Most, if not all, homeowners consider their roofing system as a significant, long-term investment. After all, it makes their home energy-efficient and keeps their loved ones secure from the elements and comfortable throughout the different seasons. However, just like any component of your home, your roofing system has an expected lifespan, and you’ll eventually need a roof replacement no matter how much you take care of it.
Even if an aging roof appears to be doing well on the surface, there may be numerous issues that are hidden underneath that can create a false sense of security for the homeowner. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t wait until issues arise for you to replace or repair your roof. Here are six signs that you have an aging roof and what you can do about them.
Slight Curling on Shingles
It’s worth mentioning that asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the country, and roofing contractors love working with them. With that said, asphalt shingles have at least two or more layers of different materials, and these materials can degrade over the years due to exposure to the elements.
High winds carrying debris can tear off the shingles and bring debris in between them. The summer and winter can also cause your shingles to expand and contract repeatedly, which can shorten their lifespan. In that regard, be sure to take a look at the top layer first since these shingles are the ones taking the brunt of the elements and are the first ones to give out. Have them replaced if they’re damaged to avoid leaks in the future.
Dark Spots
Dark spots on your roofing system can be caused by a lot of things. Some roof repair experts claim it depends on the roofing material. For instance, porous roofing materials like brick tile or concrete can grow moss or algae strains deposited on the roof by the wind. While these algae spots do not cause any physical damage to your roof, it decreases its curb value because of the dark spots it creates.
However, it’s a different story when you find dark spots on metal roofs. This could indicate a serious problem, such as rust spots. Rust can eat away at your metal roof slowly, weakening the structural integrity of your metal roof. This can be further aggravated by external elements like heat and rain so it’s a good idea to have these rust spots treated as soon as possible.
Cracked or Crusty Sealants
Roofing contractors install sealants on your roof to close off gaps where water or debris can pass through into the underlayment. However, after years of exposure to the elements, the sealant will eventually grow brittle, which will lead to it cracking or becoming crusty. This will compromise the sealant and make it ineffective at keeping moisture, debris and liquids out.
Also, it’s worth noting that your sealant’s condition can vary depending on its quality. A top-grade sealant can last longer than a subpar one and performs far better as well. Make sure that your roofing contractor uses high-quality sealants to maximize your roofing system and keep it intact for longer.
Damaged Underlayment
A roof’s true condition can be deceptive since it can appear fine on the outside, but have severe complications underneath. This can be the case with your roofing underlayment. According to roofing companies, the roofing underlayment is the unsung hero of your roofing system. The roofing underlayment acts as a waterproof barrier and an additional protective layer between your roof and the insulation. It also prevents dirt and debris from entering your home.
However, as it ages, the plastic or rubber underlayment can grow brittle without showing signs from the exterior. This can only be seen with the help of an expert roofing inspector.
Blisters
A blister can occur when there’s a space present between the roofing material and the protective coating layer over it. As years go by, exterior elements can open up a small gap within the coating that lets water accumulate in small pockets. Once these pockets fill up, this will lift the coating of the roofing material and create blisters on the roof’s surface that’s akin to that of hail damage. To get the most out of your roof, be sure to use quality coating materials that handle rain water and heat well.
Steep Energy Bills
As stated earlier, aside from your heating and cooling units, your roof plays a major role in ensuring your home’s energy efficiency and insulation. However, as time goes on, your roof’s insulating properties slowly deteriorate as well, reducing your home’s temperature stability. In turn, this causes you to use your furnace and heating units more during the winter, and your air conditioning unit at a cooler temperature during the summer, which causes your monthly energy bills to spike. Before thinking that your roof is to blame for the spike in your utility costs, inspect other components of your home as well, such as the HVAC unit, siding, or windows, to see if they are in great condition as they contribute to your home’s insulation as well. If there appears to be no issues at all, it may be the right time to call on your roofing contractor to have your roof inspected and replaced if necessary.
With all of these signs and symptoms mentioned, you can have a better idea of deciphering your roof’s true condition. However, keep in mind that no amount of repairs can bring back an old roof to it’s original condition as the money you spend on repairs can be better used to have a full roof replacement - which will be the smarter investment in the long run. Having a new roof ensures that it’s in pristine condition both inside and out, and is ready to protect you and your loved ones for the years to come is the best use of your funds.
Trust in A1 Quality Roofing, Inc. for all your roof replacement and repair needs. We’re one of the leading roofing contractors in the area and have served Southern California since 1991. You can count on our experienced team to inspect, fix and make sure that your roof is free from leaks. Give us a call at (951) 877-4406, or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.