Most individuals don’t give their roof a second thought until it starts to leak! Don’t put off paying care to your roof until it’s leaking through the ceiling and you have to break out the buckets.
Roof inspections should be carried out twice a year, in the spring and fall. Following the heavy snow and ice accumulation this winter, a spring roof check is especially important. Homeowners should clear debris from roofs, drains, gutters, and downspouts while also inspecting for damage.
Here are a few telltale signs that it’s time for a new roof.
Begin on the inside.
If you suspect you might need a new roof, the first place to look is your attic, not your home’s exterior. So grab a flashlight and make your way up beneath the eaves. Look for light beams streaming in through the top of the home, as well as stains and streaks, which indicate a leaking roof.
Go through the paper trail.
Look through your home renovation records to identify when the roof was last replaced or reshingled. Knowing when a roof was erected (and what it’s made of) might give you an idea of how long it’ll last. A conventional asphalt shingle roof, for example, will last 20 to 25 years, however, a roof that is built over an existing layer of shingles will need to be replaced after 20 years.
Check the shingles.
Keep a check on your rooftop, especially after a storm, to make sure it’s in good shape. Shingles should rest level against the roof; if you detect broken, damaged, or buckling portions, you’ll need to make repairs. While you’re at it, look for shingle granules in the gutters and downspouts—a roof that is shedding a lot of granules may be nearing the end of its usable life.
Examine the flashing.
The flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys keeps rain and weather out of the roof seams. Examine these areas to ensure there are no cracks or fractures that might result in leaks. Flashing is commonly composed of roof cement or tar in older homes, but for enhanced longevity, it’s a good idea to convert to a metal flashing system.
Reclaim from rot.
A drooping, sagging roof should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your property. Look for evidence of trapped moisture, decaying boards, or drooping places on the roof’s surface, especially at the lowest points.
Remove mosses on the roof.
Moss looks lovely in a shaded area of your yard, but it’s a disaster on a roof. Moss (as well as mold and fungi) signal that there is moisture trapped beneath the surface, which can cause a roof to rot. Use a hard brush to remove moss from your roof’s shady corners, but be sure to treat any underlying issues first.
Do not think that just because you have a few broken shingles or a little leak that you need a new roof. If your roof was installed properly and is less than 15 or 20 years old, you may be able to get away with repairs rather than a complete replacement. When in doubt, get expert advice from a licensed roofing contractor.