Do you need a new roof?
There are times when it's obvious you need roof help, such as when your roof leaks. But, sometimes it can be harder to tell.
Here at AskARoofer, we have put together a guide to determining if it's time to reach out a to a roofing company near you to talk about a roof replacement. First thing to know -- keep your feet on the ground! It's always safer, especially on roofs that have a steep pitch, like most residential roofing, to leave the ladders and climbing to the professionals. There's still a lot of roofing information that can be determined with a pair of binoculars from the safety of the ground.
Here's some signs of possible roof damage to look out for:
- Curled up shingles: This can allow rain to get in and quickly become a larger roof problem as wind continues to damage it.
- Granules worn off: The granules in asphalt shingles are designed to protect against sun- and water- wear. Keep an eye out for these in your gutters and downspouts, as that is a sure sign they are wearing out.
- Loose or missing shingles: This is one of the more obvious problems that can occur and often results in interior leaks.
- Cracked or broken shingles, shakes or tiles: Similarly, this is a common cause of a roof leak.
- Nail pops: This can be harder to see and might be something that is observed by a professional during routine roof maintenance, but small holes can form when nails pop through shingles. This can cause leaks.
- Spots on your interior ceiling: If you see these on the interior of your home, they may indicate that the roof is leaking a bit and needs to be repaired.
- Black or green streaks: Beyond just discoloring your roof, algae can lead to serious damage or failure of both the roof and roofing products attached to it.
- Sagging roof: If you notice an odd bend to your previously straight roof line, it probably means the roof is old, has structural damage or failing support systems or has too much weight on it. Whatever the cause, it's time contact a local roofing company for help.
- Age of roof: While not something you observe visibly, make sure to keep tabs on how old your roof is. Depending on the quality, most shingles last 10-25 years. If your home is the same age as others in the neighborhood that are getting new roofs, it may be time to replace yours also.
If you notice any of these signs, it's probably time to get a roof inspection by a licensed roofer near you!
Have a question? AskARoofer.
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