How To Tell If You Need To Replace Your Roof (And How Often)

Posted on September 16, 2022

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How To Tell If You Need To Replace Your Roof (And How Often)

Replacing a roof is not a job most people would look forward to, but it is one of those jobs that is critical to keeping your home safe. Due to the chilly weather of Wisconsin, it becomes even more important to ensure that your roof is performing optimally throughout the year.

Many homeowners are not aware of when their roof needs to be replaced. If you are also one of them, our team at Kickapoo Roofing is here to help!

This guide will highlight signs indicating that it might be time to replace the roof on your house. If you notice any of these warning signs, now would be the right time to start looking for options to replace your roof.

Your Roofing System Is Old

This is one of the most common reasons why homeowners need to replace their roofs. All the roofing materials available have a certain lifespan. As the roof ages and goes past its average lifespan, it will show various signs of damage more frequently.

For example, Asphalt shingles, the most popular roofing material in America, usually last for 15-25 years. These shingles are made from petroleum products, so they’ll start to break down over time. When this happens, they can look very different from when they were first installed, making it easy to tell that it’s time for an upgrade!

How Often To Replace The Roof?

Today, there are many other roofing materials available in the market, other than asphalt shingles. Below are some of the popular materials that homeowners install on their roofs:

  • Metal Roof: Metal roofs are one of the longest lasting roofing materials available. A properly installed and well maintained metal roof can last up to 50-60 years
  • Tile Roof: These roofs are extremely durable, and they can typically last over 50-70 years.
  • Wood Shake Roof: These are some of the most beautiful roofs available, and if they are cared for properly, they will last well over 30-40 years.

Your Roof Is Leaking

One of the main purposes of a roofing system is to protect your home from water damage and leaks. If your roof can no longer do this, and you see leaks or white spots on your ceiling, then it is time for roof replacement.

Leaks are the bane of homeowners everywhere. Water damage, such as roof leaks, are a sign that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. If the damage is significant, it is always best to replace your entire roofing system.

replace your roof

Why You Should Never Neglect Roof Leaks

A roof leak can wreak havoc on your home. A leaky roof can allow rainwater to seep into the house, damaging your drywall and even leading to mold growth, which can cause health problems for you and your family. It can also damage other parts of your home, such as furniture and electronics.

The Roof Has Suffered Storm Damage

Storms are an unfortunate fact of life for many homeowners in areas prone to severe weather conditions. While some storms can cause minor damage, others can completely destroy a roof and leave your home vulnerable to leaks and water damage. Different types of storms in Wisconsin can cause damage that will require you to repair or replace your roof.

For example, hail storms can cause damage to a roof that is not visible from the ground, but may be significant. It can damage not only asphalt shingles but a metal roof as well.

Curling/Buckling Shingles

If you see cracked or curling shingles, it’s time to replace your roof. Curling and buckling shingles indicate that they’ve been exposed to too much sun, wind, and water over time which can cause them to wear out faster than normal.

When the shingle’s protective cover deteriorates, water can enter the shingles. The result is that moisture will enter the shingle itself, causing it to warp, curl up at its edges or buckle into an arch shape instead of laying flat. This can be the major area for roof leaks.

You should not make a rash decision to replace the roof. Sometimes, if only a few shingles are affected, you can also repair them. It is best to call a roofing contractor and schedule an inspection.

Missing Shingles

Sometimes the forces of nature will blow shingles right off your roof. Missing shingles are a much more severe issue than curling. A roofing contractor will attach the shingles with an adhesive, which can be detached when winds or heavy rains occur.

The part of the roof where shingles are not present can let in water. This water can penetrate through the shingles and damage the roof decking, and even damage other areas of your home.

One or two shingles blowing away is not a big problem as they can be repaired easily. However, if your roof is aging and the majority of the shingles are missing, it is better to replace your roof before leaks and water damage occur.

Sagging Roof

A sagging roof is a major problem in which the roof tends to bend down or ‘sag .’ A sagging roof occurs when the weight of snow, ice, and other water-logged debris is too much for a roof structure to handle. This can be caused by age and weather conditions. Here are some of the causes of roof sagging:

  • Improper Roof Installation
  • Weight On The Roof
  • Old Roof

A sagging roof can indicate serious structural problems with your house. It means the roof deck is damaged and not holding up the roof well. If you notice that your house has a sagging roof, contact a roofing contractor for roof replacement services ASAP.

Missing Flashing

Missing flashing is a sign that you might need a roof replacement. Flashing is the metal or rubber material that’s used to seal around windows, vents, and other openings in the roof. The purpose of flashing is to prevent water from penetrating under the roof.

If the roof flashing is damaged or missing, it will leave several areas vulnerable to damage. If the material you are using is outdated or no longer effective, you should look to upgrade your current flashing.

High Energy Bills

Every homeowner wants to reduce their energy bills, and a roofing system is a good way to save on energy consumption. The number of times you turn on your heating or air conditioning system is a good indicator of how well your home is insulated. Suppose you notice that there’s been a spike in energy bills, or that your bills are consistently higher than those of your neighbor’s homes. This can indicate that there is a problem with your roof.

Replacing the existing roofing material with high-quality shingles or the shingles rated by Energy star can go a long way in making your home more energy efficient. A new high-quality roof can even keep your home warmer in the winter!

Catch The Signs Of Damage Early With Roof Inspections

A roof inspection is the best way to catch signs of roof damage early. Even the smallest issue, like a leak or crack, can lead to bigger problems down the road if left untreated. This is why you should inspect your roof at least once a year, and after any severe storms.

Your roof protects your entire home and everything inside it—so don’t wait until there’s an emergency to find out about any problems. A thorough inspection can help you spot issues before they become big ones, so you can get them fixed right away.

Want The Best Roof Replacement Services In Wisconsin?

We hope you are now more aware of the various signs that signal you need to replace your roof. However, these signs are not always clear and require professional assessment.

If you are unsure what to do next, contact the team at Kickapoo Roofing. We are a local roofing company that serves Tomah, WI., and the surrounding areas. We have years of experience in the roofing industry, and we provide the finest roof replacement services in the area. We offer a variety of materials such as asphalt, metal, and cedar shake.

If you think your roof might need to be replaced, don’t wait any longer. Call our expert team of roofers and get started on the process. If you have any questions about your roofing system, feel free to contact us at (608) 352-8688.

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