5 Signs You Need a New Roof

Your roof is constantly battling freezing temperatures, strong winds, baking sun, and other adverse weather effects. For the roof to withstand all these elements, it must be in the best form possible. Here are some of the signs that you should replace your roof with a better one.

1. Your Roof Is Old

As the building, you should know when the roof was installed or just replaced. Different roofs have different lifespans depending on the roofing materials. If you have an asphalt roof, expect to replace it after 15-20 years. Here are the lifespans of other roof materials:

• Flat roofs can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance.
• Metal flat roofs can go for 20 to 40 years.
• EPDM (rubber) flat roofs can last 15-20 years.
• Vinyl flat roofs can last over 30 years..

Ask the previous owner when the roof was last installed or replaced. The previous owner's contact information is likely in the seller's disclosure document, usually kept with the real estate agent that sold you the home. 

Another way to know the age of your roof is to contact the roofer that worked on your home. The roofer might have kept records about when the roof was replaced. 

2. Visible Leaks

Roof leaks can happen for many reasons, including storm damage and worn-out materials. As the roofing materials become weaker, water will pass through the roof and enter the house. The first signs of a roof leak are visible puddles after rain storms. If the leak is small, you can have a roofing professional repair or patch it up.

However, most roof leaks go undetected until it's too late. By the time you detect the roof leak, there are multiple leaks throughout the roof. In this case, while you can repair the roof, complete roof replacement might be cheaper in the long run.

3. Large Amounts of Water on Your Flat Roof

Debris, hail, and high winds can cause one your flat roof to accumulate moisture and pools of water. Without proper attention to these issues, your flat roof can begin to quickly wear down, crack, and allow water to enter your property.



If you have noticed pools of water, cracks in the coating, or have noticed visible rips or tears, it's time to look into a replacement service or a thorough repair from roofing specialists.

4. Flashing Is Missing

Roofing penetrations can create weak points where they penetrate the roof. Consequently, roofers will install a thin metal called flashing on the joints and seams of the roof. This prevents the spaces around skylights, vents, chimneys, and gutters from allowing leaks and water damage. Over time, the flashing can deteriorate and fall off, showing that the adhesives beneath it have become weaker. 

5. Light Coming Through the Attic

Head upstairs and check the attic or crawl space if you have one. A few light beams entering the home are perfectly okay. The light might be from the soffit, or turbine vents that allow in some light as they circulate air throughout the attic.

If the light is significant, look out for water stains. If the water stains become larger over time, the light might be passing through holes in the roof. The solution is to hire a roofing contractor to check the roof and determine the cause of the light. 

Do you have a flat roof that is leaking or worn out? Fischer Roofing - Flat Roof Pros can inspect the roof and make the necessary repairs. We also offer flat roof installation and replacement services. Contact us today to get started. We look forward to connecting with you soon and providing you with a memorable roof replacement service.