If you’re a homeowner, the roof of your house is one of the most critical things to take care of. Not only does it keep out water and other elements during rainstorms, but it also prevents damage from leaking in and ruining your walls. If you have been noticing some leaks or cracks and want to know more about getting a new roof, this article is for you. We’ll go over everything you need to know about getting a new roof so that you can make an informed decision when choosing roofing contractors.
Six Signs Your Roof Needs a Replacement
1. Leaks In Your Roof
This is the most critical sign that you need a new roof. The more leaks, the higher likelihood there is of water damage to your walls and floors. You cannot ignore this sign. Not only will the leaks and cracks cause water damage in your home, but they can also lead to mold growth if left unchecked for too long. If you notice any of these problems happening already, you must call a trusted roofing contractor that specializes in emergency roof replacement. You don’t want to needlessly expose yourself or others living with asthma or allergies to more allergens than necessary.
2. Missing Shingles
The second most important sign that you need a new roof is missing shingles. Missing shingles means your roof can’t withstand rainstorms and other natural disasters as well. You might not notice anything unusual now, but missing shingles can lead to leaks in the long run. The best way for you to know if your shingles are missing is by looking at the edge of your house during daylight hours. Look closely and see if any shingles seem to be gone or not securely in place, as this means they can easily fly off during a storm or other natural disasters. If you notice any missing shingles, get in touch with your trusted roofing contractor right away to assess your roof. The expert will tell you if the roof is repairable or needs a full replacement.
3. Curling or Buckling Shingles
Even if none of your shingles are missing, you might still need a new roof if they are curling or buckling. This means that the shingles cannot keep their position, leading to potential leaks and other problems with your home’s structure down the line. If this happens to more than one shingle on your home’s roof, this means your roofing material is probably too old, and you should contact a trusted contractor to see how much it would cost for them to replace the shingles or the entire roof.
The best way to tell if your shingles are curling or buckling is by looking at them from afar and using binoculars if necessary. If you see any of these signs, you can take a few photos and send them to the roofer so they can better assess what needs to be done for repairs on your home’s roof.
4. Cracks In Your Ceiling
Cracks in your ceiling are another sign that you may need a new roof. If there is water damage in the form of cracks, this means not only did it leak through the shingles but also managed to seep into your ceilings as well. This could have been avoided if you had called professionals for repairs earlier on and made sure they patched up any leaks that occurred on your home’s roof.
Your ceiling is the last line of defense in keeping water out of your walls and floor. If you have cracks, you are often left with little choice but to get a new roof sooner rather than later for safety reasons. Not only that, but it will also help prevent any mold growth or other damage from happening in your home.
5. Moss and Algae Growth
This is another sign that you need a new roof. Moss and algae growth are not only icky, but they will also eventually cause leaks in your home’s roof if left unchecked over time. They are usually caused by an accumulation of moisture which results in moss or algae growing on your shingles because there isn’t enough sun exposure to dry and evaporate the water away.
If you notice moss or algae growth on your shingles, get in touch with a trusted roofer to see if they can clean it off for you before any damage is done and take care of repairing anything that may have been caused by leaks as well. The best time to call them out would be during the spring or summer months when there is more sun and less moisture in the air. Again, don’t wait until it’s too late to get this taken care of because the longer you wait, the more damage it will cause to your home.
6. Sagging Ceilings or Floors
The final sign that it may be time to get a new roof is if you notice any sagging ceilings or floors in your home. This will occur when there’s too much weight placed on the structure of your house, which happens when shingles are missing, and water leaks into the walls from rainstorms or other sources. Furthermore, if you notice any sagging floors or ceilings, it will be a sign that your shingles are too old and need to be replaced. An excellent way to tell whether this has been caused by water damage is if the walls in the affected area of your home are saturated with moisture. That means there has been some sort of leak in the roofing material.
Installing a New Roof
New roof installation is a job that should not be taken lightly. After inspecting your roof for the signs mentioned above, you may decide that it is time for a new roof. But there are a few things to keep in mind before hiring anyone and going through the process.
Consider the Timing
Firstly, the best time of year to get a new roof installed would be in the spring or summer months when there’s less rain than usual. This will help limit any water damage that may occur during the installation process.
Should I Remove the Old Roof or Leave it Up?
The second thing to consider is whether or not you want the old roof removed before installing a new one. Some people prefer this for aesthetic reasons, but others don’t because they believe that tearing off an old roof can lead to more problems, such as peeling paint and other damage from the house. Many roofers recommend removing the old shingles and any other materials that may be attached to the home. Doing so will make it easier for the new roofer to work and get a better deal on your house, meaning there will be fewer leaks and better protection. If you need to install new flashing and underlayment, you will have no choice but to remove the old shingles.
Call Your Home Insurance
Before you decide to install a new roof, you should also call your home insurance company and find out if it will cover the cost of installing a new one. This is an important consideration because some homeowners may not be able to afford this major expense on their own. Insurance companies typically cover a new roof if there’s been leaking, severe wind damage, or other types of weather-related issues.
What Type of Roof Do I Want?
You must decide what type of roof will work best for your property. Many different types are available today, including asphalt shingles, traditional wood shakes, and even steel roofs. Choose the one that meets your needs, like whether or not it’s strong enough to withstand any weight placed on top of it from snow. Installing roof shingles is the most common type of roofing material, and it’s often what you’ll need to get for a new home.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a New Roof Installed?
Lastly, if your insurance does not cover it, you’ll need to consider how much it will cost for a new roof. This will help you be better prepared financially for this expense and know what your budget should look like in advance. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question because it depends on the size of your house and how complicated the job will be. According to Forbes, the national average for roof replacement is $8,000, with most people spending anywhere between $5000 – $11,000.
The price of getting a new roof installed also depends on where you live and whether or not you want them to remove the old roof first. Removing the old shingles and other materials typically lead to a higher price. If you need a roofing company in the Los Angeles area, feel free to contact Smile Roofing, and we will be happy to walk you through the process. Our company has years of experience in the roofing industry, and we know how to get a new roof installed quickly with minimal interruption.