5 Signs You Need a New Roof

Most people don’t really think about the roof over their heads…until it springs a leak! Don’t wait until water is pouring through the ceiling and you have to break out the buckets to pay attention to your roof. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, homeowners should perform a regular roof inspection twice a year, in the spring and fall. This year, a spring roof inspection is particularly critical, in the wake of the severe snow and ice accumulation this past winter. Homeowners should remove debris from rooftops, drains, gutters and downspouts, and at the same time, check for signs of damage. Here are a few things to look for that might indicate it is time for a new roof.

1. Start Inside: If you think something may be wrong with your roof, the first place to check isn’t your home exterior—it’s your attic. So arm yourself with a flashlight and climb up under the eaves. Look for beams of light coming through the top of the house or stains and streaks, which signal a leaky roof.
   
2. Paper Trail: Review your home improvement records to see how long ago the roof was replaced or reshingled. Knowing when it was installed (and what it’s made of) offers insight into how much life it has left. For instance, a typical asphalt shingle roof lasts 20 to 25 years, while one installed over an existing layer of shingles should be replaced after 20 years.
3. Check Shinlges: Keep an eye on your rooftop to make sure its in ship-shape, especially after heavy storms. Shingles should lie flat; if you find patches that are cracked, damaged, or buckling, then repairs are in order. While you’re at it, check the gutters and downspouts for shingle granules—a roof that is losing a lot of granules may be at the end of its useful life.
4. Flash Forward: The flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys seals the seams of the roof from rain and weather. Examine these points make sure there are no cracks or breaks, which could lead to leaks. In older homes, flashing is often made of a specific type of cement or tar, but it’s a good idea to upgrade to a metal flashing system for added durability.
5. Unwanted House Plants: Moss can look great in a shady corner of your yard but on a roof, it spells trouble. Moss (and likewise mold and fungi) indicate there may be trapped moisture, which can ruin a roof. To do away with moss that collects in shaded corners of your roof, use a stiff brush but be careful to address any underlying problems.

Now Don’t Panic…

Just because you have a few damaged shingles or a bit of a leak, don’t automatically assume that you need your roof replaced. If your roof has been properly installed and is younger than 15 or 20 years old, it may get by with repairs rather than a full replacement. When in doubt, contact a Professional Roofing contractor. A good contractor will give you a free estimate after a thorough evaluation. We recommend getting multiple estimates from trust worthy contractors.