There are many things that a homeowner must do to keep their house in excellent condition. One of them is keeping their roofs inspected annually. However, since the roof is on top of the house and out of sight, it’s easy to forget about it. Unfortunately, negligence is the reason why so many homeowners end up needing an entire roof installed.
Failing to get regular inspections and fixing problems when they are small can add up to more significant issues. For example, small cracks and missing shingles that would have only cost a few hundred dollars when they surfaced may turn into thousands of dollars. This is because the cracks and missing shingles may have damaged the roof decking and caused leaks. The homeowner will need to replace the roof, remediate the mold, and fix the drywall.
Damage isn’t the only time a roof will need to be replaced, however. Here are some of the common reasons that a homeowner will need a new roof installed by roofing contractors Worcester, MA.
Microorganisms Have Destroyed Your Old Roof
A homeowner in Worcester may need a new roof because the roof has moss, lichen, or algae growing on it. Moss is green-colored, while lichen is usually white crust-like patches. Algae is black, and it looks like a stain spreading over the roof. However, all of these are living microorganisms. These growths are typically present when there is a moisture problem with the roof. They extend all over the roof, causing damage that eventually leads to premature roof replacement.
Damages from microorganisms not only destroy shingles but can also destroy the roof decking and allow moisture into the home. Not only will homeowners have to pay up to $12,000 to solve the roof problem, but they may have to pay a couple of thousand dollars for mold remediation if mold is present. They will also have to pay up to an additional thousand dollars to fix the ceiling. Thus, these seemingly harmless growths on the roof can lead to some very costly problems. And worst of all, since these growths usually indicate a homeowner’s neglect, home insurance policies won’t likely cover the damages.
Current Shingles Are Missing or Severely Damaged
Microorganisms can lead to premature roof replacement, but sometimes the shingles on the house can be damaged due to changes in the weather. Severe dry spells can cause the shingles to start to crack and fall off the house. Once this happens, it leaves the decking open to moisture. Thus, these extremities in the weather cause a host of problems with the roof, leading to replacement. The most significant cause of cracked or missing shingles is black algae. This black-colored organism eats away at the shingles, particularly asphalt shingles removing the UV protection layer from them. Therefore, when the sun shines on the home, this dries out the shingles, making them brittle. Aging can also cause the shingles to become brittle and start to crack.