Do I need a new roof?

How do you know when it's time to replace your roof?  If you are asking yourself the following questions, then you want to seriously consider replacing your roof:

I have noticed green growth on my roof. Does this mean I need a new roof?
There are curling and blistering shingles on my roof. Does this mean I need a new roof?
Some of my shingles are missing or broken.  Does this mean I need a new roof?
There are dark patches on my roof and they appear dirty. Does this mean I need a new roof?
There's sagging and buckling with my roof's structure.  Does this mean I need a new roof?

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If you have any of these things occurring then at the very least you have a roof that's in need of repair and may need a lot more maintenance in the future.  Now you may be asking yourself, would it be better to continue repairing your current roof or should you have it completely replaced?  It may be less expensive, in the long run, to spend the money now on a new roof rather than continue repairing one that is already damaged. It's also quite possible that a new roof may lessen the chance of extensive damage and insurance claims during a future storm and let's face it here in Florida there's a high probability of that happening.   Before deciding whether to repair or replace your roof, have a professional inspect it carefully for any signs of damage or deterioration.   When you call on a professional roofing contractor to handle this for you make sure they inspect the roof from both the inside as well as outside for damage.

The outside inspection is, perhaps, the easiest and should be done first. Most outward signs of damage can be seen immediately. There are specific signs to indicate that your roof may need to be replaced, including algae growth, curling, blistering, missing or broken shingles, missing granules, rotting, damaged flashing, buckling, loose or exposed nails, dark patches that appear "dirty," sagging in the center of the roof or the presence of rust.

The inside inspection may take more time and effort, but is critical in determining the best outcome for your home. There are a number of indoor signs to indicate that your roof may be in need of replacing, including ceiling spots, sagging between the rafters or an outside light that is visible through the roof.  If a roof is found to be leaking, and appropriate repairs are not made, the water damage may cause additional damage to your insulation and increase energy costs. If you locate dark spots in the wood, test them in order to decide if the problem is one of immediate concern. If the spot feels soft to the touch or is damp, this would indicate that the problem is current. On the other hand, if the spot is dry, it's possible that this is a previous problem that was corrected or is no longer an issue.

If your roofer finds any of these signs present inside or out ask to see them and then ask for their recommendation as to repair or replacement and get a written estimate.   In many cases, a simple repair may be all that is needed to correct the problem. However, if the problem is going to be reoccurring, consider the possibility of replacing the roof entirely. For example, if your roof shows signs of rotting, this could be a larger problem in the future if it has spread throughout the structure. If, on the other hand, a few shingles are in need of repair, you wouldn't necessarily want to replace the roof entirely. When making any major home improvement, consider each option carefully before making a final decision.

Information provided by: River City Roofing