

Your roof’s ridge should be completely straight. If it’s not, this can mean bad news for roof support beams and studs, as they might be experiencing rot. Sagging can also be the result of poor roofing materials, improper installation, or too much weight from ice and snow.

7. Rising Energy Bills

If you notice that your energy bills are on the rise, it could point to a poorly insulated roof. While a lot of homeowners focus on insulating doors and windows to decrease energy bills, sometimes their roof is the culprit.

While doors and windows allow a lot of air in and out, your roof covers all of your houses. If that’s not properly insulated, it’s like watching dollar signs float up and out of thin air. This is especially true during the cold months of winter when you’re trying to keep warm air in and cold air out.

Are You in Need of a New Roof?

Your business’s roof is its first line of defense against the elements and a lot of other dangers, and it’s important to be sure it remains in tip-top shape. Now that you know a bit more, though, are you ready to get started? Whether you’re experiencing these roofing issues, or you’re simply preparing for the future, we hope this guide can help you in your search for a new roof.

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