Signs You Need To Replace Your Roof and Siding

Your roof and siding are incredibly important to the overall integrity of your home or property. Not only does it protect you from the elements, but it also keeps pests out, keeps heating and cooling in, and adds curb appeal. 

If you’ve been neglecting your roof for too long, there’s a huge chance that damage is already taking place. Unless you tackle a replacement sooner, expect extreme scenarios such as foundation issues and health and safety concerns in your family.

Below are the facts of warning signs you need a new roof and siding.

Roof

1. Roof age

One of the biggest clues that warrant a new roof is age. As with all things in this world, roofs get old. Increasing roof age carries problems year after year. Just because your roof looks good doesn’t mean it is structurally sound

Most roofs have an average lifespan of 25 years. However, there are also factors that accelerate your roof’s aging process. What are these factors? Inadequate ventilation, exposure to sunlight, improper design, and a lack of prompt maintenance.

2. Granules in the gutter

The granules in your roof shingles have many benefits. Granules add color, reflect UV rays from the sun, and resist fires. Over time, the granules come off due to weathering and daily heat exposure. In some cases, granule loss results from hail storms. Without granules, your roof won’t be able to protect you from the outside elements. Extensive loss results in roof failure.

If you haven’t cleaned out your gutters for a long time and decide to one day, check for the presence of shingle granules. In case you find granules, recall whether they were present the last time you cleaned the gutters. A few granules shouldn’t be a reason to panic. However, call a roofing contractor to explore possible reasons behind the granule loss.

3. Buckling or curling shingles

Take a walk around your home to examine your roof. If several shingles have buckled or curled, this is one of the signs you need a new roof. Buckling looks like something underneath a shingle is pushing it upwards. On the other hand, curling is when the sides of a shingle are turned outward.

Buckling or curling usually happens with excessive moisture. It is also caused by a lack of ventilation. Increasing roof age is another contributing factor.

4. Sagging roof lines

Be warned if you find a sagging roof. Ideally, roof lines should be straight. Sagging lines are more than just an aesthetic problem – they indicate that your roof is on the verge of collapsing. If your roof reached the end of its lifespan and is past the warranty period, get immediate attention from your local roofer.

A rotten sheathing causes your roof to sag. Accumulation of snow and ice for several months is also another reason. It could also be that the joints and rafters of your roof were not properly designed.

5. Persistent roof leaks

What homeowners find most annoying is when they schedule a roof leak repair only to find out that it doesn’t resolve. A roof leak can be difficult to track. Roofing contractors consider many possibilities such as cracked shingles, condensation in your heating/AC, and damaged flashing.

The earlier roof leaks are resolved, the less likely you’ll need an immediate replacement. But again, a roofing contractor has to explore the culprit of the leak. Chronic and neglected leaks compromise the structure of your home.

Siding

1. Cracked, warped or rotting siding

This one probably seems obvious, but it’s worth mentioning anyway because just a few cracks could still be really problematic. If you find siding cracks, warping and rotting, take deeper look to see what’s going on. Poke under the siding to see how solid the layer beneath is. If it is soft or you discover more rotting, it’s probably time to get an estimate.

2. Bubbles under the siding surface

If you see bubbling under the surface of your siding it’s very likely that water has gotten trapped. Siding is meant to keep moisture away from your home, and if it’s been able to penetrate the siding, it’s probably time to replace.

3. Mold or other fungus growth

If you find mold, mildew or fungus growing on or under the siding is another sign that water is penetrating the siding. While all fungus growth isn’t cause for concern, it’s worth your attention and further inspection.

4. Needing to paint siding frequently

A good paint job should last anywhere from 8 to 10 years by most experts’ estimations. If you find yourself needing to paint siding more frequently – say every 3 to 5 years – it may be time for a replacement.

5. Peeling or blistering paint inside your home

Peeling or blistering paint on interior walls is a sign of moisture and a good indicator that your siding may be faulty. As mentioned above, your siding is meant to keep water out. But, bad siding could allow that water to penetrated and seep into the wallboards.

Start today before it’s too late

As you can see, an early roof replacement isn’t necessary if you don’t put off roof repairs. Start by making simple observations. Next, get a regular roofing inspection from a professional roofer in your area. The right contractor knows what problems to look for.