With fall here and winter coming soon, roof maintenance should be a top priority for homeowners in Los Angeles, CA. Ignoring simple steps like roof maintenance or gutter cleaning can lead to larger roofing issues when there is heavy rain in the winter.
Replacing a roof can be costly, but in the long run it’s more cost-efficient than doing multiple repairs. We are not saying go and change your roof after the first issue, but you should definitely keep an eye out for red flags that hint that it’s time for a replacement. So, without further ado, let’s jump in and review the three big signs that tell when it is time to replace your roof.
Sign #1: Can you recall when the roof was installed?
If you don’t remember when your roof was installed, then that is a probable sign that you should be considering a replacement soon. Roofs in Los Angeles have their expiration date, and it is usually 20 to 25 years. If you’ve had your roof longer than that, or you moved into your new home recently and don’t know the actual age of the roof, then I recommend contacting a roofer for easy roof maintenance. Having a checkup and quick maintenance will give you peace of mind for the future. Remember that the top layers of your roof don’t always depict what’s going on underneath, so without a professional inspection, you can never know the real condition of your roof.
Sign #2: Shingles are Curled, Cracked or Missing
If you have a shingle roof, there are a few easy ways to spot if the asphalt shingles have aged. If you are on the top of your roof, check out your asphalt shingles and call a licensed roofer if you notice any of these problems:
- As a shingle roof gets older, over time the shingles starts to curl, which means the edges turn upward or the middle part comes up. Either way, it’s not a good sign. Shrinking and curling is a result of weather conditions, and if left unnoticed, it might lead to leaking.
- Another easy-to-spot issue with asphalt shingles is if there is heavy granule loss. Granules are the small rocks on shingles, and if the roof is very old, the granules tend to fall off very easily and leave your roof open to damage from rain or leaves.
- If you live in a windy area, then you should be ready to tackle cracked shingles. One or two cracked shingles can be replaced fairly easily. However, if the cracks are scattered, then the task gets harder and eventually you might have to replace the whole roof.
- Missing shingles: in some cases, wind can blow off an entire section of shingles. Technically you can replace one, two, ten or twenty shingles easily. However aesthetically the new shingles won’t match the old shingles, so that’s something to keep in mind when getting a few new shingles repaired.
Sign #3: Sagging
Sagging is perhaps the most alarming sign that indicates you need a roof replacement. Sagging occurs when the roof has structural problems. It’s not an aesthetic or simple repair — sagging can cause issues in the foundation of your roof, thus making it unsafe. If you notice depression or a droop, then it’s time to call a roofing contractor in Los Angeles as soon as possible.
Keep these signs in mind, and when you notice any of these problems, contact Roof Repair Specialist in Los Angeles for a free estimate!
