When locals need expert advice on roofing in Columbus, Ohio, they turn to Muth & Company Roofing! Company president Chad Muth was recently featured in this May 30 article in the Columbus Dispatch that educated homeowners on the signs that a roof needs to be replaced.
Roof Replacement: Now or Later?
No one wants to spend $5,000 or $10,000 on roof replacement until it is necessary. That’s why it is important for homeowners to know the warning signs that they should replace their roof. If replacement is delayed for too long and leaks develop, the damage will spread into the structure of the house, resulting in the need for added repairs such as drywall and paint.
Here’s how to know when a roof is about to fail.
Age. Most Columbus roofing consists of asphalt shingles which have a limited lifespan of about 20 years, depending on a few variables. Once your roof has reached the 15-year mark, it will require regular inspection to monitor its condition.
Chad Muth notes that peaks, valleys, penetrations and edges are especially vulnerable to deterioration. “Roofs won’t fail in the middle,” he says.
Leaks. Water damage can indicate roof failure, but it’s important that a roofing professional first verify that a leak isn’t due to flashing issues around a chimney, skylight or other penetration.
Granule loss. If an asphalt shingle loses most of the ceramic granules that protect the mat from the sun’s rays, it can no longer protect your home. Look for excess granules in gutters.
Shingle damage. Shingles that are missing, cracked or curled can indicate aging. Loose shingles indicate that the seal that binds an asphalt shingle to the shingle below it has weakened.
Algae and moss. Over time, both types of growths can eat away at shingles and weaken them.
Loose flashing. Flashings are pieces of metal that are placed around skylights, vents and other penetrations in a roof. Over time, flashing can loosen and pull away, causing leaks. “What often happens,” Muth said, “is it’s not your shingles per se reaching the end of life, but everything else does.”
Thanks to the Dispatch for this opportunity to share with local Columbus homeowners! For more information about roofing, gutters and more, call Muth & Company Roofing today at (614) 682-3060.