Many homeowners are uncertain about when they will need to put a new roof on their homes. They may wait until they spot a leak in their ceiling. This leak could be due to many roofing problems, but there are other times when the roof will need to be repaired, and with a little bit of maintenance, you will be able to help the roof last longer while saving money on all the damage that could happen to the home in the meantime.
But what are some of the signs that it is time for you to replace your roof and get a new one? Some of the signs that you should look for to determine whether your home needs a new roof or not includes:
The Age of the Roof
You will need to take a look at the age of the roof and determine whether it is old or newer. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, which is one of the most common options, then it should last you somewhere between 20 to 25 years. With good maintenance and repairing it quickly when things go wrong, you may be able to get it to last a bit longer.
This can also depend on whether the old roof was removed and you have just one layer of shingles or if it is ventilated the right way. If the roof was installed over another layer or several layers, and its age is more than 20 years at this time, then there is a high chance that you are going to need to work with a new roof.
The Shingles are Buckling or Curling
As you look up at your roof, check to see whether the shingles are curling or buckling. When the shingles start to do this, it is a sign that the roof needs you to replace it. Take a look at some of the slopes of the home that tend to get direct sunlight, and if you notice that the shingles are losing granules or curling, it could mean that the shingles are getting too old and that the roof is defective.
Roof Valleys
Another thing that you need to look at is the roof valleys. If you have roof shingles that are falling apart or seem to be missing in the valley of the roof, then this is a big sign that you need to replace the roof. Valleys are some of the most important areas of the roof, and if you just leave them without a good replacement, it can lead to a huge mess along the way.
Snow and rain will often flow through the valley, making their way into the gutters. If the valley of your roof is compromised, it is possible that you will be susceptible to leaks in the roof. Take the time to have a professional look in these areas to see if there is a problem or if you need to replace some of the shingles in that area.
Missing Shingles
Take a look at the roof of your home and see how the shingles are looking. If you can look up and notice that there are a lot of missing shingles, then this is a sign that the roof is starting to fail. You may want to have a professional get up on the roof and check whether all of the shingle tabs are intact as well.
Chimney Flashing
If you have a chimney in your home, this is an area that you will need to have checked out often to ensure that there are no holes or other issues to worry about here. If the flashing around the chimney is made out of tar or roof cement, then it is something that you need to get replaced. Pick something that is meant to be long-term and water-tight so that nothing is able to get in there and cause a mess. A metal flashing system is often the best option to go with, but you can talk with a roofing specialist to see what they would recommend.
Shingle Granules in Your Gutters
The granules on your shingles are there to provide some of the additional protection that you need. As the roof gets older and protects you for years to come, then the granules will start to fall off. The smoother the roof gets, the more these granules have fallen off, and this is a sign that you need to replace the whole roof.
Take a look inside the gutters to see whether a lot of these shingle granules have ended up in there. You will find that most roofs on homes will lose more granules to the end of their life cycle, which means that when it is time to replace the roof, you will start to find a lot of these granules in the gutter. Inconsistent or darker colours on some parts of the roof can be another sign that some of the granules for the shingles have worn away, and you need to look at a replacement.
Daylight Seen Through the Roof Boards
The final sign that we can discuss for when to replace your roof is when. You notice a spongy feel or more of a trampoline bounce when you walk on the roof. This means that the underlying decking of the roof is all weakened from moisture. You can then go into the attic and take a lookup. If you see the light shining through from the roof boards, then you have a problem, and you need to call in professionals to take care of your roof.
When you are looking for a roof replacement or roof installation, you will need to find some of the best roofing services in the area to help you get it all done. Our team is able to help you take a look at the roof of your home and determine whether it is time to get the roof replaced or not. We are some of the best in West KY roofing and can ensure that your roof looks amazing and your home is as protected as possible. Trust our team to work with you from the very beginning for the best results.