How to know when it’s time to replace your roof

Don’t wait until your roof is leaking to replace it! There are several different things to look for that will signal it’s time to ditch your roof. Check your roof before it’s too late.

  1. Saggy Roof – Do you see any dips in your roof? Roofs should be an even, level surface and if you’re noticing areas that seem to sunken in that could be a sign of a much bigger problem. Roofs that exhibit sinking areas could be in danger of collapsing soon.
  2. Missing Shingles/ Tiles – If some of your roof’s shingles or tiles are not in place you should call an expert to assess whether or not it can be fixed with just a few shingles or if your entire roof needs to be replaced. Depending on how long your roof has been in this condition could greatly affect what work is needed to fix the damage.
  3. Discoloration – Mold and moss are known to be found on roofs. They can be caused from moisture and/or shading problems. If you noticed something that looks like dirt, moss, or remnants from trees you might want to take a closer inspection. The mold that is commonly found on roofs takes on these sorts of appearances.  If left untaken care of, mold can cause problems for you and your roof.
  4. Age – Depending on the color, weight, life expectancy of your roof, and the weather conditions you live in, you might need to replace your roof soon. Typically roofs last 5 years less than their expected life expectancy, so if you have a 20 year roof it will probably need to be replaced after 15 years.
  5. Light Peeking In – When you’re in your attic do you notice any natural light? This could be a sign of your roof becoming damaged. If you can see outside light through your roof, you should call a professional to address the problem.
  6. Curling/Buckling Shingles – Improper attic ventilation, improper installation, and age are all factors as to why your shingles could be curling and buckling. If you’re seeing that your shingles are showing signs of curling have a professional check them out.
  7. Damaged Flashing – Flashings are used to make sure that water doesn’t seep into conjoining joints in structures. If these are improperly installed, are worn down, or have been damaged it could be causing your whole roof problems.
  8. Broken Shingles – If it has recently stormed or you just have an older roof, you may notice your shingles are broken in places. This could affect the way your roof keeps out water. If you’re able, take a closer look. It might be something you can fix yourself, but it’s best to call a  professional to determine if you just need to replace the one shingle or will need to re-roof your home.

To request one of our qualified roofing professionals to take a look at your home, contact us here or give us a call at 616-844-5382

Werner-Admin

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