What would you do if your roof starts leaking? Do you need to have it repaired, or is it time to replace it? As a homeowner, you don’t want to spend money and time fixing it and find out that after a few months, areas start to leak again. So, you’re probably wondering, “is it time to replace the roof?”

There are many things to consider when replacing an entire roof. How long the roof has been on the house, the type of roof, and the season of the year will affect this process and how long it takes.

The roof of the house is an important part of the structure of the whole house. It helps protect the interior of your home and can lead to moisture problems once compromised. Therefore, it is very important to make sure your roof is in top condition.

Below are signs that you need to replace your roof tiles:

• The roof begins to sag. This could indicate that your home has serious problems beyond the roof. There can usually be an underlying problem with the structure of your home.
• Dark streaks. Streaks can indicate moisture seeping through the roof and causing mold problems. Dark streaks and spots are often reliable indicators of moisture problems and should be investigated immediately.
• Water damage. If your home is showing signs of water leakage, it may be caused by broken tiles that need to be replaced. Leaks in your home can be caused by broken pipes or leaking fixtures, but if you’re seeing signs of water damage in your attic or where there are no pipes, it’s worth investigating the condition of your roof tiles.

• Cracked or missing tiles. South Florida experiences frequent rains and storms, so tiles are often crack or go missing. This problem may also indicate an older roof. If you discover missing tiles, they should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent water from entering the house or building. Small amounts of water can damage the finishes in the area.

If it’s only a few tiles, you can repair them. However, if you need to fix more than half of your roof, we recommend re-roofing your entire home.

• Algae or moss build up. Algae and moss on the roof indicate possible moisture damage, which can lead to rotting roof tiles.
•  There are granules in the gutter. Roof tile granules in the gutters indicate that the tiles are deteriorating and need to be replaced.

 What are the factors that affect the life span of the roof?

• Roofing Material. Clearly, the biggest factor affecting roof life is the roofing material. Tiles are the most commonly used and usually can last 25-50 years, depending on the manufacturer of the tile. This is reflected in the manufacturer’s warranty. Metal shingles are also commonly used.
•  Proper Installation. If your roof is not properly installed, it cannot reach its full potential. Improper installation can occur due to poor workmanship, inadequate attic ventilation, improper nailing, or inclement weather during the installation process.
•  Weather. Another factor that we have no control over and that affects the life of your roof is the weather. Wind, hurricanes, or hail can all have an effect. The key here is to choose materials that are suitable for the climate zone of the house where it’s located. Also, if your roof has been hit by a major weather event, have it inspected and repaired immediately.

• Ventilation. Poor attic ventilation causes the roofing material to heat up from within. In addition, it causes condensation, making the wooden roof deck susceptible to moisture damage.
•  Insulation. Insufficient insulation can cause the temperature in the attic to skyrocket. Combined with poor ventilation, it is very difficult to regulate the temperature in the attic.
•  Roof Color. Dark roofs absorb more and more heat. This factor usually contributes to breakage, melting, and an increased need for repair and eventual replacement. EPDM or rubber roofing has many advantages but is vulnerable to heat due to its dark black color.
•  Roof Age. If you have an older roof that is 25 to 50 years old, it is wise to have a roofer determine if it needs replacement. The expected useful life of a roof varies depending on where you live and the materials used, so there is a wide range of typically how long a roof system will last.

No matter what type of roof you have, you can always have it professionally inspected.

Cloud Design Build also provides construction expert consulting services to property insurance industry professionals, should you have a client with roofing problems caused by a hurricane, hail, or wind damage.

CDB’s construction consulting services also include but not limited to pre-construction, owner’s representation, and construction project management. Visit this link for more information.