Signs Your Philadelphia Home Needs a Roof Replacement

Winter has finally come, and in Philadelphia that means plenty of snow and ice. By the time spring arrives and your roof is finally safe from the elements, it may have suffered enough wear and tear to need repair or replacement. Here are some of the telltale signs that it’s time ditch your old roof for a new one.

Age Isn’t Just a Number

One of the biggest indicators that it’s time to replace your roof is age. Most roofs have a life span of twenty to twenty-five years and, after this point, it becomes a lot more cost effective to completely replace your roof than it is to continue doing periodic repairs. If your roof is nearing, or has passed its second decade, it might be time to start thinking about replacement.

Inside Check

The best way to determine if it’s time for a roof replacement is to do a visual check of both the inside and outside of your roof for signs of serious damage.

Since the inside is usually easier to access—and can give you a better indication of the extent of the damage or lack thereof—you should start there. Even if you’re not an expert, there are a few things you should look out for when examining the inside. First, check for places where it seems like the roof is drooping. Secondly, look for water damage. If the damage is extensive, then it is usually a good sign that you should be looking at roof replacement instead of repair. Finally, check for any light from outdoors shining through your roof.

Outside Check

Once you’ve completed your interior inspection, it’s time to move outdoors. As a safety precaution, try to examine the exterior of your roof from the ground—falling through the roof is a pretty good sign you should be looking at replacement, but it’s really hazardous to your health!

The very first thing you should do when examining the exterior of your roof is to check the integrity of your shingles with a particular eye for those that are either damaged or missing. Missing and broken shingles can be a great entry point for moisture, which can be disastrous if not caught early.

Speaking of moisture, check to see if there are any places on your roof that are rotting or molding. It doesn’t take a lot of moisture, or time, for mold to grow, and the extent of the molding can be a determining factor as to whether it’s time to think about replacement.

Lastly, make sure that any areas of drainage are unblocked. If they are not, it could mean that water has been draining back into your house instead of the outside.

What to Do When It’s Time for a Replacement

If you’ve finished your inspection and decided that a brand new roof is what you need, there is no need to panic.  Replacing a roof can be a very daunting and expensive task, but Service Whale is here to make the process as easy and affordable possible. By using Service Whale’s request wizard, you can find and compare local contractors in Philadelphia to make sure that you’re getting the absolute best prices and service that you deserve