How to Tell if You Need a New Roof

The roof on a house is something that many of us take for granted, until it no longer works the way it should that is. Too many homeowners do not pay attention to their roof and certainly do not carry out standard maintenance, and this can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. If it has been a while since you have given your roof a health check, it is worth taking a closer look to find out if it is in good condition or not. This article highlights some of the most telling signs that you may need a new roof.

Contact a professional

The best place to begin is to contact the best roofing company in your area. They will be able to tell you quickly and easily whether your roof needs a repair or should be replaced. They may tell you that your roof is in good condition, but that it should be checked again in 5 to 10 years and what you can do to lengthen its life. At the very least, this will give you peace of mind.

Is the roof leaking?

Leaks are a common problem in many roofs, but they can be difficult to spot from the ground. This is why you may need to go up into the attic with a flashlight and check the eaves. If you can see fine lines of light beaming into the attic from the roof or signs of water damage like streaks or stains, you may have a leaky roof.

Do you know when it was fitted?

Take a look through any home maintenance records that you have, especially any you have inherited from previous owners. This may tell you when the roof was initially installed and what it is made of. Understanding what your roof is made of will give you a better understanding of how long it should last.

Are there any damaged or missing shingles?

When there is a significant storm, be sure to check the roof visually afterwards. You may be able to see that your roof is missing shingles, or that parts of it have been damaged by the weather. The sooner you can take action, the less expensive your repairs are likely to be. You should also check downspouts and gutters to see if granules from the shingles are collecting in them, as this suggests the roof is weakening.

Is the flashing in good condition?

Where the roof meets a chimney, skylight, or vent, there should be a tight seal known as flashing. If the flashing cracks or breaks, it can allow water into the home. Traditionally the flashing would have been made from tar or cement, but modern roofs have metal flashing which is more durable.

Is the roof drooping?

It may seem obvious, but a sagging or drooping roof is in desperate need of replacement. This can be caused by trapped moisture and rot and will be most noticeable at the lowest points of the roof. A sign of moisture in the roof is the growth of moss or fungi, and it is important to remove moss from the roof to prevent moisture from collecting.