As a homeowner, one of the best steps that you can take to protect your home is to properly maintain the roof. After all, your roof is protecting perhaps the biggest investment of a lifetime – your home.
While periodic roof repair work can help with maintenance over the years, there will come a time when a roof replacement is required.
Here’s a few signs that could indicate you may need to replace your roof soon.
SHINGLES ARE MISSING
You can visually inspect your roof from the ground level. By doing so, you may notice that some of your shingles are missing. When only a few shingles are missing and the roof is otherwise in great condition, a repair may be in order. However, when many are missing or the roof is older in age, it may be time to replace the entire roof.
SHINGLES ARE CRACKED OR CURLING
If you have wood or slate shingles, you may be able to see other signs of damage from the ground level. For example, cracked and curling shingles are common signs that the shingles are no longer in quality condition. Asphalt shingles may also bow outward and may not lay flat. If you notice these signs of damage, replacing the roof is often necessary.
THE ROOF IS LEAKING
You may also be able to inspect the condition of the roof from inside the attic. If your roof leaks when it rains or if sunlight is visible through the roof on a clear day, this is a sign that your roof is not providing adequate protection from the elements. Patching it may be suitable, but a roofing contractor may recommend a full replacement based on the overall condition of the roof.
YOUR HEATING AND COOLING COSTS HAVE INCREASED
One of the primary purposes of a roof is to protect the home’s interior and structure from exposure to the elements. This includes extreme temperatures, rain, wind and more. A probable sign that your roof has become ineffective at doing its job is when your heating and cooling costs have risen. You can compare the trends in heating and cooling costs for your home over the last several years to determine if these costs have indeed been rising.
YOUR ROOF HAS REACHED THE END OF ITS LIFE
All roof types have a useful life. For example, asphalt shingles may have a life span between 8 and 12 years depending on the type. Metal, slate and wood shingles may have a longer life. However, the overall life span can be diminished based on extreme weather conditions, how well the roof has been maintained and other factors. If your roof is approaching the end of its life within a few years, you may consider getting an inspection from a contractor.
While you may spot signs of roof issues on your own, the best step to take to determine if a replacement is necessary is to request a roofing inspection from a licensed contractor.
Book your free roof inspection today!
