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The key to a well-built home is a solid foundation, but what about the roof? Your roof provides year-round protection from the seasonal elements. Living in Canada, you’ll know that our weather patterns can be quite chaotic at times; at any given moment in the winter you can experience extreme cold and heavy snowfall, spring is met with torrential downpours, hail can appear as late as June, and we can’t forget about the heat waves felt in summer.
As dynamic as weather conditions may be, we Canadians are resilient; however, can the same be said about your roof? Do you recognize the signs of an aging or deteriorating roof? Or how about when it’s time to replace your roof? If you don’t know, then let this article by the Good Hands Advice team be a guide to help protect your home.
A roof can last anywhere from 15 to 50 years, depending on the type of roofing materials. For example:
To answer that question, you first need to evaluate the condition of your roof. If you notice cracks in your roof’s shingles, granules (natural wear and tear from asphalt roofs) forming in your eavestrough, or if the edges of the shingles bend upwards, it may be a sign to contact your local roofing company to repair your roof.
When it comes to replacing your roof, that usually comes about when the damage to your roof is beyond repair or when the condition of the roof is a risk to those living underneath it. If you notice mold (which affects asphalt roofs the most), water stains on the ceiling (typically due to leaks in the roof causing rain and other moisture to seep into the home), or see parts of your celling sagging (which is a sign of serious structural damage) it is time to call a roofing contractor to replace your roof immediately.
If you’ve experienced any damage to your roof (whether through a natural disaster or water damage caused by a burst pipe or appliance malfunction) a standard home insurance policy may provide coverage to help offset the cost of repairing your roof.
Installing roofing material such as rubber, tile or class four rated asphalt shingles are recommended to best protect your home from a variety of weather conditions. These materials can help with:
The roof is arguably the most important part of your home. It protects you from the weather outside, and helps trap the heat to keep you warm in the winter. Therefore, proper maintenance of your roof is key to helping you ensure that you and your loved ones are adequately protected.
However, how would you know when it is time to replace your roof?
If you notice cracks in your roof’s shingles, it may be a sign to replace your roof.
These cracks typically come as a result of weather damage (rain, hail, snow, wind, etc.), extended exposure to sunlight, as well as over time with age. According to Canadian Home Trends, when shingles are cracked randomly throughout your roof, you may have up to five years before you need a complete roof replacement.
Look for cupping where the edges of the shingles bend upwards, and clawing where the edges remain flat while the middle comes up.
Curling can be due to deterioration over time and can lead to leaks. Depending on the extent of curling, you may have up to five years before you need to replace the roof.
The sight of mould is never a good sign in any instance – and on your roof is no exception.
Your roof, over time, will accumulate dirt that can cause fungi to appear. According to Smart Reno, asphalt roofs are most affected by mould. The fungi feed on the limestone in the roof, accelerating deterioration.
If you notice the shingles on the roof are tarnished with dark, vertical lines, mould has infected your roof.
When water stains appear in the ceiling of your home, that is another indicator that it may be time to replace your roof.
These water stains may appear because of leaks in the roof, often caused by its deterioration. It is recommended to change your roof as soon as possible, as general repair will only prolong the inevitable.
Asphalt shingles, over many years, willshed their granules. These granules form as a result of natural wear and tear in the shingles. If you are cleaning out the eavestroughs and notice granules, it may be a sign to inspect your roof. According to MCM Home Exteriors, bald shingles compromise your roof’s protection, making the interior of your home vulnerable to leaks and other issues.
When you notice parts of your celling are sagging, call a contractor immediately. Though there may be several reasons as to why your celling is sagging, ultimately, it is likely resulting from potentially serious structural damage. If you wait too long replace a roof, the cost of repair may be more expensive than a new roof.
The lifespan of your roof depends entirely on the materials of the shingles. Great Canadian Roofing and Exteriors notes that:
If your roof is 10 years or older, be sure to monitor its status.
Canadian Home Trends recommends that the key to avoiding huge repair costs is to get routine maintenance at least once every six months. By continually monitoring the condition of your roof, you can help ensure that your home is protected from life’s uncertainties.
Be sure to speak with your local insurance agent to learn more.
