How to Tell If You Need a New Roof in Sugar Land, TX?

How to Tell If You Need a New Roof in Sugar Land, TX?

How would you tell if you needed a roof replacement? While some of the signs are quite visible and obvious, most of them aren’t. A sagging roof is one of the most common signs that you might need a new roof.

Understanding The Roof System
Don’t call a roofing Sugar Land TX expert just yet. You need first to know how the roof system works to have an idea of what you are dealing with. Outlined below are some of the critical components of the roof system.

a. The Deck: This is the wooden structural surface of the entire roof.
b. Underlayment: This is the barrier that ensures the deck remains dry. It’s installed just under the shingles.
c. Drip Edge: This guides water off the eaves.
d. Flashing: This is the material fixed to protect and seal joints. Its commonly used in the chimney.
e. Shingles: This is the outermost layer of the roof responsible for protecting the roof’s structure and repels water.
f. Soffit: This is the underside of the roof overhang
g. Fascia: Fascia is the board commonly used to hold gutters at the end of the roof’s rafters.
h. Vents: This feature helps keep the roof dry by allowing air to escape the attic.

6 Warning Signs That Show You Need To Replace Your Roof

1. The Roof Is Too Old
Every roof has a life expectancy, after which its integrity won’t be 100%. Asphalt shingle roof, for example only has a lifespan of around 15 years while tile or metal roofs can last up to 25 years. If your roof is approaching the manufacturer’s stated lifetime guarantee, it might then be time to start thinking of a new roof.

If you have had roof repairs or overlaying done on the existing roof, you too will need to consider a roof replacement. Overlaying is only a means to an end, hence shouldn’t be treated as a new roof.

2. Missing Or Curly Shingles
While the roof protects you from extreme weather, it has to take a beating from the same. This includes the harsh sun rays, snow, and rain among other elements. These elements tend to wear down your roof/shingles over time leading to curling, broken, or missing shingles. A common sign of roof decay is the presence of asphalt granules in your gutter system. Missing or broken shingles only leave your home vulnerable, a reason you need to consider a replacement immediately.

3. Damaged Or Broken Flashing
A damaged flashing means roofing joints will be exposed to moisture, and so, is the entire roofing system. Flashing may be made of tar, metal, or cement depending on when it was installed. Degraded, missing, or damaged flashing means your roof is exposed to water damage, hence should be addressed the soonest possible.

4. Ice Damming
If you see ridges of ice on the edge of the roof, then chances are you have a roof ventilation problem. Ice dams are common where the roof doesn’t have adequate ventilation causing heat from the attic to melt any snow on the roof. The snow melts into your gutters or the edge of the roof. If the melted water is exposed to colder air, it freezes almost immediately causing ice dams.

The process of melting and refreezing causes ice to hand from the roof, as well as back up into inner layers of the roof. The ice builds up on your roof causing too much tension on the roofing materials. Water may also start seeping into the roof layers as well causing even more damage.

5. Discolored Ceiling And Walls
Water stains on the exterior of the house, walls, and ceiling are indicators of a leak in the roof. If keen enough, you might hear sounds of dripping water from the ceiling. If this is the case, check the attic insulation for dampness. If the insulation is soggy, you have a leak.

The roof itself will also be soft or soaked as well. It wouldn’t be advisable to climb up the roof as it might be too weak to hold your weight. Have a roofing Sugar Land TX expert inspect the roof farther to determine the level of damage and what can be done to correct the problem.

6. Unwelcomed Guests In The House
A family of squirrels and other rodents might make your home theirs as well. These rodents will look for a weak spot in your roof and use it to gain entry into the roof. This can be a rotting section or a gap in the roof. Birds, raccoons, bats, and possums also take preference nesting in damaged roofs. If there are unwelcome guests in your house, then the first step should be to have someone inspect the roof for leaks. Only a certified roofing Sugar Land TX professional should be allowed to inspect the roof. He should be able to determine whether to repair or have the entire roof replaced.

If the roof is damaged beyond repair, you’ll need an expert to handle the roof replacement. Call us today for an estimate. Our business is to ensure your roof is in the best shape possible.