Four Signs Your Farmhouse Needs a New Roof
The roof of your home is your primary defense against the elements, which means that not only does it have a big job to do, but it’s also often one of the most worn-down areas of the property. Yes, your roof should last for many years, but if it’s been decades since the last roof replacement, or you’ve just bought an old farmhouse, then chances are it’s lifespan is closer to the end than you think.
Knowing the signs that your farmhouse (or your accompanied barn) needs a new roof can help you make the fix fast before long-lasting damage increases the repair bill, so watch out for these top four signs today.
Your Roof is Over 20 Years Old
A standard roof, particularly those made of asphalt, generally last between 20 and 25 years. If you have asphalt tiles, then know your roof’s average lifespan is a bit shorter (between 15 and 30 years). If your own roof is over the age of 20, it’s a good time to carefully inspect, repair, or even replace it. When replacing your roof, know you do have options. For example, a metal roof can last, on average, between 30 and 70 years, while natural slate or clay could last over 100.
Regardless of the roofing type you choose, always opt for a reputable and licensed roofing contractor. Poor installation immediately reduces the average lifespan of any roof, so invest at the onset to increase the lifespan of your new roof overall.
Worn, Missing, or Damaged Roofing Elements
One of the first ways to check if your farmhouse needs a new roof is to simply have a good look at it. If there are missing tiles or slats (or if they look worn or cracked) then these are clear signs that you need, at a minimum, an immediate repair.
If your roof or extension’s roof is flat, however, then check for any warping. Boards can start to buckle under the weight of water over time, which can cause a flat roof to sag.
Growth, Moss, or Debris Build-Up
While growth like moss, or even a build-up of debris like leaves, could potentially be cleared away without any lasting damage, these are also signs that water has collected on your roof for extended periods of time.
Check underneath for signs of water damage or mold after clearing those issues away. The same applies to your gutters, where water can build-up and start to damage the side of your house as well.
Light, Water Damage, or Mold
The next step is to go inside your home and the attic. Do this on a sunny day, and check for any pinpoints of light in the attic, as these will, naturally, become points of egress during a storm. You can also check for signs of water damage, like staining or warping, or even mold.
If you see these issues further down in your home, for example, at the top of even the bottom floors, then you need a roof replacement ASAP, and, likely, more extensive internal repairs as well.
