Find Out If It’s Time To Replace
Your Maryland Home’s Roof
Imagine waking up one day to a dripping ceiling or, worse, a collapsed roof. Sounds like a nightmare, right? The reality is, a neglected roof can quickly turn your dream home into a disaster zone. But when is the right time to take action?
The truth is that there are actually several roofing damage warning signs in Pasadena, MD you can keep an eye out for to save yourself some stress…and money. If you do notice them, it may be time to reach out to a trusted roofing company.
Avoid Stress And Extra Expenses With
This Roof Inspection Checklist
Keeping up with the state of your roof will ensure you handle problems as they arise, not when they’re too far gone. You’ll need to be on the lookout for these warning signs to ensure you jump into action quickly.
#1: A Visible Roof Leak
One of the most common leaking roof symptoms is the presence of pooling water in your attic. Roof leaks can be caused by missing or damaged shingles, deteriorated flashing, poorly installed underlayment, or a falling tree branch or other object. Depending on the severity of the leak, you may be able to have it patched and temporarily fixed.
On the other hand, if the leak is significant, then a roof replacement will likely be needed.
#2: You See Water Stains On Your Ceiling Or Walls
If you don’t identify the problem in your attic, the leak will eventually work its way through the ceiling or down the walls. When this happens, the ceiling or wall will become stained. If the problem isn’t fixed, it will weaken your ceiling to the point of falling, and potentially cause dangerous mold to form inside your home.
#3: Exterior Roof And Siding Decay
Over time, a leaky roof will start swelling with the absorption of water and this will cause the roof, its sheathing, and the siding on that part of the home to start decaying. If left unchecked, it can even lead to structural damage.
#4: Blistering Or Peeling Paint Inside Or Outside Your Home
If there is poor ventilation in your attic and moisture is becoming trapped, then this will eventually cause the home’s interior or exterior paint to start to blister or peel. Believe it or not, this is one of the biggest roof replacement indicators.
#5: Dark Spots, Moss, Or Fungus On The Roof
One of the most flagrant roof replacement signs is the presence of mold, moss, or other growth. Of course, the cause of the problem could be that your roof is just not getting enough sunlight…or it could be that the roof is retaining moisture. If it is the latter, then the roof should be replaced.
#6: Cracked, Curled, Or Missing Shingles
Cracked, curled, or missing shingles are #6 on our roof inspection checklist. Simply checking your roof from time to time, especially after a wind-driven rainstorm, will help you discover the problem before it worsens. Act quickly enough, and you may be able to have the bad patch fixed and avoid having to replace the entire roof.
#7: Excessively High Heating & Cooling Bills
High energy bills are often a sign of poor attic ventilation, which can be a major sign of roof damage. The hot air and moisture will be trapped in the attic, reducing the effectiveness of your insulation. Over time this can cause water damage and even wood rot.
How Long Do Roofs Last?
Different roofing materials have different expected lifespans. For instance, a roof with fiber cement shingles typically lasts about 25 years, while copper, slate, and tile roofs can last up to 50 years. Wood shake roofs last about 30 years, and roofs with composition or asphalt shingles will usually need to be replaced after 20 years.
These are estimates, depending on several factors. Your roof may last longer or shorter, but if you pay attention, every roof will give you warning signs about when it’s time to call a good roofing contractor.
Why Choose Thompson Creek For Your Roofing Needs?
Thompson Creek uses science to give you much more than a new roof. Our specially designed roofing system is built to protect your home because it not only allows the house to breathe, but it also sheds and repels snow and ice easier than standard roofing systems.
If your roof is showing one or more of the above warning signs, and it needs to be replaced, don’t wait, contact the roofing professionals at Thompson Creek and get a free estimate for your roof replacement today or give us a call at (301) 880-4474.