In
this article, you will learn:
1. How Often Your Roof Should be
Replaced
2. 10 Red Flags to Look Out For During Your Routine Roof Inspections
3. 3 Surprising Factors That Impact Your Roof’s Lifespan
As Canadian homeowners, our properties are exposed to a wide variety of harsh weather conditions throughout the year.
From rain and snow to wind, hail and heat – our roofs play a very important role in keeping our families safe, warm and healthy!
However, these important structures are not immune to the wear and tear of time.
While the average lifespan of a roof can depend on a wide variety of factors, it is not uncommon for homeowners to miss the red flags before it’s too late!
At T. Simpson Roofing Ltd., we encourage our clients to implement a routine roof inspection schedule to better maintain one of the biggest investments of their properties.
By inspecting your roof once in the spring and once in the fall, you will have a better chance of addressing any minor damage and expenses before they get worse.
How Often Should My Roof Be Replaced?
The lifespan of your roof will depend primarily on the type of roof you have, and how well it has been maintained over the years.
For example, roof shingles are typically replaced between:
– Composite Shingles: 12-20 years
– Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years
– Wood Shingles: 20-25 years
Today, fiberglass shingles are the most common and affordable roofing options on the market.
Catering to a wide variety of styles and budgets, it is important to note that regular maintenance will still be required to get the most value out of your new roof replacement.
To help you better maintain your roof, we have created a list of the top 10 red flags to look for during your routine roof inspections:
10 Red Flags To Look Out For Your During Routine Roof Inspections:
Spring and Fall are typically the best seasons to conduct your routine maintenance inspection.
While visual checks can catch many of the possible red flags, it may be helpful to hire a professional to come in and conduct a thorough inspection for any hidden problem areas.
Here are a few signs that your roof might be ready for repair:
1. Damaged or Cracked Shingles:
Damaged or cracked shingles are some of the most noticeable problems your roof can have.
Exposed to strong winds, ice, heat and water damage – these are not uncommon problems to find while your roof begins to age.
If caught in time, you should be able to repair partial areas of your roof without needing a complete roof replacement.
2. Curled Shingles:
Curled shingles can be an indication that 1) moisture has begun to build up beneath the shingles, 2) they have become worn down from direct sunlight and weathering, or 3) the shingles may not have been installed property.
While shingles can curl in two different ways, keep an eye out for any shingles that either have their edges turned up, or edges that remain flat but are ballooning in the middle.
3. Bald Spots:
Bald spots in your roof refer to areas where the shingles may have completely fallen off.
While you may be able to repair these areas individually, prolonged exposure to the elements may result in further damage such as leaks, mold or caving.
4. Granules in Your Gutters:
Your gutter system can also play an important role in your roof inspection process!
While gutters are designed to move rain away from your home’s foundation, it is not uncommon to find them clogged up by leaves, ice or twigs.
However, if you start to notice granules from your shingles collecting in your gutters, it may be time for a roof replacement.
5. Animal Damage:
If you have been hearing animals on your roof lately, it may be a good idea to check for any damage.
While squirrels, birds and other small animals are often attracted to warm, protective heat sources, they can sometimes remove shingles and break through rotting wood for access to a nesting space.
Keep an eye out for droppings and gathered nesting materials to indicate any hidden animal damage.
6. Mold, Moss or Rot:
While our roofing systems do a great job in shielding us from the wet rain, snow and ice – this water exposure can turn into moisture buildup very quickly.
Moss, mold, and rotting are all caused by trapped moisture beneath the shingles, which can destroy your roof’s structure if left undetected.
Unfortunately, these buildups can also be damaging to your health. If you are unsure of what to look for, consider calling our team at T. Simpson Roofing Ltd. for the peace of mind you deserve.
7. Sunlight Coming Through The Roof Beams:
You can also learn a great deal about your roof from inside of your attic!
Take some time during a bright, sunny day to look for any rays of sun that may seep through your roof beams.
If sunlight is making its way in, then water leakage and increased energy consumption are sure to be problems as well.
8. Leaking Roof:
If water has started leaking from your roof, it is definitely time for a roof replacement.
While this can be caused from a variety of reasons (including damaged or missing shingles, animal damage or rotting), the presence of water indicates that your roof is no longer fulfilling its purpose.
Unfortunately, water damage can spread into mold and rotting beneath the rest of your shingles as well, making it unsafe to stand on.
Instead of checking your roof for the source of the leak, call a roofing professional for assistance.
9. Sagging Roof:
A sagging roof is an immediate red flag for a complete roof replacement.
While the structure should be strong and durable, it is not uncommon for the weight of ice, snow or debris to put a dangerous amount of weight on old or faulty roofing systems.
While this added weight can potentially cause your roof to collapse, it is very important to contact a roofing professional as quickly as possible.
10. Higher Energy Bills:
Finally, an increased energy bill can also be an indication that your home is not properly regulating itself as it should.
If your heating or cooling costs have changed, this could be an indication that there is poor ventilation or insulation in your attic, or perhaps your roof.
While these increased expenses can also relate to your windows and doors, it is important to keep an eye on any major billing changes throughout the year, instead of just during your inspections.
3 Surprising Factors That Impact Your Roof’s Lifespan
While age and maintenance are major contributors to your roof’s longevity, there are also a few additional factors that can contribute to an efficient roof replacement:
1. Slope – If your roof has a slope that faces directly to the sun, the heat exposure may reduce the lifespan of your roof.
2. Pitch – Roofing systems that have a higher pitch will typically last longer than roofs that do not. This allows rain and snow to slide right off without the risk of heavy accumulation, sagging or moisture damage.
3. Installation Process – Unfortunately, not even the most expensive roofing materials can survive an improper installation process. Unless your roof replacement is installed by a certified roofing professional, your home will be at risk of severe damage and unnecessary expenses.
What Are The Benefits of a Professional Roof Replacement?
By protecting your home with a professional roof replacement, you can not only ensure a safe, dry and healthy living environment for your family, but you can also enhance energy efficiency, improve curb appeal and actually increase the overall value of your property.
If you are interested in learning more about your roof replacement options, our professionals at T. Simpson Roofing Ltd. offer the largest GAF Certified Roof Replacement Services in Canada!
Click here or call 1-800-925-3044 for more information.
