The roof on your barn is critically important to the structural integrity of your barn and protecting its contents. Whether your barn has an asphalt or metal roof, the time will come for a replacement.
You may be wondering, how do I know when it’s time to replace the roof on my barn?
We’ve served the Lexington and Central Kentucky community since 2003. We’ve replaced over 10,000 roofs since then and are proud of the accolades we’ve received. At AIC Roofing, one of our core responsibilities is to give you the information needed to make the right purchasing decision for your unique structure. In this article, we’ll describe various ways to tell that the roof on your barn needs a replacement.
Does your Barn Need a Roof Replacement?
To extend the life of your roof for as long as possible, we recommend getting your roof inspected annually. Annual roof inspections are free and can help identify repairable items before they cause significant damage to your roof.
Below, we’ll list the most obvious signs the roof on your barn may need to be replaced. It’s important to note that just because you notice one of these issues does not mean a roof replacement is necessary. Contacting a trustworthy, highly-rated roofing contractor is the best way to tell if your roof can be repaired or if a replacement is necessary.
Sign #1: You notice stains or wood rot
Perhaps the most tell-tale sign of a roof leak is staining, or wood rot on the ceiling of your barn. Commonly, barns have plywood, OSB sheathing, or drywall on their ceiling. If you notice staining or wood rot in a particular place on the ceiling, it is likely from a roof leak.
If you notice wood rot or staining on the underside of the roof or the beams, you should have it inspected immediately. Damage to structural beams is a serious issue that risks the safety of your barn and animals. Roof leaks could quickly cause wood rot and damage depending on the location. We recommend annual inspections to ensure your roof protects your barn and its contents.
Sign #2: Sagging
If your roof looks to be sagging, this is a sign that your roof is in serious disrepair. A visibly sagging roof could be a sign that the roof deck of your barn has been compromised. A roof deck refers to the sheets of plywood or OSB sheathing to which the shingles are attached. If your roof appears to be sagging, your roof deck could be compromised by age or a leak. You may even notice it hanging in the interior of your barn as well.
It’s imperative to act quickly when you notice an issue such as sagging. If these types of issues are neglected, they could cause expensive damage and even risk the integrity of your barn.
Sign #3: Discoloration on your roof
Discoloration mainly applies to your barn if it has asphalt shingles. Although, if you notice your metal barn roof appears faded, it could be losing some of its UV-protectant properties, and having it inspected is a good idea.
If you notice your roof appears to be discolored, your roof likely needs a repair or replacement. Some common reasons your barn roof can appear discolored include the following:
- Missing shingles
- Granule loss on shingles
- Algae growth
- Faded/worn shingles due to age
Any of these reasons warrant at least an inspection on your roof. Roof discoloration is not an immediate danger like sagging or interior wood rot but should not be neglected. Missing shingles on your roof can quickly give way to a leak.
Sign #4: Significant weather event
We recommend getting your barn roof inspected annually, and certainly after a significant weather event like hail or severe wind. Storm damage to your barn roof may not be immediately visible. Preventative measures such as a free roof inspection can save you thousands in repairs.
Plus, most insurance policies require claims to be made 6-12 months after a significant weather event to cover the damage. While this may seem like an extended grace period, it’s easy to put off a roof inspection and miss the window for filing a claim.
Sign #5: Age of the roof
If your asphalt roof is 25-30 years old, it’s time to start considering a replacement. Your roof has a lifespan, even when properly maintained. If your roof is getting old, you may want to consider having it inspected. Getting an idea of the remaining useful life of your roof can help you plan and budget accordingly.
Roof Maintenance Helps Prevent Issues
We recommend annual roof inspections to keep your roof in top shape and catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs. Roof inspections are free and one of the best ways to extend your roof’s lifespan.
Clean debris off your roof
Debris can trap moisture and lead to leaks. Removing leaves, branches, and other buildup promptly helps prevent damage and prolongs your roof’s life.
Keep gutters clean
Clogged gutters can damage fascia boards and the roof itself. Regular gutter cleaning is an essential part of preventative roof maintenance.
Schedule your annual roof inspection
A free roof inspection is the simplest and most effective maintenance task. It allows professionals to catch repairable problems early and ensures your roof is performing properly.
We hope this guide helps you spot potential issues on your barn roof. If you still have questions, check out our Learning Center. From roof replacement costs to types of metal roofs, we answer even the toughest roofing questions.
Next Steps – Contacting a Trustworthy Roofer, Experienced in Barn Roofing
AIC Roofing and Construction has served homeowners in Louisville, Lexington, and Richmond since 2003. We are in North America’s top 2% of roofing contractors to obtain the GAF MasterElite certification. If you’re looking for a top-rated Lexington roofing company with experience replacing barn roofs – we’d love to see if we would be a good fit for your project. Contact us today to schedule your free roof inspection.
Default insurance Lexington Louisville Richmond roof replacement