Roof replacement represents one of the most significant investments a homeowner will make in his or her home. While most people would like to get the maximum service life from their current roof if possible, the simple fact is that roofs won't last forever, and roof replacement is inevitable at some point in your home's life span. When the time comes for a residential new roof in Tampa, there's nothing a homeowner can do but ante up and invest in the value and integrity of the home.
Sometimes roof problems can be repaired without the need for a whole roof replacement. That can prolong the service life of a roof substantially and allow the homeowner to postpone that sizable investment until it's necessary. Some residential roofers may lead you to believe that your roof can't be repaired, since there's more of a windfall for the roofer in roof replacement. While it may be difficult to determine when a roof needs to be repaired or replaced, there are some tell-tale signs that you can look for to help you determine which course will be the best for your home. Keep reading to learn a few of the tell-tale signs that the time has come to replace your aging roof.
Curled Shingles
If your roof is constructed using asphalt shingles, you will eventually have to replace your roof as those shingles age with exposure to the elements. Though it's not uncommon to see an asphalt shingle roof last for 20 years, that's about the outside limit of the effective service life of such a roof. One of the primary signs that shingles have exhausted their usefulness and require replacement is when they begin to curl. If your shingles are beginning to curl, it's time to replace the roof. Curled shingles can allow moisture to penetrate to the roof decking, which can cause the decking to rot and undermine your entire roof system.
Evidence of Leaks
A roof that is pouring water inside your home each time it rains is clearly in need of replacement. However, even more seemingly insignificant leaks also warrant roof replacement in most cases. Look for water stains on the ceilings or at the tops of walls. Climb into your attic and look for water stains on the underside of the roof decking. If you see evidence of leaks, even if they seem minute, it's a good idea to get a roof inspection because you will likely need a new roof sooner rather than later.
Lost Granules
The granules on asphalt shingles aren't just there for decorative reasons. They have a practical purpose, as they protect the asphalt shingles from UV rays and enhance fire protection in addition to serving aesthetic purposes. When your shingles begin to lose their granules, that's a good sign that your roof is nearing the end of its service life. Look for evidence of granule erosion in rain gutters and downspouts, as you may see those missing granules accumulate there.
If you notice any of these signs upon inspection of your roof, residential roof repair in Tampa is in your immediate future. It's better to replace a roof early than deal with the damage it causes when left to leak unabated. If you're in need of roof repairs or replacement, contact Latite Roofing and Sheet Metal at (800) 639-7663.
We provide roofing services in Pompano Beach, Naples, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Miami, Bonita Springs and more.