When your roof springs a leak and your entire home becomes flooded (or even a part of your home), the cost, not to mention the inconvenience, can be hard to bear. Thankfully, if you take care of your roof and get it replaced or upgraded as necessary, you should never be faced with such a situation.
The following 6 indicators can help you determine whether it’s time to replace your roof, before a costly leak is sprung!
Attic bound – why is light shining through up there?
If you can see beams of light, no matter how insignificant they may seem, shining through the top of your home, then your roof could already be leaking. If getting into your attic space to check isn’t a possibility, seek help from someone who can safely access it and check it for you.
Check your records – when was your roof last replaced or reshingled?
The average asphalt shingle roof lasts for between 20 and 25 years, and so if yours hasn’t been replaced or repaired for more than 25 years, you could soon begin to see it suffering. If this is the case, don’t wait until a leak or some other problem occurs, consult with a roofing specialist and take steps to replace you roof before it’s too late.
Are there any missing, broken or out of line shingles?
It’s especially important to check your roof after a storm, and if you spot that any shingles are missing or broken, or have shifted out of position, you’ll need to replace them quickly, and if the damage is extensive, you might need to get your roof replaced. It’s worth checking your gutters and downspouts at the same time, and if you find shingle granules in them, it could be that some, or all of your shingles need to be replaced.
Cracks and breaks in vents, skylights and chimney seals
Any one of these problems could spell disaster for your roof and your home, and if your home doesn’t already have metal flashing, then you should think about upgrading it for added durability and peace of mind.
Is your roof sagging?
A sagging roof is a sure sign that it needs to be replaced, and you’ll need to get a roof specialist to come and check it for signs of trapped moisture or rotting boards, especially at the roof’s lowest points.
Moss – does your roof have any?
Trapped moisture is the sole reason behind a build up of moss on a roof, and if not addressed swiftly as soon as you spot it, it can quickly cause much bigger problems than merely looking unsightly.
Don’t assume that just because your roof has a couple of damaged shingles or a small leak, that it needs to be replaced completely. A roofing specialist will be able to advise you better; it may just be in need of some repairs, but note that too many repairs may also indicate that it is time to replace your roof.