If you’re a homeowner or landlord, you know that one of your top maintenance priorities is your roof. The typical asphalt roof has a lifespan of approximately twenty years. If your roof is due for replacement, act quickly, as any problems can snowball out of control.
For example, a leaky roof can cause damage to your attic and creates a fire hazard.
Know what to look for so that you can catch any problems before they become significant. Here are some signs that you need to replace your roof.
Sign #1: Old Age
If you have a roof that’s nearing the end of its typical lifespan, you should pay close attention to its condition. If the neighboring houses were built around the same time as yours, and you see your neighbors starting to replace their roofs, the chances are good that you’ll have to replace yours soon as well.
Sign #2: Missing Shingles
If you notice a number of missing shingles on your roof, you may need to start thinking about a new one. If you only have a few missing, you can likely replace them; however, if your roof is older, you may find it difficult to match the color of existing shingles. If you have enough missing, you might need to replace the whole roof.
Sign #3: Curling Shingles
Towards the end of their lifespan, asphalt shingles will typically begin to curl up at the edges or cup in the middle. These are both signs that you should start thinking about a replacement because leaks often follow soon after.
Sign #4: Cracked Shingles
If you notice cracked shingles throughout your roof, replacement probably isn’t far behind. This is usually from wind damage or large swings in temperature. If you only see a few cracked shingles, you can usually just replace them, but if you see them all over your roof, you’ll probably want to start thinking about replacing the whole thing.
Sign #5: Missing Granules
If you start to notice bald spots on your roof shingles or granules falling off and accumulating in the gutter, this can be a sign that your roof is deteriorating. The granules also help protect the shingles, and once a significant amount of them fall off, the shingles will be more susceptible to damage from the sun. However, some granules can fall off brand-new roofing shingles, so if you have a new roof, this is likely nothing to worry about.
Sign #6: Algae Damage
If you notice dark stains on your roof, algae are likely the culprit. You may also notice moss growing on your shingles. While these are typically cosmetic issues, if the problem is extensive enough, it can be a serious eyesore, and you may opt for replacement.
Sign #7: Flashing Damage
Pay extra close attention to the metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and other protrusions on your roof, as these are common places for leaks to form. You can often easily repair flashing by patching the affected area. However, if the leak is bad enough to warrant replacement, this can be a big job, requiring the services of a roofing contractor. Depending on the age and condition of the rest of the roof, you may opt just to replace the entire thing.
Sign #8: Sunlight in Your Attic
If you go up into your attic and notice sunlight shining through your roof boards, you likely have a serious problem with your roof. At this point, you’ve probably already had a leak, and you’ll likely want to replace your roof as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Remember, your roof is your home’s line of defense from the elements, so don’t neglect it. When you need repair or replacement, contact the professionals at Precise Roofing & Contracting.
