A properly maintained roof can easily last for decades without any problem. However, even with the best level of care, there will come a time when a roof will have to be replaced. An aging roof may not have any major issues and that can lull a homeowner into a false sense of peace. Don’t wait until you have a major emergency on your hands before paying attention to smaller issues indicative of roof aging. Specifically, watch out for:
-
Slight curling on Shingles
Asphalt shingle roofs are highly popular so I feel it deserves special mention. Each asphalt shingle has two or more layers made of different materials. Years of being exposed to the elements can cause some of the layers to expand or contract faster than the others, causing the layers to peel away from each other, with the top layer usually giving out first. While minor peeling doesn’t pose immediate problems, it can quickly worsen, leading to major leaks.
-
Dark Spots
Dark spots can be anything, depending on the roofing material. In porous materials such as concrete or brick tile, they are usually caused by moss or algae growing over time. While they don’t pose any significant threat, they do make the home look more decrepit. On metal roofs, however, dark spots can be bad news as they can be a sign of a more serious problem related to aging: rust spots. Rust eats away at the roofing material, weakening the structural integrity of a metal roof. It won’t take a lot to bring a rusty roof down so rust spots are best addressed as soon as possible.
-
Cracked or Crusty Sealant
Sealant or caulking is usually applied between seams to seal off gaps in the roof where water can seep through. After years of abuse, no thanks to the rain, sun, and snow, the sealant eventually gets brittle, making it more likely to crack or grow crusty. Cracks compromise the sealant, rendering a seal incapable of keep moisture out.
-
Damaged Underlayment
Sometimes, a roof may look fine from the outside, but age may have led to damage underneath the surface. For example, plastic or rubber underlayment can get brittle, developing holes without the outer roofing material showing visible damage.
-
Blistering Paint
Blisters form when space is created between the roofing material and the protective layer of coating painted over it. This can happen when, after years of being exposed to the elements, small portions of the paint open up, letting water in which eventually accumulates in pockets. This literally lifts the paint off the roofing material, forming blisters on the roof’s surface. Once a blister breaks, it exposes the roofing material, which will accelerate wear and tear.
-
High Electric Bills
Your roof contributes to your home’s overall insulation. As such, when it ages, leading to deterioration, your roof’s insulative properties also weaken. When it does, overall insulation in your home is reduced, keeping indoor temperature from remaining stable. This pushes your HVAC system to work doubly hard to ensure your comfort, causing your electric bill to spike. If the rest of your home is in good condition and yet you’re getting higher-than-average electric bills, it may be time to give your local roofing contractor a call.
====================
Author Bio:
Ivan founded A+Roofing Co in 1996 and has grown the company to a leader in roofing, siding and all areas of home improvement throughout the Chicagoland area. Ivan’s motto Excellence is Our Mark and strive hard every day to maintaining solid relationships with the firm’s clients understanding that their home or business is the most valuable investment in their life. He dedicate his expertise and committed service to protect it.
====================
