How’s your roof holding up under this nasty weather?

The weather in Maple Ridge/ Ridge Meadows area isn’t always the greatest. After all, they call it “Rainy Haney” for good reason. At this time of year, the last thing you want to have to worry about is your roof. However, there are telltale signs one should regard, if and when the times comes to replace your roof.

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Nothing could be truer when it comes to your roof. You shouldn’t wait until problems develop to finally replace it.

Here’s a rundown of five signs your old roof needs to be replaced now. Let’s jump in!

1. It’s Been Around for a While

   This is a good indicator that it’s likely time to replace your old roof.

   A roof should generally last a couple of decades or more. Of course, you need to consider a few variables. Ask yourself these questions:

   • Was your previous roof removed?
   • How many shingle layers does your current roof have?
   • How good is your roof ventilation?
   • Was it installed properly?

   An understanding of the roof’s history will give you clues about its lifespan. Still, if you’re crossing the 20+ year mark, you probably need a new one. Whonnock Roofing and Gutters are here to help you make an informed decision. Call to receive a free detailed, no obligation quote, if you are concerned about the lifespan of your current roof.

2. Your Shingle Condition Could Be Better

   If you’re like most homeowners, your roof consists of shingles. Take a close look at these rectangular flaps as they can tell you quite a bit about the condition of your roof.

   Here are some shingle-related signs that your roof is in trouble:

   • Your shingles are curling or buckling:
     
     In case you’ve got curling, cracking and buckling, you need to replace your roof. This is because curling shingles indicate that your roof has surpassed its life expectancy or is defective. Look for curling in the areas of your roof that receive direct sunlight especially.
   • You have missing shingles:
     
     If you’ve got missing roof shingles, particularly on your roof valleys, this is another big problem. Snow and rain flow through your valleys to reach your gutters. That means if they are compromised, your home may be vulnerable to leaks.Maybe only a handful of shingles are gone, not all of them. Your roof is still in jeopardy. Chances are if a recent storm blew off some of your shingles, like the wind storm we had here in the Maple Ridge/ Pitt Meadows, a few weeks ago, your remaining shingles aren’t in the greatest shape either.
   • Your shingles are bald:
     
     Finally, if your shingles are bald, you’ve got a problem. Look for parts of your roof where the color is inconsistent or darker than other areas are.

   Also, pay careful attention to your gutter. If you see granules from your roof’s shingles in the gutter, this is further evidence that your roof is approaching the end of its lifecycle.

3. Your Old Roof Is Sagging

   Sagging is a roof problem that requires speedy action as it’s a major safety issue. You certainly don’t want your roof collapsing on your loved ones.

   If your roof is sagging, you might have a structural problem or even some foundation issues. A professional needs to inspect the roof to determine exactly what’s causing your problem.

4. You’re Seeing Sun or Water in Your Attic

   Sunlight in your home can make your day brighter – unless you see it in your attic.

   If you see rays of light entering your attic, this is a sign that your old roof needs replacing.

5. Moisture

   Another sign that your roof has been compromised? You’ve got moisture. Look out for wet insulation. Stand on top of your roof and check for any spots that are soft.

   If parts of your roof feel squishy or spongy, the wood has become warped due to moisture. This means it’s time replace the roof. At that point you may also need a sheet of sheathing replaced here or there. Don’t worry, that isn’t a major cost. However, by ignoring those “squishy or spongy areas for even one year can be detrimental and can end up costing you big time. That wet sheathing can quickly become moldy and spread like wildfire in your attic, if it’s not addresses; early on.

6. You’ve Got Moss

   Moss may seem more like a minor annoyance than a major problem, but it can cause more roof issues than you may realize.

   If your climate is dry, moss likely isn’t a big issue in your area. That’s because it becomes dormant in dry weather, thus morphing into a plant mass that is rust colored.

   But if you live in a region like Ridge Meadows, Port Coquitlam/ Coquitlam or even Langley, you live in an area prone to a lot of rain and moss can become a big problem. This plant easily grows on the shingles of roofs, particularly in the tiny spaces located between shingles. Eventually, it becomes a thick mat.

   This thick layer of moss can easily trap moisture against the surface of your roof. As a result, the dense plant can cause damage to your shingles during the winter season.

   You may be tempted to scrape away this green plant or even use a power washer to get rid of it. Don’t. You just might end up chipping off your shingles’ granules in the process, thus making them useless.

   Instead, consider using a mixture of water and bleach to get rid of the pesky plant material before the cold months arrive.

   Also, when you do finally replace your roof, consider installing shingles that are resistant to algae. This will help to prevent moss-related problems in the future.

Every roofing estimate we do here at Whonnock Roofing and Gutters Ltd is very thorough. We even take detailed pictures of anything of concern, during our free roof inspection/quote. We then share those pics, with the customer, when we go over the estimate in person. Plus we have our best-in-business Guarantee

How We Can Help

Like anything else, your roof has a shelf life, so you need to know what to look for to catch problems early. After all, you don’t want your old roof to fall or cause injuries. Call Whonnock Roofing and Gutters Ltd today for a free and detailed quote.