Your roof acts as a barrier between the elements and your home. It helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and creates a protective shield around your home, protecting you from the outside elements.
Your roof is built to take a lot of punishment on a regular basis. That said, roofs have an expiration date. They are exposed to the elements and can develop leaks or other issues. With proper care and maintenance, a roof can last for 50 years or more.
If roofing issues are giving you sleepless nights, you have two options either repair or replace your roof. If your roof is nearing the end of its service life or seriously damaged, a repair won’t get the job done. Your roof will need frequent repairs and may eventually fall apart despite your best efforts.
When do I know if I should repair or replace my roof? This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask us when their roof starts showing signs of distress.
If you are facing this dilemma, you have come to the right place. Roof Tile Custom Specialists is one of the premier tile roof repair companies in Alamo. To help you make an informed decision, we have put together a list of some warning signs your roof might need to be replaced.
Missing Tiles
Check the areas of your roof that receive direct sunlight. If they are missing tiles or have damaged tiles, consider roof replacement. Over time, strong winds and other elements can tear tiles off a roof, allowing water to penetrate into the sheathing layers. This can result in rot.
Have your roofing contractor inspect your roof. Once they are able to make a successful diagnosis, they will decide whether roof repair or replacement is the best option for you.
Damaged or Deteriorating Flashing
Flashing is installed to keep water out of important areas in your roof. If the flashing around your chimney or vent pipes is missing, you might be staring at a roofing disaster. Rusted or missing flashing will be unable to keep water away from important parts of your roof.
If you have older flashing made from tar or asphalt, consider replacing it with a metal flashing system. A water-tight fitting will prevent leaks, extending the service life of your roof.
Roof Age
Though sturdy, roofs aren’t meant to last forever. Over time, roofs develop cracks and leaks. An aging roof could do more harm than good. Water damage from a leaky roof can cause important structural wood to rot, leaving your home vulnerable to severe and potentially irreversible structural damage.
The average lifespan of a roof is 20-25 years. If your roof is nearing its last legs, repairing it is sending money down the drain. Some common signs that a roof is on its way out are peeling paintwork, bald spots, cracked tiles, and holes.
Moss and Mold Growth
Moss, mildew, mold, and algae love moisture. If your roof is damaged and water collects between its layers, moss and mold could start growing in different areas.
Ignoring moss and mold on your roof could prove to be a costly mistake. Over time, spores will spread to the tiny cracks between your tiles, killing your roof from the inside out.
Moss and moldy tiles are aesthetically unpleasant and can lead to severe roof damage. In many cases, a plumbing problem can be the culprit behind mold and mildew growth. If you notice mold on your roof, do not jump to hasty conclusions about the source of your problem. Before you make a decision, have a tile roof repair expert inspect your roof.
Sagging
One of the most obvious signs you need a new roof is a sagging ceiling. More often than not, sagging indicates structural damage resulting from poor spacing and inadequate bracing. A sagging ceiling could mean a hidden leak in your roof is causing moisture to seep into it.
If your ceiling feels soft or has the consistency of soggy cardboard, you most likely have an unidentified leak. This is a severe problem and demands immediate attention. Have your tile roof repair expert look into the matter as soon as possible.
Leaks
A leak in your roof could indicate severe roof damage. Even a seemingly minor and innocuous leak can snowball into a significant concern overnight. Water leaking through your roof is a recipe for disaster and could damage your property or possessions.
Some common signs of roof leaks include dripping sounds, ceiling/wall mold growth, high humidity levels indoors, and water stains on the ceiling or walls.
A total roof replacement may not be required to address the problem. When in doubt, reach out to your roofing contractor with your questions.
Roof Tile Customs Specialists, Inc. offers end-to-end roofing solutions. Whether you want to maintain an existing roof or plan to install a new roofing system, our tile roof repair experts in Alamo can help. To schedule an estimate, call us at (925) 634-8700.