The Signs That You Need a New Roof

Most people never will climb up a ladder and on a roof. Even if they did, they probably would not know what to look for that a new roof is needed.

Today we are going to give you five basic signs that the roof needs some attention. This is an easy way to give your roof a general inspection from the ground and should be done once a year. The most roof can be repaired but if these signs are seen ever years or many times in one year, it may be time for a new roof.

1. From the front sidewalk area, most roofs can be seen. Look to see if there are any missing shingles or ridge caps. If this is hard to do use a pair of binoculars. This will give you an up-close view of obvious missing shingles. Repeat this from all sides of the home. Excessive missing shingles mean it may be time for a new roof.
2. Rusty streaks down the roof from metal flashings or downspouts is not a good thing. When you see the rust staining the roof, this could mean the metal flashings are exposed and rusting through, causing holes that could cause leaks. Most metal on a roof is painted and need to be maintained. Also, look for lifting or bent up metal. This metal can be damaged by high winds and even blown right off the roof if not fastened down properly. Damaged flashings cause leaks.
3. Roofing found on your lawn after a windy day may be from your roof. Make sure if you have an asphalt roof the color is the same as yours. It may be your neighbor's shingles you find on the lawn. If shingles are found there is a good chance it is from your roof. This area must be found and repaired. If this becomes a repeat issue there is a good chance the roof is ready to be replaced.
4. Excessive granules in gutters and at the exit point of the downspouts. This means the tiny protective stones are become dislodged from the shingle mat and exposing the mat to the sun destructive UV Rays. Over the next few years, this will damage the roofing. This can happen the last few years of a roof and is a good sign you need a roof.
5. The last sign is looking at your ceiling in every room and closet. Stains on the ceiling sure tell you to have a leak. It may sound strange but a leak in a closet can go for years if never opened. The same inspection should be done around the roof overhangs. This is where dry rot can begin to form and if caught early the same repair dollars. This sign shows itself more often when roofs are on there last leg.

Obviously these are basic inspections you can do once a year. Once a roof is about 15 – 20 years old a more thorough inspection from the roof should be done by a professional roofing contractor.

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