There’s a reason why “having a roof over your head” is synonymous with having your basic shelter needs taken care of. Every homeowner’s most important job is to ensure the health of his or her roof.
If you’re not sure whether yours needs to be replaced, use this checklist to survey your roof for our top 4 warning signs that you need to replace it.
4 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof
- You Have Leaks: It’s important to be careful here because leaks aren’t always obvious. Check your attic for any streaks, stains, or beams of light. If you don’t have an attic, perform the same test in the highest point of your ceiling. Check over your flashing as well—those are the “seams” of your roof where it meets a weak area like a door or window. Most often, leaks occur in areas like that.
- Your Roof is More than 20 Years Old: Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, including roofs. Asphalt shingle roofs should be replaced every 20 years. If you have a flat roof, the lifespan shortens to roughly 15 years, if you have a metal roof, it can last up to 75. It’s a good idea to dig up your records or take a cue from your neighbors. It’s likely that the houses in your neighborhood were built around the same time, and thus will need repairs on a similar schedule.
- There Was a Big Storm in Your Area Recently: Rain, snow, and hail are hard on your roof. It’s never a bad idea to give it some extra love after a big storm.
- Your Shingles Look Damaged: Surveying your shingles is a good way to get a feel for the health of your roof. Keep a lookout for shingles that:
- Are missing granules: If you look at a shingle, you will notice that it has grit stuck all over it that resembles coarse sand. Be wary of unevenness or “bald spots” on your shingles.
- Don’t lay flat: Buckled, curled, cupped, or cracked shingles indicated damage.
- Have moss growing on them: Moss is an issue because it holds moisture next to your roof, which is damaging. Even if you scrape the moss off, it’s likely that it will grow back.
Remember, the earlier you fix your roof, the better. If any of these warning signs are present on your home, they could lead to costly damages if not addressed quickly. Make sure you choose a reputable roofing company so the job is done properly the first time.
