Tips to Determine Whether or Not it is Time to Replace your Roof

By now you realize that the roof is the most important part of the house.  Understanding this, the shingles are, arguably, the most important part of the roof.  Your home’s roof may not be that old, but that doesn’t mean it may not need maintenance or to be replaced altogether.  So aside from knowing when your roof was installed, how can you tell if it’s time for a replacement?

While age is a great determining factor, it isn’t the only thing that will determine whether or not your room needs to be replaced.  For example, if the shingles look worn, it might be time to have a roofing contractor come to your home and give you a professional opinion.  Here are some other things that may help you decide whether or not you roof needs attention.

– Fear the Darkness

The granules, which give shingles their textured appearance, are your outermost layer of protection. If you see dark streaks, it could mean that some of those protective granules have come off. These “bald spots” are areas of vulnerability.

– Crack is Whack

Usually caused by severe wind, cracks in the shingles are gaps – literally – in your protection. Replace them before they break!

– Let’s Not Do the Time Warp Again

If the shingles aren’t lying perfectly flat, they’re old enough to be replaced. A warped shingle can trap moisture, either in the middle if it’s bubbled up, or at the edges if they’re curled.

– Alien Invaders!

If you see moss or algae growing on your shingles, it might be time to replace them. Moss traps moisture, especially under the edges of shingles where the roots grow.

– All Good in the ‘Hood

Was your house built around the same time as your neighbors’? Are they getting new roofs? Ask them why. All of the houses in your neighborhood share an environment, which contributes to the lifespan of your home’s roof.

– It’s What Gets Inside that Counts

Installing new roofs can be a pain, so regular inspections can save you time and money. Even if you don’t see any obvious signs of aging, you can still check for damage by going into your attic. After a long rain shower, inspect the boards and insulation. Use a good, strong light to check the areas you can’t reach with your hands. Look especially near joints between surfaces, valleys, and chimneys. If you find any moisture in the wood or batting, you’ve got a leak!

– Prevent Baldness

Even if you don’t see bald spots on your shingles, you can check to see if the granules are coming off when you clean your gutters. (You DO clean your gutters, don’t you?) If you see “sand” the color of your roof in the gutters, you’re losing granules, and bald spots won’t be far behind. The exception is if your shingles are brand new: in this case, they’re just shedding extra granules, but if you see this problem after five years or more, you’ve got trouble.

Although many different types and brands of shingles are made with durability in mind, you should check for the above signs of wear periodically, regardless of your home’s age. If you see any of these warning signs, get in touch with a roofing expert who can come and perform a professional inspection and advise on your best option for new roofs. If you catch the damage in time, your damaged roof won’t result in a damaged home!