Rays of light penetrating through the roof, curling or missing shingles, discolored walls or ceilings and falling pieces to the ground are just but a few of signs signaling that you should replace your roof. However, does this mean that these are the only signs that you should look out for so that you can know that the roof needs a replacement? Absolutely not. There are the not-so-obvious signs that your roof is at the end of its life, and today, we will help you learn about these signs. Read on so that you can avoid replacing your roof after its collapse or the damage of your valuables.

4 Not-So-Obvious Signs Your Roof Is At The End Of Its Life

Sign #1 – A rise in the energy costs

Have you noted a drastic increase in the energy bills when compared to the previous years? If not, have you invested in some energy-saving methods such as adding blinds and UV-reflecting materials so that you can lower the bills but haven’t noted a change? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, the chances are that this is as a result of a damaged roof which means that it might be at the end of its life. Before effecting any changes to the roof, consider all the changes you made such as adding other energy consuming appliances. Besides that, have your HVAC system inspected so that you can ensure that it is not the cause. If all the energy-consuming units are working correctly and once you have disregarded the changes as the cause of the energy bills hike, consider replacing your roof since this might be the cause of the energy bills rise. However, work with a professional roofer who can inspect the roof to ensure that you solve the right problem.

Sign #2 – Water puddles and dirty rings

Besides high energy bills, you might have noticed that the water isn’t draining correctly after the rain. However, how do you even have a clue that the water is not draining? An effective way to tell this is by inspecting the roof once it dries out. Note that you should not rush to the rooftop immediately after the rain since this might result in a slide and unplanned accidents. So, plan to inspect the roof after it dries out. In some cases, you might be lucky enough to locate puddles of water, but in case this is not left behind, be on the lookout for grime left behind, algae, green rings, or moss since these only form if the water didn’t manage to drain right.

Sign #3 – Bubbles and blisters

Unlike tears and cracks which automatically signal that the roof is at the end of its life, blisters and bubbles do not indicate that until after they break causing cracks on the roof. For those wondering what bubbles and blisters are, you can equate bubbles to rashes and blisters to pimples. Bubbles form after liquid moisture gets trapped into the roof membrane. Over time, the bubbles increase in size resulting in blisters because of the rise in temperatures that result in the expansion of the moisture in the roof membrane. As the temperatures lower, the moisture or air contracts which creates a void in the membrane. As a result, air or moisture is drawn in the void, which means that the blisters keep growing resulting in pulling of the membrane and thereby deteriorating the roof structure.

Over time, these processes damage the roof since the blisters crack in the long term requiring you to replace the roof. To avoid consequences when it is too late, you should keep an eye on the roof as soon as you discover the formation of bubbles and repair where necessary. However, if the signs are too much, planning to replace the roof is an ideal option as this can protect you from high costs when replacing the roof.

Sign #4 – Depletion of the roof’s life span

Simply put, a roof nears the end of its useful life as the expected life expectancy narrows down. For instance, if you purchased a roof with an estimated lifespan of 20 years, you should have an idea that the roof is near the end of its life as soon as it serves you for 19 years. With this in mind, therefore, it is always right for you to hire a professional roofer who will perform regular inspections on the roof once you note that the roof’s life expectancy is narrowing down. After all, you might get a positive report that the roof can serve you longer which is common if you live in an area with friendly weather. So, jot down the time you bought the roof and the time you expect it to wear out so that you can always be ready before the life expectancy is depleted.

Conclusion

Let’s face it; a roof is not built to last forever. As a result, it is good that you remain prepared by internalizing the not so obvious signs that your roof is at the end of its life so that you can avoid costly or emergency roof replacements which may occur when you are not financially ready.

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