The lifespan of a roof is often measured in decades. Whether you bought your home as new construction or have lived in your home for decades you might have never considered replacing your roof. The exposure of the elements and other factors does play a part in wearing out your roof. Putting the job off can expose you to risks of structural damage to your home. To know if you should replace your roof look for these signs.
Attic Damage
When a roof becomes worn it can result in leaks. If this happens, water incursions can lead to damage in your attic. Any items you store there, as a result, can become damaged. You can also suffer structural damage to integral parts of your house.
Ceiling and Wall Damage
If you start to see water collecting in your attic, this can be a sign of significant damage to the ceilings and walls in your home. Ceiling and wall water damage is most noticeable by the appearance of dark water spots appearing on the ceiling or near the top of your interior walls in rooms immediately below the attic. You may also see bubbling of the paint surface as water seeps in behind the paint and damages the underlying sheetrock and causes the paint to come loose. Needless to say, repairs can be costly. One major source of interior water damage is old clogged gutters that need cleaning or repair which are full of debris which can result in wintertime ice dams which can cause an old roof to leak.
Mold and Mildew
When you develop mold spores it doesn’t matter how often you clean. These particles are airborne and invisible. They are just waiting for enough moisture to help them grow. A damaged roof lets moisture inside and that can lead to a damp atmosphere in your home. As a result, mold can begin to develop in your attic, ceiling, and walls as well as other surfaces. Mold can be dangerous to people with breathing problems or mold allergies. If you experience coughing, breathing issues, or sneezing in your home it could be a result of mold development.
Fire Hazards
Most homes have wiring and circuit breakers in the attic. If this area is exposed to water you could have short circuits that can result in a fire. If you notice water getting near your wiring this is a real emergency. Power should be cut off to the area until your roof replacement is done or if it has been repaired so it is no longer a hazard.
Higher Power Bills
When you have an older roof it won’t insulate as well. Because of this your HVAC system will work harder to keep your home comfortable. This means a hotter attic in the summer and a loss of heat in the winder. Getting your roof replaced will help to insulate your home better and will result in improvement in your power bills.
As a rule, most roofs last between 20 to 30 years. After that, it is important that you replace your roof as a way to protect your home. If your roof is not performing as it should or you have developed leaking call Empire State Pros today to have your roof replaced and keep your home safe and protected.
