5 signs you should think about installing a new roof

A home that is warm and comfortable can be too easy to take for granted... until you suddenly hear a dripping sound and fear what it could be. Yes, it could be a roof leak - and this is only one of many reliable signs that you should seriously consider having your roof replaced.

However, it's also one of the more obvious signs. Some indicators might not come to your attention unless you thoroughly look for them, as this guide will make clear. 

Your roof is between 20 and 30 years old

You should expect an asphalt shingle roof to stay intact for 20 to 30 years, as indicated by Good Housekeeping. Therefore, if your roof of this type has reached this age, now would be a good time to get it replaced before it ruptures - even if, right now, it still looks fine from the ground.

Another sign that the time is right is if neighbours on the same development have recently been arranging for replacements of their roofs, which were likely built around the same time as yours.

Complete shingles are lost

While there is nothing functionally wrong with replacing the occasional missing shingle, getting a replacement that is identical in colour to an old shingle is nearly impossible. This is largely attributable to the major change, over time, in commercially available granule colours - though weathering-induced change can also be to blame. Hence, fully replacing the roof may be wiser.

Cracks have randomly formed around the roof

Usually, wind is the culprit for cracked shingles. However, if the cracking is not isolated to a specific area but instead present - albeit randomly - throughout that roof, then a roof replacement may be in order. In fact, that replacement could become necessary within just three to five years; therefore, it could pay for you to plan ahead to prevent the roof's existing damage seriously worsening. 

Sunlight is visible from the attic

Of course, if your attic lets in light, then rain, snow, and cold air could enter through the same gap. Should you notice light leaking in, see if you can find water stains as well. Then, monitor those stains to discern whether, as rainfalls come and go, the stains change in size or shape.

If they do, the roof is actively leaking. Furthermore, simply patching the leak might not suffice; if it is particularly large or the roof is old, this can warrant a new roof installation instead.

Your greenhouse roof is glass rather than polycarbonate

If you have long remained with glass as your choice of material for a greenhouse roof, consider that polycarbonate is stronger than glass, as attested in The Telegraph. In addition to this, it can be easier to support than glass and prevent sunburn by filtering out plenty of UV rays.

It's possible to purchase big packs of polycarbonate sheets from Varico. In fact, such sheets could help you to put together an entirely polycarbonate greenhouse, allowing you to maximise benefits of the material.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/10/5-signs-you-should-think-about.html