If you’re like most homeowners, you’re probably running in and out of the house, with little attention paid to your roof. But regular roof inspections will keep your home safe and prevent costly repairs down the line. Just like siding and windows, you need to make sure you replace your roof with quality materials when it comes time for your renovation.
Here are 6 things to look for to determine if you need a new roof.
1. How Old is Your Roof?
Most roofs last between 20 to 25 years. If you moved into your home after someone else, it’s important to find out how old your current roof is to determine when you need to replace it. It could look good from the ground, but there may be underlying issues after this long. If all the homes in your neighbourhood were built at the same time and your neighbours are replacing their roofs, it’s likely time to get a new one yourself.
2. Curling or Cracked Shingles
Take a look at your roof to see if your shingles are starting to curl. Curling can happen in two ways: When the edges turn upward and when the edges stay flat and the middle starts to come up. These are both signs of weathering and signal that it’s soon time for a new roof. Cracked shingles are also a telling sign. If it’s only a few cracked shingles, go ahead and replace them, but if you notice random cracked shingles across the exterior, you should think about getting a new roof.
3. Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are also a sign you need a new roof. If it’s only a few missing shingles here and there, you can likely get away with replacing them. The only problem is you probably won’t get an exact colour match with your old ones. The bigger issue arises when there are lots of missing shingles to be replaced. This is when it’s time to replace the whole thing.
4. Trouble Shingles in the Roof Valley
If your shingles are falling apart or missing in the roof valley, it’s time for a roof replacement. Valleys are crucial for the performance of your roof since rain and snow fall through them and into gutters. Once the valley is compromised, you could be susceptible to roof leaks, which can cause a tremendous amount of damage.
5. You See Granules in Your Gutters
Granules play an important part in the role of a solid roof. They help keep the sun off the asphalt, but once they start falling off, the shingles start to bake. After this, you’ll no longer have a roof you can fully rely on.
6. Your Roof is Sagging
This is the most problematic issue of them all. If you notice your roof is sagging, this could mean a structural issue that you need to fix as soon as possible. Get the help of an expert as soon as you notice a sagging roof. It’s a lot easier to fix when the problem is small than when it gets bigger.
If you’ve noticed any of these issues with your roof, it’s time to determine your next step. Don’t ignore the signs; it could be time for a new roof!