Your roof plays an important role in the protection of your home. When it is compromised, it can’t perform that job sufficiently. Sometimes a repair can bridge the gap but other times, whether due to old age or repeated issues, a roof replacement in the Bay Area is the only wise choice.
It’s always better to be proactive when it comes to roofing issues. Be on the lookout for early signs of failure, or hire a Bay Area roofer to regularly inspect your roof for you. This will help to minimize repair costs and reduce risks of injury or property damage. Check out these top warning signs that you need to replace your roof in San Francisco.
1. Water Damage
There are a few signs indoors you may have a roof leak, such as:
- Moisture marks
- Yellow, brown, or gray stains
- Peeling paint on walls or ceilings
Take a look in your attic and check for damp rafters or sources of leaks. However, these quick checks are no substitute for getting basic inspections from a qualified roofer, which could potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs. They will be able to spot minor damage early on that could save you from a total replacement. However, if you have severe water damage from multiple points on the roof, replacement is inevitable.
2. Age
Depending on material, the average lifespan of a roof is between 20 and 50 years.
- Asphalt shingles: 20 years
- Metal roofs: up to 50 years
- Clay tiles: 40 years
It’s helpful to know how old your roof is so you can estimate its lifespan. How many layers of shingles you have will also play a part, as roofs installed over several layers will indicate the need for a new roof.
3. Sagging
Sagging is a result of trapped moisture that has rotted the boards under the roof. There’s a very good chance that a droopy roof will need to be replaced before more damage occurs to the whole structure. Inspect the surface for signs of rotting boards, trapped moisture, and sagging spots, particularly at the lower points in the roof.
Tip: stand far back from your house, such as across the street, and inspect it from different angles. Your roof should look straight along its lines, which means it should be easy to spot signs of slumping and sagging.
4. Moss, Mold, or Fungi
Moss, mold and fungi (i.e., mushrooms) are signs your roof has trapped moisture. You can remove moss with a stiff brush but be aware of underlying problems. If you can’t get it off, call a professional. If you suspect mold is present, your best bet is to hire a mold remediation firm to safely handle this organic substance, or get your roof replaced if the damage is widespread.
5. Curling or Buckling Shingles
When shingles curl and buckle, this means they are no longer properly attached and have sustained damage. The wind can easily catch the curved surface of a shingle, which can get worse and worse with each storm until the shingle flies right off. You can replace one shingle here or there, but if it keeps happening, or it happens to multiple shingles with every storm, replacement is recommended.
6. Granules in Gutters
As shingles age, their protective granules shed and get washed away, ending up in your gutters. Without those granules, your shingles can’t do their job. So if you’re spotting a lot of these tiny particles in your gutters when you clean them out, chances are you will need replacement soon.
7. Missing Flashing, Fascia, or Gutter Guards
If you suspect damage has occurred to any of the supporting structure, such as cracked or missing flashing, gutter guards, or fascia, this is a red flag. These items make sure the roof is structurally sound and won’t pose a risk of collapse or leaks.
8. High Energy Bills
If your energy bills are much higher than normal, and you’ve been having issues with your aging roof, you may want to consider replacing it. A new roof with modern materials will offer occupants more comfort throughout the year while keeping your energy bills in check. Why spend all that money on utility bills if the heat and cold air is just going to escape from your roof?
9. Repeated Repairs
If you’ve had repeated repairs done to your roof, and it’s getting on in years anyway, you may decide to replace it instead of throwing good money after bad. Bay Area roof replacement is much more cost-effective than shelling out money for repeated repairs year after year.
Get a Quote From Marina Bay Roofing Today
Think you may need a roofing replacement? Call now to schedule a free roof inspection and quote on roofing services in the Bay Area. Our experts can assess the condition of your roof and recommend a solution.
