It is crucial to have a solid roof above your head. Every house needs to have a warm, cozy, and leak-free environment. That goal is possible only if you have a good and solid roof. Even though a roof can last up to 30 years, each one has its lasting period. The other problem is that sometimes the roof looks good from the ground, but isn’t actually in good condition. That is why it’s important to know when to replace your roof. Also, don’t forget to find a proper Dallas roofer for this job. In this article, we will help you to notice and deal with potential issues before they become big ones.

When to start thinking about replacing your roof?

When the shingles start curling, the time to replace your roof is near

It is important to get top-quality roofing materials. But, even if you do so, roof leaks can happen. There are two ways that shingles can curl. First, there is cupping, which happens when the edges of the shingles turn upward. Then, there is clawing, which is when the edges stay flat, but the middle starts to come up. These are the signs which indicate that leaks can happen shortly.

When shingles start to curl, you have between one to five years before you need to replace your roof. Finally, the time for replacement will depend on the extent of the curling.

If entire shingles are missing, the time to replace your roof has come

Even though there shouldn’t be a problem to replace a few shingles when needed, know this. It is almost impossible to get a new shingle to match the color of an old one. So, from a functional standpoint, there’s no need to change the whole roof.

But, from the visual perspective, we would recommend complete roof replacement in Dallas, because the colors slightly change with weathering. The bottom line is simple. You can continue to patch until a bigger issue appears. But if your roof starts to look like a checkerboard, it is better to replace the whole thing.

What if the shingles are cracked?

Cracked shingles are often a result of wind damage. As we previously mentioned, if just a couple of shingles are cracked, you can replace a few shingles. But, if the cracking isn’t isolated to one particular area, that’s a sign that you should replace your roof. Anyway, when this situation happens, you may need to replace the whole roof within three to five years.

Here are more situations when you have to consider replacing your roof

Besides the above, there’re more situations when you should start thinking if the time for replacing the roof has come.

• The shingles are covered with algae or moss.

Most people would say that this situation is just a cosmetic issue and that you shouldn’t panic. But, some people will choose to replace the roof just because they don’t like the aesthetic. Whichever option you pick, don’t take matters into your own hands. That means that you shouldn’t use power washing or scrape away. Because there is a big chance you will ship off all the granules and eventually make your shingles useless. If the look doesn’t bother you, you don’t have to change your roof. But, you can consider a wash that is one-part bleach and one-part water.

• You are starting to find granules in the gutter.

If you have an old roof, finding granules in the gutters may be a sign of a problem. Therefore, when the granules start to fall off, you can expect a deterioration of quality. But, if you have a new roof and you see a bunch of granules in the gutters, don’t worry.

What if you can see the sunlight from your attic?

Logically, seeing sunlight from your attic isn’t a good sign, except for a good roof window. That means that, if light can get in, so can snow, rain, and cold air. Hence, check for light and look for water stains as soon as possible. When you find stains, observe them over a few rainfalls. In case they change shape or size, you surely have an active leak. When it comes to estimating the time you’ve got left to replace your roof, call a pro. They know how to estimate the extent of the damage. Also, while a small leak can be patched, larger and structural damage can’t be fixed so easily. Maybe it is better to replace your roof sooner than later.

Are roof vent issues a sign that you should replace your roof?

If you notice problems with your roof, check for cracked housings on plastic roof vents and broken seams on metal ones. The solution is simple. Replace the damaged vents. Also, if you find pulled nails at the base’s bottom edge, replace them as well. You can do it with rubber-washer screws. Also, there will probably be nails across the top of the vent. If this happens, work those loose without removing shingles and you won’t have to replace the whole roof. The conclusion is that roof vent issues don’t necessarily mean you ought to replace the whole roof.

Is the roof sagging a sign that you should replace the roof?

Without the intention to scare you, this is a red-flag situation. A sagging roof is a strong indication of a structural issue. It could implicate a problem with the supports in the foundation or with the decking in the attic. On the other hand, when the entire roof is sagging, you’re not necessarily in imminent danger. But, we recommend you take care of this problem when it’s localized, then when it has progressed.

The summary

After we’ve explained the most important situations when you should replace your roof, it’s all up to you. If you are still having any second thoughts on this matter, consult the professionals. That way, you will make a good final decision. Good luck!