A solid roof is one of the most important structural aspects of a home. It helps keep a sufficient amount of warmth in the house through effective insulation, as well as keeping out other environmental factors such as excessive sunlight and noise pollution. 

If you start to notice any of these outdoor disturbances suddenly seeping through your roof, then chances are you need a roof replacement. The best thing you can do is catch the problem early and replace your roof before the damage is too taxing in terms of labor, time, and expenses. 

How Often Do Roofs Need To Be Replaced?

As a general rule of thumb, the majority of roofs can last for approximately 20-25 years before needing to be replaced. The lifespan of a roof will depend on factors such as its material and the weather conditions you live in. For example, if your roof is experiencing continuous pelting of hail then chances are it won’t survive as long as a roof that only experiences a few drops of rain once in a while. 

How To Know When You Need a New Roof

There are several telltale and glaring signs that you can keep an eye out for which indicate your roof is in need of replacement. Here are a few you can quickly and easily notice. 

Light in the Attic 

If you have started to notice a sufficient amount of light coming into your attic or loft then this is one of the major signs that your roof is in need of some good old TLC. There may be missing shingles or cracks causing this light to seep through the roof, which needs to be fixed sooner rather than later. Take a moment to inspect the exterior of your house and keep an eye out for signs of damage on your roof. If you notice anything that looks worrying or concerning then get a professional in to examine your roof. The sooner you do this better as if daylight is able to enter your home that means other things can get in too. Leaving unattended cracks in your roof can lead to vermin sneaking in or a leaky roof, eventually resulting in unwanted water damage. 

Roof Shingles aren’t Laying Flat 

Roofs that have shingles that don’t lay flat are in need of replacement. This could be due to factors such as lasting water damage or faulty installation. If the issue is bad installation then contact a roofer to discuss your options. Make sure to also double-check the insurance options available for you regarding faulty workmanship. If the main issue is water damage then you may be able to replace a small section of your roof instead of the entire home. 

A Sagging or Drooping Roof

If you notice the structural composition of your roof is suffering and it is causing it to sag or droop, there are a couple of options available that can fix the problem. A sagging roof can be caused by structural issues or deep water damage. If the issue is your roof simply needing more stability in your attic or loft, this is easily fixed by a professional installing extra struts or rafters. However, if the main issue is that the roof is way too heavy for your home, then a roofing professional can replace it with a much lighter material. Both are very practical and feasible options that will help in allowing your roof to last for several years to come. If deep water damage is causing your sagging roof then you will need a roof replacement as soon as possible. 

Signs of Moss, Mold, or Fungi on Your Roof

The build-up of moss, mold, and fungi comes from an excess amount of moisture on your roof. As a result, the most effective way to deal with such issues is often by replacing your roof. If the build-up of moss and mould is only on the exterior of your roof and hasn’t seeped through into your home, however, then a deep cleaning should be enough. Either way, calling in a professional to take a look before you make any decisions is highly recommended. 

Build up of Mold or Fungi Inside Your Home 

Just like the build-up of moss and mold on your roof, having excess mould or fungi inside your home is an obvious sign of water damage. An issue like this should be treated as soon as it is noticed to avoid any further damage. Leaving untreated mold or fungi inside your home can be harmful to your respiratory system and can cause unwanted health issues for your family. Bring in a professional roofer and a dry lining technician as soon as the mold on your walls or ceilings is noticed. 

There are several ways to keep your roof preserved and in good condition to avoid the need for a new roof more frequently than needed. Regularly checking for cracks in your roof and ceiling, and keeping an eye out for any structural damage is a good way to monitor if your roof needs some attention. Checking for proper drainage in your home and ventilating your house properly are also great ways to prevent water damage, which could eventually lead to unwanted roofing problems. These are simple steps you can take which can save you a whole lot of hassle and money in the long run and prevent a premature or unexpected roof replacement.