As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to keep an eye out for the warning signals that indicate your roof needs to be replaced. A roof replacement is a major project that must be handled by trained specialists. When doing your annual roof check, if you begin to see any of these warning signals, it may be time to visit Big Easy Roofers in NOLA to ask about the possibility of having a new roof installed.
1. Water Damage in the Upstairs or Attic
Water stains, discoloration in brown, yellow, or grey, and flaking paint are all signs of a damaged roof. Take a look in the attic, as leaks or wet rafters up there, may be an indication of roof problems as well. You may be the first line of defense in finding roof damage, but you should know your limits.
Once a year, have a licensed roofer from New Orleans come and take a look. Repair expenses for a roof may quickly add up, but if you do a preventative check you may be able to avoid spending thousands of dollars on fixes that might have been caught earlier
2. The Roof Has Outlived its Lifespan
How long have you had that roof? A roof’s lifespan can range anywhere from 20 to 50 years, depending on the quality of the roofing material used.
- In the New Orleans area, asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 10–20 years.
- Metal roofing is more expensive up front, but it typically lasts between 30 and 50 years with little maintenance.
- The average lifespan of a clay tile in New Orleans is 40 years.
In order to predict how long your roof will last, you should know when it was installed. Also relevant are factors like whether or not the old roof was taken off, leaving only one layer of shingles, and whether or not the roof has adequate ventilation. For roofs older than 20 years that were built up with many layers, replacement is likely necessary.
3. The Roof Sags
When a roof sags, it’s because stored moisture has corroded away the planks supporting it. If your roof is sagging and drooping, you should replace it immediately to prevent more water damage to your property. Inspect the lowest places of the roof for evidence of trapped moisture, decaying boards, or drooping areas.
You may get a better idea of this by taking a step back and seeing your home from across the street, for example. Sagging and slumping are telltale symptoms of a roof that isn’t doing its job properly.
4. Moss, Mold, or Fungi Have Taken Over
Moss, mold, and fungus-like mushrooms are all signs of retaining moisture, which can lead to the complete collapse of a roof. Use a hard brush to remove moss from your roof’s shady areas, but don’t neglect the underlying cause. If you notice moss after brushing, it’s best to have a professional take a look at your roof.
5. Curling or Buckling Shingles
Curling or buckling shingles indicate that they are no longer securely fastened and have possibly been damaged. The next time it blows, the curved surface may be grabbed by the wind and suffer more damage. A professional roofer may be able to replace a few bad shingles, but it may just be a temporary fix for a more serious issue.
6. Missing Shingles or Granules
Storms and hurricanes may cause significant damage to rooftops in New Orleans. Shingles might be loosened or blown off entirely by the strong gusts. Depending on the position of the lost shingle and the state of the shingles around it, it may be possible to restore the roof by replacing one or two shingles.
7. Missing Flashing, Gutter Guards, or Fascia
For the same reason that missing or broken shingles should raise red flags, so should any damage to the roof’s underlying structure. The roof needs proper support to preserve its structural integrity and safety.
Schedule a Meeting with NOLA Roofing Contractors Today
One of your duties as a homeowner is to keep your property in good repair and up to standards. When it comes to the security of your house, nothing is more crucial than the roof. You can stay on top of any issues by inspecting often and sticking to a thorough maintenance plan. When a new roof is necessary, it should be installed immediately by a qualified NOLA roofer. The cost of a new roof installation is often less than the expense of repairing leaks and other problems that have been ignored.
