When your house needs a new roof, there are usually some very tell-tale signs. However, not every symptom is as obvious. If you aren’t quite sure if your roof can last another year, here are some signs it’s time for a new roof.
Age of Roof
Here in Ontario, the average lifespan of a shingle roof is anywhere from 15-25 years. However, this can vary greatly depending on several factors, including weather conditions and what your roof is made of. Strong winds and storms can damage or remove shingles. It’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your roof if you’ve lost shingles or if your roof is more than 10 years old.
If your roof is made of metal, like aluminum or steel, it can last up to 50 years. At George Kent Home Improvements, we are proud to offer a lifetime warranty on all roofing materials and labour.
Stained Ceiling or Walls
If you have stained ceilings or walls inside your home, it may be mould or mildew from a leaky roof. This is a serious problem that can jeopardize the integrity of your home, and your health, if it’s not dealt with in a timely manner.
Drafts
If your home or your attic is very drafty, it could be a sign that you need a new roof. Oftentimes homeowners will suspect their windows are the issue when their homes are drafty, but this may not necessarily be the case. Either way, a drafty home warrants a call for an inspection to identify the root cause of the issue.
Critters
Do you hear scratching noises coming from your attic? If the answer is yes, or if you have a problem with mice sightings in other parts of your home, there’s a chance they may be entering through a damaged roof. If you haven’t already guessed it, this is a sign it’s time for a new roof.
Moss Growth
If you can see green moss growing on your roof, this could lead to bigger problems. Moss grows in wet, cool environments. Moss = moisture. We all know moisture is not a good thing when it comes to your home in general, particularly your roof. If caught early enough, moss can be removed and you may be able to salvage your roof. This is definitely a reason to call for an inspection from a professional.
Excessive Energy Costs
If you find that your energy costs are really high or that they are inexplicably increasing, you may be losing energy through an inefficient roof. As mentioned above, there’s also a chance your windows could be contributing to excessive energy costs, so an inspection would be highly recommended to determine the root cause.
Missing, Cracked, or Curled Shingles
This is probably one of the most obvious signs that it’s time for a new roof. If you can spot missing, cracked, or curled shingles then your roof is definitely damaged and in need of repair. Sometimes shingles can be replaced but, beyond a certain point, an entirely new roof is the best course of action.
George Kent Home Improvements is a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor. This is a guarantee that your roof will be completed with superior installation, protection, and warranty options.
If your roof is showing signs that it’s time for a replacement or you’d like to have it inspected, please contact us here and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
