When it comes to your home, a roof is essential to protecting your contents and your family. Unfortunately, a roof can become damaged over time due to water, weather, and age. But how do you know when it’s time to replace it? As the Treasure Valley’s most trusted roofing company in Boise, Madison Roofing is here to help! That’s why we’d like to provide you with the following guide to knowing when it’s time to replace your roof.
Curled or Cracked Shingles
As with most things, the shingles of a roof won’t last forever. In most cases, they are designed to last between 20-25 years before they start to deteriorate. That’s why it’s important to keep track of how old your roof is to determine if its shingles are nearing the end of their typical lifespan. If you don’t know, there are a few signs to help you determine if they should be replaced. These include shingles that have shed their granules. Granules can be easily spotted in your gutters or drains when they are shed. Other signs that may indicate you need to replace your roof include curled or cracked shingles. Shingles should lay flat against a roof. Over time they will eventually start to look uneven with curling edges. Shingles can also become damaged during severe weather. If you notice the shingles of your roof are cracked, curled, or missing altogether, you may need to repair or replace your roof altogether.
Leaks or Water Damage
One of the most obvious signs that indicate the need for a full roof replacement is water leaks that reach the interior of your home. While a small leak may not seem like a big deal, it can result in severe water damage, mold, and structural issues with your home. If you notice multiple leaks, your roof most likely needs to be replaced. To check for water leaks, take the time to inspect your attic for any sunlight coming through or water stains. This will often tell you where a leak is located. A single leak may mean that you need a simple patching repair, but a large leak or multiple leaks in different parts of your roof might require a full roof replacement.
Structural Damage
There are certain components of a roof that can become damaged due to severe weather and water damage. If the wooden beams of a home that support the roof become exposed to moisture, they will start to rot until they can no longer hold the weight of the roof. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for any dips or sagging, as these are signs the framing structure of your home has become damaged. Compromised, these beams will need to be replaced to prevent a roof from collapsing.
Black Streaks
Black streaks on your roof are actually caused by the growth of algae. Over time, shingles can develop a dark outer coating of algae that results in dark, visible streaks. While this is not only attractive, the growth of moss and algae can cause serious problems by holding moisture close to a roof’s shingles, which can result in rotting and granule loss. If you notice any moss or dark streaks on your roof, it may be time for a full replacement.
Aesthetics
While it’s possible to repair missing shingles, it’s nearly impossible to match the color of new shingles to the old ones. This can result in a checkerboard appearance, reducing the aesthetic appeal of your home. Since old shingles will need to be replaced at different times than new ones, you won’t get back to an even color unless you opt for a full roof replacement.
Madison Roofing
It can be easy to forget regular roof maintenance with all the other things you deal with in life. However, a healthy roof is essential to the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of your home. If you notice any of the signs listed above, you should address the issue as soon as possible. As the Treasure Valley’s most trusted roofing company in Boise, Madison Roofing is here to help you find the best solutions for your residential or commercial property. Contact us by filling out our online form or give our Boise office a call at (208) 344-5379 for more information or to get a no-cost, no-obligation quote.
