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Having a leaky roof can be an unpleasant and even dangerous experience. If left unaddressed, your leaky roof could lead to other severe issues like mold or rot. A poorly-maintained roof is also unsafe for anyone visiting your home.

Fortunately, several signs indicate you need a new roof sooner rather than later. These red flags will enable you to take action before the problem worsens. What you do next after identifying these warning signs will determine the extent of damage and cost involved in repairing or replacing your roof. If you suspect the state of your roof isn’t up to par, read on for five important indicators that suggest it’s time for a new one.

Your current roof is old.

Depending on the roofing material, you can expect your roof’s lifespan to range between 20 and 50 years. If your current roof is over two decades old, it’s likely to show signs of wear and tear that can’t be easily fixed. However, you can expect a roof that’s 20 years old or older to last much longer if you keep up with regular roof inspections.

The visual extent of wear and tear can vary significantly depending on what type of roofing material you have. For example, asphalt shingles degrade much faster than metal and TPO roofing. If you have a roof nearing the end of its lifespan, you might experience one or more of the following signs:

You see visible signs of rot or mold.

If you see any rot or mold near your roof, your roof likely needs replacing. Not only is rot and mold a sign of deterioration, but they can also be a health hazard to you and your family. If you see either of these signs, you will want to take care of it ASAP.

There’s noticeable damage to your ceiling or walls.

If there’s noticeable damage to your ceiling or walls where water from your roof drips and collects, you should replace your roof. This damage is caused by excess moisture, which also poses a risk of mold and mildew growth. Even if you can clean and dry the affected area, the moisture that caused the damage will return if you don’t replace your roof.

You can avoid potential health hazards related to breathing in mold spores by dealing with the source of the problem. Your roofing contractor will likely start by assessing the current state of your roof and suggest a few solutions. They may even be able to repair minor issues in your current roof. If your roofing contractor recommends replacing your roof, this is a good sign that you should act soon.

There’s persistent leaking, even after repairs.

If a few specific areas of your roof keep leaking after repairs, it may be time to replace your roof. Ideally, these leaks should be addressed as soon as they’re discovered. However, even experienced roofing contractors will need to repair the roof a few times each year.

This can be partly attributed to the weather conditions in your area and partly to inevitable factors resulting in roof damage. Regardless of the reasons behind frequent roof repairs, you should plan to replace your roof if the leaks don’t stop after being repaired several times.

Roof leaks can cause significant damage to your walls and ceilings, especially if left unrepaired for an extended period.

New technologies and materials have emerged.

New roofing technologies and materials have resulted in longer-lasting and more energy-efficient roofs. While an asphalt shingle roof will cost around $7,000 on average, a steel shingle or tile roof will cost closer to $18,000.

While some roofing materials will last longer and require less maintenance, they all come with a price tag. If you’d like to extend the lifespan of your roof while reducing energy costs, you may want to consider investing in newer roofing material.

You may qualify for a tax credit if your roof is at least ten years old. For example, you can deduct 30% of the cost from your taxes if you have a metal roof. You can also deduct the cost of hiring a contractor to inspect your roof, as well as the cost of replacing a roof.

Conclusion

These red flags will enable you to take action before the problem worsens. After identifying these warning signs, what you do next will determine the damage and cost involved in repairing or replacing your roof.