It is virtually impossible to overstate the importance of an expertly installed, well-maintained roof. It protects you and your belongings from the weather, but it also protects the structural components of your home. However, regardless of the quality of the materials and the quality involved in the installation, the time will come when your roof will need to be replaced. If you know the signs indicating that a roof replacement will soon be required, you should be able to plan for the work rather than react to an emergency.
Does Your Roof Leak?
A leak is often the first sign that homeowners notice when a roof is about to fail, so many contractors find that leak repair is one of the most-requested roof services. Although an isolated or minor leak can sometimes be repaired, if your roof is leaking in several different areas or allowing a copious amount of water to enter, it will probably be more cost-effective to replace the roof. Water stains or wet spots on ceilings are common signs of a roof leak. However, a roof can leak for an extensive period before penetrating the ceiling of the living area. In the attic, look for mold or mildew on your insulation as well as water stains on the rafters, trusses, and underside of the decking. Problems with the paint on your exterior siding or interior walls can also indicate a roof leak that is allowing water inside the wall void.
Do You Find Evidence of Roof Deterioration in Your Yard?
If your asphalt roof shingles are newly installed, you can expect to find granules around your downspouts or in your gutter. If your shingles are at least 10 years old, however, excess granules indicate a problem that you should not ignore. The granules help protect the asphalt from the elements, including UV rays and hail. When the granules are lost, the shingles can dry out, crack and allow water to penetrate. Finding pieces of your roof shingles or shakes in your yard is another possible sign that your roof is deteriorating. Evidence of deterioration warrants scheduling an inspection by a qualified roof contractor.
Do You See Unusual Changes in Your Shingles?
Over time, exposure to the elements can result in visible changes to asphalt shingles. They may begin to curl at the edges or rise in the center. They may develop cracks, become misaligned or move when the wind blows. Patches of moss may be present; shingles may appear to be frayed at the edges, or bald spots could appear. If you notice alterations in your shingles, contact a reputable roofing company to evaluate your situation.
Is Your Roof Nearing the End of Its Service Life?
The type of material installed and the quality of the maintenance given the roof are the primary factors that must be considered when assessing whether a roof is reaching the end of its expected life. For example, traditional three-tab shingles can last 18 to 20 years if well-maintained, but if they are not properly maintained, they may fail in less than 15 years. High-end shingles and metal roofs have much longer life expectancies, but they will need to be managed appropriately to maximize their longevity. If you know that your roof is nearing the end of its service life, you might want to start calling licensed roofing contractors in Austin so that you can schedule a replacement before serious problems arise, especially if you need to have several minor issues addressed.
What Are My Options for a New Roof?
Alpha Roofing is an Austin residential roofing contractor. We would be happy to evaluate your current roof and explain your options. We never recommend unnecessary work, so we will tell you whether your roof should be repaired or replaced. We install a wide variety of asphalt shingles and metal roofs, and we will explain the benefits and disadvantages of all options. We also install roof insulation, siding, flashing and skylights, and we offer chimney repairs, emergency roof repair, metal fabrication, and general roof repairs. We are one of the most respected roofing contractors in Austin, TX and Central Texas and are known for our honesty, craftsmanship and customer service. To obtain a free quote on any of the roof services we offer, submit the online form or call 512-777-1086.