It’s one thing to need a front door replacement. It’s a big financial decision to need a new roof. That’s why it can be easily be put off until it’s too late. Severe weather and extreme temperatures all contribute to the wear a roof. A damaged roof can cause leaks, decrease your home's value, or even collapse on the home. Regular inspections will prevent minor issues from turning into major ones, and can stop from prematurely investing in a new roof.
Evidence that you need to repair or replace your roof is sometimes subtle, and happens over time. If you wait until your ceiling starts to turn weird colors, or there’s water dripping on your head, you’ve waited too long. By the time roof damage shows itself inside your home, you’ve missed your chance to simply replace your roof. Now you’re going to need to fix the rest of your house, too. Here’s how to tell if it’s time for a new roof or if you just need to make some repairs
1.
Chimney
flashing: This is another area to be concerned about. If your flashing
consists of roof cement or tar, it may need to be replaced with a long-term,
water-tight fitting, which would be a metal flashing system.
2.
Daylight
through the roof boards: You notice a spongy feel or
trampoline bounce when walking on the roof, which means the underlying decking,
is weakened from moisture. Check your attic to see if there is any daylight
coming through the roof boards. Also check for moisture in the insulation.
3.
Missing
shingles: These are another sign your roof could be failing. Check to
see if all of the shingle “tabs” are intact. A homeowner notices missing
shingles after a storm and ended up needing a new roof.
4.
Roof age: How
old is your existing asphalt shingle roof? Most experts agree that a typical
roof will last between 20 and 25 years. It also depends on whether the old roof
was removed, and you only have one layer of shingles. Is the roof properly
ventilated? If the roof was installed over another layer, or several layers and
it is older than 20 years, chances are you need a new roof.
5.
Roof valleys: If
your roof shingles are falling apart or missing in this area, it's a definite
sign you need a new roof. Valleys are one of the most important areas of your
roof. Snow and rain flow through valleys and into gutters. If the valley is
compromised, you could be susceptible to roof leaks.
6.
Shingle
granules in the gutters: Look in your gutters to see whether
they are loaded up with shingle granules. Roofs tend to lose more granules
toward the end of their life cycle. Inconsistent or darker color on some parts
of the roof is another sign the granules have worn away.
7.
Shingles
curling and buckling: Shingles that are curled or buckling
are another sign that you may need a new roof. Look at the slopes of your home
that get direct sunlight and if you notice the shingles are curling and
losing granules, it could mean the shingles are past their life expectancy.
There could also be a possibility that the roof is defective. Contact a licensed roofing contractor to see if you could be eligible for reimbursement.
“We recommend you do a roof
inspection at least two times a year, spring and fall.” (National Roofing Contractors)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“7 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof” by John Rogers
· “How do
you know if you need a new roof?” by Long Roofing
·
“How to tell if you need a new roof” by Jonathan Trout
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