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 tip-top shape and catch issues before they wrack up thousands in damages. Roof inspections are free and the most preventative measure to extend your roof’s life.
· Cleaning debris off your roof
Debris left sitting on your roof can quickly cause roof leaks. By simply removing debris in a timely manner, you can help prevent leaks and extend the life of your roof.
· Keeping gutters cleaned.
Keeping your gutters clean is an important part of the health of your roof. Clogged gutters risk damage to your fascia boards and even the roof. By cleaning your gutters regularly, you’ll extend the life of your roof with important preventative maintenance.
· Getting your roof inspected annually.
Scheduling your free roof inspection is the most important and least hassle roof maintenance item. This ensures repairable items are caught early, and your roof is functioning properly.
We hope this article has given you some helpful information on how to spot a roof leak in your barn. If you still have questions about your barn roof, we’ve got answers in our Learning Center! From how much your roof replacement will cost to the different types of metal roofs, we must answer even your most challenging 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.
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