Warning Signs You Need a New Roof [3 Things to Look For]

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As a homeowner, there are many responsibilities one must consider. From making sure to pay your mortgage on time, to scheduling visits from pest control, there’s a great deal of planning involved to ensure your home has everything it needs. Properly maintaining your roof, and replacing it when the time comes, is one of those things, and is necessary for the health of your house as a whole.

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But how does one know when it’s time for a roof replacement? Aside from hiring a professional roofing contractor to come out for an inspection, there are a few things you can look for to tell if it’s time to replace your roof. Keep reading and discover the Warning Signs You Need a New Roof, in order to become informed and protect your home.

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Table of Contents

- When to Get a New Roof

- Warning Signs You Need a New Roof

    - Roof is Nearing the End of its Lifespan

    - Material Failure

    - Extreme Weather and Storm Damage

- How to Find the Right Roofing Contractor

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When to Get a New Roof

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When it comes to warning signs you need a new roof, many homeowners believe that if their roof is leaking, then it’s time for a replacement. That’s not necessarily the case, as some roof leaks only need to be repaired, and don’t warrant a full replacement. Homeowners should only consider getting a replacement when it’s the right time for one.

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So, when is the right time to get a new roof? You need a new roof when it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, if you’ve endured a strong weather event, or if your roof materials are failing. Roof materials will fail when your roof is close to the end of its life, or in many cases, due to poor workmanship during installation. 

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With that being said, if your roof leak is caused by one of the aforementioned reasons, then it will need to be replaced. If your roof leak is caused by something else, however, it may only need to be repaired. The best way to determine this is to hire a professional roofing contractor that you can trust to come out for a roof inspection.

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Warning Signs You Need a New Roof

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Now that you know the warning signs you need a new roof, let’s discuss why these signs warrant a replacement. Again, if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, has endured a severe weather event, or the roofing materials are failing, it’s time for a roof replacement. In other cases, your roof may only need repairs, and your roofing contractor will be able to accurately tell you the condition of your roof and what it needs. 

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Roof is Nearing the End of its Lifespan

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If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, that’s one of the top warning signs you need a new roof. When we talk about a roof’s lifespan, we mean the amount of years that you should get out of your roof. Your roof should last as long as the manufacturer specifies, as long as it has proper attic ventilation, and was properly installed per the manufacturer's instructions. 

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For example, an asphalt shingle roof should last about 30 years according to the manufacturer. But with that in mind, you will want to get your roof replaced when it nears that 30 year mark, before it starts to leak or completely fails. This means that you should start thinking about a roof replacement after you’ve had your asphalt roof for about 27 years or so. 

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Any reputable contractor will suggest getting your roof replaced when it’s lived out about 85% of its lifespan defined by the manufacturer. We don’t recommend waiting until your roof has already failed to get a replacement, because this could end up being more costly in the long run. Waiting too long to replace your roof could cause damage to the interior of your home, as well, meaning more stress and more money overall. 

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Material Failure

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Material failure is another significant warning sign you need a new roof. Your roofing materials should last as long as specified by the manufacturer. That being said, there are some factors that cause material failure prematurely, which would cause the need for a roof replacement sooner than later. 

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If your roof wasn't installed incorrectly from the beginning, or if you don’t have proper attic ventilation, then this would cause your roof to fail before reaching its maximum lifespan. If your roof wasn’t installed correctly, this may show up in the form of missing shingles, or even portions of your roof sliding off. If you don’t have proper attic ventilation, then your roof’s lifespan will be severely impacted in a negative way. 

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This is because if your attic isn’t properly ventilated, then the trapped hot and/or cold air will cause damage to your roof. It’s also important to note here that if your roof isn’t ventilated or installed the right way, then this will void your manufacturer’s warranty on materials. In this case, all you will have to fall back on is your roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty, which is why it’s so important to choose the right contractor during the hiring process.  

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Extreme Weather and Storm Damage

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One of the biggest warning signs you need a new roof has to do with the weather in your area. The types of storms your roof is subjected to will directly impact its lifespan, and the wear and tear it sustains. Extreme weather like tornadoes, hail storms, severe snow storms, and hurricanes, for example, will typically lead to the need for a premature roof replacement. 

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If a tornado or hurricane hits your roof, for example, then it’s highly likely that your roof has serious storm damage. Strong winds from storms like these could rip your shingles off, especially if they aren’t installed properly, and could also cause a tree or other debris to fall on your roof. All of this may lead to needing a roof replacement. 

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If you have a metal roof, a hail storm could greatly damage the integrity of your roof, and the panels may need to be replaced. If you have an asphalt roof that withstands a hail storm, then it may have damage to the metals on your roof like downspouts, flashing, vents or gutters. If any of this happens to your roof and you have heavy damage, then you may need to get a full replacement through your homeowners insurance.

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How to Find the Right Roofing Contractor

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If you experience any of these warning signs, you need a new roof. And as you can see, the contractor that you hire to do the job plays a pivotal role in the longevity of your roof. Not only will they give you an honest assessment as to whether you simply need repairs or a full roof replacement, but if you do need a full replacement, a reputable contractor will make sure your materials are installed properly, setting your new roof up for success. 

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Finding the right contractor to work with, however, can sometimes feel like a daunting task. This is why we created the blog, “5 Questions to Ask a Potential Roofing Contractor [For Professionalism and Peace of Mind].” Knowing the right questions to ask a potential roofing contractor can help you to choose the roofer that’s right for you. Not only that, it provides peace of mind to the homeowner, knowing the decision they made is an informed one. 

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Elite Exteriors would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, and assist you with your roofing needs. Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship and incomparable quality; and it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty! We also offer FREE initial consultations and inspections, and for more information, give us a call today at 470-350-3024, or fill out our online form.

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