Are you unsure whether new roofing will be a smart investment or if energy-efficient results will offset the initial cost? Read on for some important things to consider when figuring out when to upgrade your shingles.
Age
In general, if your roof is at least 20 years old, it might be time for an upgrade. This applies even if the shingles look good on the outside — they may be deteriorating from underneath and unable to protect your home from moisture or weather damage anymore.
Shingles Can Become Brittle and Cracked
If you don’t upgrade your shingles when they start to look worn, you could end up with leaks and other problems that will only get worse over time.
If They Look Faded
Although fading is normal in some areas of the country as well as from exposure to sunlight over time, if you notice any spots where color has completely disappeared from your shingles, it might be time for an upgrade before any more deterioration occurs at this spot or elsewhere on the roof where there is no paint protection available.
Curling Shingles
They indicate that the underlayment is dry and cracking. If your roof has curling shingles, you’ll likely need to replace the entire set because the underlying problems will only worsen over time. You might be able to find a temporary fix for curling shingles, but it’s probably not worth the money or effort. You can buy some products designed specifically for curling shingles, but these are often just as expensive as buying new ones.
In most cases, it’s better to start from scratch and install a new roof with durable materials that won’t need replacing in 15 years or less.
Missing Nails or Torn Pieces of Felt Paper
Missing nails or torn pieces of felt paper inside the shingle’s nail holes can also mean that your shingles need replacing. The nail holes on damaged shingles won’t be completely filled with tar and gravel cement. Instead, they’ll have missing pieces of felt paper inside them, which could lead to moisture leaking into your attic through those holes.
Uneven Gaps Between Each Row of Shingles
If some rows of shingles are higher than others, this could mean your roof is ready for an upgrade. The problem could be due to age or weather damage; if you find uneven gaps in your roof, consult a professional from Landmark Roofing for advice on what to do next.
You can also look at the seams between each row of shingles. Uneven gaps between each row of shingles (known as “buckling”) indicate that your roof needs replacing. If this happens, it means there’s not enough overlap between rows of shingles, and water can get trapped under them, causing damage to your home and its contents.
Failed Flashing
Flashing is a sealant used around chimneys and other openings in the exterior wall of your house to prevent water from penetrating the building structure. If flashing corrodes over time or becomes damaged due to improper installation, it may need replacement before you experience leaks or rot issues inside your home.
Check for a Failed Valley
A valley is an area where two roof planes meet. It’s important to ensure that these valleys are not sagging, as this can cause water to pool in the valley and lead to leaks. The best way to check for this is to look from ground level at the gap between the two planes. You’ll need to inspect it if it’s wider than 1/4 inch. You may want to hire a professional for this task, as it can be tricky in some spots.
Importance of Upgrading Your Shingles
Purchasing new steel shingles is not a decision you should take lightly. When making this big decision, it’s crucial that you understand the advantages of choosing new ridge cap shingles over the old and worn-out ones.
Prevents the Spread of Mold and Mildew in Your Home
A worn-out or damaged roof will allow moisture to seep into your home through cracks and holes in your ceiling or walls. This can cause mold and mildew to grow inside your house, leading to health issues such as allergies and asthma.
Shingle Upgrades Can Reduce Energy Bills
If you are looking for ways to save money on your energy bill, one of the best ways is to install new shingles on your roof. A shingle upgrade is a relatively inexpensive way to increase the efficiency of your home’s energy usage. Newer and more efficient shingles will help keep your home cooler during hot summer months and warmer during the cold winter months. This can help reduce your energy costs by as much as 20%.
Improves the Value of Your Home
A shingle upgrade is also a great way to increase the value of your home. A home with an updated roof looks more appealing and inviting than one with old, worn-out shingles. In addition, many potential buyers want to know if they will be able to get a good return on their investment if they buy a particular house. Installing new shingles can help boost your profits when you sell your property at some point down the road.
It Can Make Your Home Look More Beautiful
If you’ve been considering upgrading your home’s exterior, it may be worth considering replacing your shingles as well. Upgrading to a new style or color can make a dramatic difference in how your home looks, especially if you’re looking to replace an older style shingle that may have become weathered over time. It will also make selling easier if you ever decide to move again.
It Can Be More Cost-Effective Than Other Major Repairs
Roofs are expensive and take a long time to pay for themselves compared to other common household repairs like replacing a leaking faucet or broken appliance. Their replacement will save money in the long run by preventing water damage and keeping out pests such as termites that could otherwise cause major structural damage over time if left untreated.
It Protects You from the Elements
Roofs protect us from rain and snow, which can cause water damage inside our homes if a good roofing system doesn’t protect them. If you live in an area with hurricanes or other major storms that bring high winds and heavy rainfall, you’ll want to ensure that your roof is strong enough to withstand those conditions.
Newer Shingles Are More Durable Than Older Shingles
If you’re looking for a new roof, consider choosing a newer style of asphalt shingle over older styles. These newer styles are made with more durable materials, which means they will last longer than older versions. It’s also important to know that some older styles were made with asbestos, so if you have an older home, you’ll want to take extra precautions when removing old shingles from its roof.
Your roof should be inspected yearly for signs of wear and tear. If any damage is found, it needs to be repaired before it worsens and causes more problems for your home. If you’re unsure about whether or not your roof needs upgrading, consult Landmark Roofing.