Are you wondering How To Know When You Need a New Roofing? If so, read this article for helpful tips and guidelines! Check for cracks, leaks, moss, and falling mortars. If these things are present, it’s time to get a new roof. And remember, at Willy’s Roofing LLC, we not only offer up front pricing, but we have a customer satisfaction guarantee. Here are 7 signs that you might need to have a new roof:
Seven signs that you might need a new roof
One of the first things to check if your roof is damaged is the attic. Typically, people don’t think about their roof until they notice leaks or stains on their ceilings. Checking the attic is a good idea, as leaks or stains can indicate other problems with the roof. Using an attic flashlight can help you find the problem. Look for stains and streaks that are not the result of rain or snow falling on the roof.
Other problems that indicate a leaking roof include watermarks, mold, and moss. These can indicate a faulty roof and lead to expensive repairs. Consult a roofing professional to check your roof’s condition and decide if it needs to be replaced. In many cases, a new roof doesn’t cost much and won’t require a big renovation. However, if you notice any of these signs, it might be time for a new one.
Check for leaks
Luckily, checking for leaks when replacing a roof is a relatively easy task. Which method you use will depend on the type of roof and your access to the roof. Fortunately, if you know how to use a flashlight, finding leaks can be as easy as locating a wet spot on the roof sheathing or rafters. Depending on how old the leak is, you may find dark mold or rotted wood near the source of the leak. The same holds true for insulated rafter bays, which might have wet spots on the insulation batts.
The first step to checking for leaks when replacing a roof is to examine the entire roof. Check for discoloration and water stains on the ceiling. If you are not able to see the leak in the daytime, you can use a special “black light” to check the insulation in the attic. You can also test the leak by attaching a garden hose to an outside spigot and letting a drop drip onto the roof every two seconds. Make sure not to stand on the roof when doing this.
Check for moss
Moss is a common problem with old or damaged roofs, particularly if you live in an area that experiences damp weather. In addition, moss is more likely to grow on the north-facing side of the roof, which receives the least amount of sunlight. In sunny climates, moss is not as common, but even in hot and humid regions, shady areas are present.
In some cases, a moss problem will only require replacing shingles or fixing the cause of the problem, but long-term moss invasion is a sign that there is damage underneath the shingles. It is best to contact a qualified contractor to assess the damage and provide a solution. Moss is particularly common on multi-level roofs, since gutters on the upper roof leak onto the lower one. To prevent moss from growing on your roof, consider adding copper or zinc coating strips to your roof. Copper and zinc are both toxic to moss, so they should be used on metal roofs.
Another way to remove moss is to use chlorine bleach. It’s effective in killing moss, but you need to be careful. The bleach can run into your garden, so be sure to protect any plants beneath the roof from the bleach. This solution is not a permanent solution, but it can help you avoid the costs of a roof replacement. So, what should you do if you think you need a new roof? Call Willy’s Roofing LLC, of course. You can contact us here or call today at (509) 949-4665.
Check for falling mortars
One of the most common problems with older roofs is falling mortars. This is an indication that the roof is beginning to show signs of wear and tear. It is generally best to replace falling mortars rather than repair them. Despite their importance, these joints can degenerate over time due to extreme weather conditions. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may want to consider replacing the roof.
The best way to avoid this is to check your roof for cracked tiles and mortars. It is also vital to maintain the mortar around chimneys. If the mortar is cracked or crumbling, it may cause chimney bricks to fall onto the roof and damage the house. Ask the contractor to inspect your roof for cracks and problems. You can also have any branches close to or above the roof trimmed. Broken branches can fall during harsh storms and damage the roof.
Check for discoloration
When installing a new roof, you should look for discoloration or streaks. If you find any, this could mean that your roof needs attention. Take pictures and note their approximate location. If they are widespread, you might need to install a new roof. If not, you may need to renovate the old one. For more information, read the following article. Listed below are some signs of roof discoloration or streaks.
Look for brown stains on your roof. This may indicate rust around metal components. It can be cleaned, but the rust can damage the roof. Likewise, dark discolorations around chimneys might be caused by soot. Soot will bleed down and rise to the surface. You can treat these with oxalic acid. Another sign of discoloration is the presence of algae on the roof.
Check for sand-like granules
When it comes to roofing, sand-like granule loss is often an early sign of damage. These granules protect the shingles from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This condition may also result from hail or airborne debris. Regardless of the cause, this type of damage should prompt you to replace the entire roof. To determine whether you need to replace the entire roof or just a section of it, check for loose granules.
Shingle granules can also cause problems for your roof. These particles look like sand and collect in the gutters. If you notice them, your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced. In some cases, you may be able to extend the life of the roof by replacing these shingles, but if there is a large number of them, you might have to replace the entire roof.
Another common problem is sand-like granule loss on an asphalt shingle roof. The granules in the asphalt roofing have lost their protective function, so you should inspect your roof carefully for sand-like granules before you decide to replace it. Although granule loss may be an indicator of damage, it is not necessarily a cause for concern. A few granules may have been washed away by the roofers during the installation process.
Check for falling shingles
If you have just replaced your roof, you might notice a few things that need your immediate attention. Wind, hail, and excessive wear can damage the shingles on your roof. If you notice a few pieces falling off, contact a roofer to redo the job. Also, check for cracked shingles and missing shingles. You may want to have the roof replaced as soon as possible, so you can get back to enjoying your new roof.
If you see some missing shingles, replace them. If they’re too far gone to repair, you may have to replace them in their entirety. However, if you’ve been lucky, you may still have some leftover shingles from previous roofing projects. Otherwise, you can purchase bundles of shingles that cost around $15 to $20 per square. It’s best to choose the closest match when replacing your roof.
Check for dark streaks
Dark streaks are a common occurrence on roofs. These streaks may appear as dirt, moss, soot, or even mold. But they’re actually algae. Blue-green algae, or gloeocapsa magma, is the most common type. It forms a dark, protective outer coating on roofs to protect them from harmful UV rays.
Besides deteriorating the appearance of the roof, algae growth is a potential cause for streaks. Algae are known for growing on asphalt roofs, and their spores are carried on the wind. They are a nuisance to homeowners because they reduce the value of their homes, and they can be unsightly. So how do you check for streaks on a roof? Read on!
A dark streak on a roof is a sign that water is leaking from a leak. These streaks can also run down the walls. Water damage can ruin your roof, as well as the inside of your home. Sagging areas on the roof can also indicate water damage. They can cause your roof to rot. Taking action now will help protect your home’s interior. Check for dark streaks on your roof to ensure that it’s time for a new one.
So, what now?
If you’ve determined that it’s time to get a professional opinion on your roof or possibly repairing some sections or replacing the entire thing, look no further than Willy’s Roofing LLC. You can contact us here or call today at (509) 949-4665! Remember, at Willy’s Roofing LLC, we help you navigate insurance, offer flexible payment plans, and all of our estimates are free.