Introduction
Seeing with the naked eye and finding no problem at all in your roofing is common, but don’t be fooled by the upper structure. Considering Ohio’s weather conditions, roofs are always exposed to extreme elements such as high winds, baking sun, or freezing ice, which can make the structure brittle or damage the protective layer with time. Mostly, the inner cracks that can lead to irreversible damage cannot be seen and require a detailed inspection.
Not only is it important to inspect the roof regularly for damage signs, but deciding whether to repair or replace the roof is a big question. Keep in mind that only a few cracks can be repaired, and if the damage exceeds the limit, it’s time to have a new roof. This guide will shed some light on the top warning signs that you need a new roof in Mid-Ohio Valley. Let’s find out more!
Top 5 Signs You Need a New Roof— Early Symptoms of Roof Damage
Here are the top 5 signs and symptoms of roof damage and indications of roof replacement.
Sign 1: Average Life Span of Roof
The first threat sign that you need a new roof is the average life span of the roofing structure. For example, Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in America, keeping in mind the extreme weather conditions and its extraordinary strength. As per survey reports, Asphalt Shingles can last 15 to 20 years and no more than 30 years. On the other hand, the second most loved choice is metal and tile roofing, which has an average life span of 50 years. Now, imagine your roof is turning 25 or 50 years old, but how’d you know that?
Bonus Section: How do you find the age of the roof?
There are various ways you can check when the roof of your home was replaced last time. A few of them are mentioned below:
Contact Contractor: You might be able to find the name or stamp of the contractor somewhere on the roof from where you can get the contact details. Moreover, if you’re the one who replaced the roof last time, you might have the receipts or some sort of contact details already.
Previous Owner: If you’ve just moved into the place, you can always contact the previous owner. Get the contact information from the real estate agent.
Professional Inspection: If none of the above works for you, it’s better to have professional inspection services to find out how old the roof is and when the right time to replace it is.
Sign #2: Shingles are No Longer Straight
The second most common sign that you immediately need a new roof in Columbus, Ohio, is the curling shingles. Shingles can curl or bend at different locations, such as from the middle or the edges.
The bending or curling of shingles are of two types, i.e., Cupping (curling at the edges) or Clawing (curling in the middle). Both types can harm the walls, ceiling, and even the support beams. The major cause of roof shingles curling can be undue moisture or excessive heat exposure. If the shingles have been warped and moisture has seeped inside the roof structure, there is no way left but to replace the whole roof.
Sign #3: Gutters are Blocked with Stones or Granules
Asphalt shingles— the most common roofing type in Ohio— are made up of stones, grit, or granules. Thus, finding any grit or granules in the gutters while cleaning them is a sign that the roof structure is brittle and breaking. In case you have recently installed a new roof and find granules or small stone pieces inside the gutter, it’s normal as some of the parts can come off with water, snow, or wind. However, finding large amounts of grit every fall season is troublesome and needs attention.
Moreover, apart from the gutter, if shingles are falling in the yard in full strips, it’s also a major sign that you might need to change the roof anytime soon.
Sign #4: Light Coming from the Attic
Get into the attic of your home and find out if there are any signs of light coming through the beams. If so, the next step is to find any water stains or seepage signs because some of the light is permissible to pass through. In case there are signs of water seepage or a large amount of light coming through, it’s time to get a new roof in Columbus, Ohio.
Sign #5: Sagging Roof or Bent Structure
One of the most critical and alarming situations is when your home’s roof is sagging. Consider this an immediate warning sign as the roof might fall any second. Structural issues below the shingles, weakened beams, water below the shingles, and accumulated snow at the top can cause roof sagging or bent roof structures. Generally, a roof can support a weight of 10 to 20 pounds per square foot, and accumulated snow, especially during the winters in Ohio, can increase the weight on the roof structure, causing it to sag.
Key Takeaway
Roof structures are always exposed to extreme weather elements, causing the structure to become brittle and weakened. It’s always better to inspect the roof structure regularly and look for signs of damage.
Some of the Signs You Need a New Roof include water damage, a sagging/bent roof, missing or broken shingles, and grit in gutters. Contrarily, some of the signs are not visible to the naked eye and can cause significant damage in the future. Thus, it is recommended to inspect the roof structure by hiring a professional service in Ohio as well.
