Maintaining your roof is crucial to protecting your property. It keeps you, your family, and your possessions protected. Any damage or signs of wear can be a call-to-action for roof replacement or repair. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, homeowners should perform a regular roof inspection twice a year, in the spring and fall.
These roof inspections are key to avoiding premature expiration of your roof. Roof replacement can feel like a nightmare for a homeowner. Stay vigilant in making sure your roof is in good shape. Consider the following signs that may indicate your roof is in need of repair.
Airy Attic Spaces
Take your flashlight into your attic and check all the seams and insulation. If you can feel any breeze or draft, it means your roof is not properly secure. Turn off your flashlight. Is it dark? It should be. Beams of light shouldn’t be lighting up your attic. Mention these signs to your roofer early and often. Repairing them right away can save you from the greater future expense of a total roof replacement.
Damaged Shingles or Other Roofing Material
If shingles are curled at the corners like a dried-out piece of paper, they are ready for replacement. Leaving peeling or curling shingles without repair can allow water that is draining across your roof to get trapped. Moisture that gets in under your shingles can cause rot and ultimately leaks. Shingles should lie flat against the roof – if you find cracked, damaged, or buckling patches, then a roof replacement may be needed.
Check your gutters and downspouts for shingle granules – a roof that is losing a lot of granules may be at the end of its useful life. Roofs made of metal or tile show their own signs of wear. Signs you can watch for that would indicate it’s time for a metal roof replacement include rusting or loose panels or any obvious damage to the material like dents or bent edges. For tile roofs, keep your eyes peeled for cracks and chips. Take note of any missing tiles – you shouldn’t find any of the tiles on the ground.
Faulty Flashing
The flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys seals the roof’s seams from rain and weather. Safely from the ground, examine these points to make sure there are no cracks or breaks, which could cause leaks. The best way to be sure these vital components of your roof are in good condition is to schedule a roof inspection. Your roofer will bring with them knowledge and experience that will help them spot things you might miss.
Tip: In older homes, flashing is often made of roof cement or tar – consider upgrading to a metal flashing system during roof replacement or repairs for added durability.
Surface Leaks, Sinking & Sagging
It’s important for a homeowner to be on the lookout for signs of roof leaks. The roof of your home is designed to keep the elements at bay – if water is getting in, it may be time for a roof replacement. Check your ceiling for signs of trapped moisture, leaks, rotting boards, or sagging spots. Discoloration on your ceilings can indicate that you have moisture getting in from your roof.
Contact a professional roofer to inspect your roof if you notice any sinking, sagging, or leaking. They may be able to repair these damages before they get worse and require a total roof replacement.
Academy Can Answer Your Roof Replacement Questions
At Academy Roofing, we have an entire division dedicated to handling roofing repairs. We understand that as a homeowner, you may be overwhelmed by the thought of replacing your roof. As our customer, you will receive personalized attention from your initial call through project completion.
Our team is available to answer your questions. Please reach out about our products or services, so we can get to know you and what you need.