There are several tell-tale signs that you likely need to replace the roof on your home. Replacing your roof promptly can easily save the potential additional costs of significant damage caused when a roof is not replaced in a timely manner.
Here are 5 signs that indicate you may need a new roof:
- Age of the Roof
How old is your roof? Some people may think a roof does not need replaced until there is visible damage to the exterior or telltale signs such as water damage to interior ceilings. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it is time to replace your roof.
This Old House explains that a younger roof can fail as well. While 20 years is an estimate of when a roof should be replaced, get an inspection of your roof twice a year. Contact a company with the expertise to determine if you need to replace your roof, even if your roof is not yet 20 years old.
- Missing Shingles
Have a few missing shingles? Do not minimize a few missing shingles. Ignoring this warning sign is potentially a costly mistake. Angie’s List suggests that homeowners “Check to see if all of the shingle tabs are intact.”
- Leaky Roof
A leaky roof can cause significant damage to your home. In fact, Bob Vila explains that the first place to check for a leaky roof is not the outside, but on the inside of your home, in your attic.
Several causes contribute to a leaky roof. Whatever the cause of your leaky roof, a professional contractor has the knowledge and training to locate the source of the roof leak in your home and offer an expert, professional solution.
- Roof Flashing Materials or Cracks
If you live in an older home, the flashing around the chimney, skylights or vents may consist of roof cement or tar. These materials may crack or break, subsequently resulting in a leak. Upgrading to a metal flashing system provides the water-tight fitting and peace of mind for you, knowing that the new metal flashing system also provides extra durability.
- Curling, Buckling Shingles, Shingle Granules
The shingles on a roof should lie flat, with no curling or buckling. If the shingles show signs of curling or buckling, your roof probably needs replacing. Another tell-tale sign that the roof has lived out its life is the loss of a considerable amount of shingle granules.
When your roof needs to be replaced, hiring a professional to do the job as soon as possible protects your home from new or worsening damage and improves the value of your home.
