To many people, the sign that it’s time to have a new roof installed is a leak in their ceiling. While yes, this is certainly a very good indicator that you do need to replace your roof, this isn’t the only sign. Believe it or not, there are several signs that indicate that it is time to replace your existing roof with a new one. In order to properly protect your home, your valuables and your loved ones, it is highly important that you are aware of these signs.
Are you scratching your head wondering what these signs could be? Here are a few signs that indicate it is time for you to get a new roof:
Roof Replacement Signs
Being knowledgeable and paying attention to your home will enable you to repair any damage to your roof before it becomes more than just your roof that needs to be repaired.
A Leak: As mentioned above, a leak is certainly a tell-tale sign that your roof needs to be replaced. The sight of water coming directly out of your ceiling is, of course, a very good indicator that you have a leak. However, you may not always see the water pouring out of the leak. If you notice a yellow, brown, damp or buckled spot on your ceiling, chances are very good that you have a leak in your roof. If you do notice water coming directly from the ceiling, or you notice one of the other signs of a leak, contact a roofing company right away. The problem will only become worse and it will need to be treated as soon as possible.
Missing Shingles: Another sign that your roof is in need of replacement is missing shingles. Shingles are meant to protect the roof of your home from the elements, so when they are missing, it means that you are at risk to experiencing damage from rain, snow, wind and even sun. You may be able to notice missing shingles when looking at your roof from the ground, but in order to really tell if you are missing any shingles, you’ll need to get on the roof to give it a full inspection.
Damage in the Valleys: The valleys in your roof are any down slopes; so around the chimney and around dormers is where you will typically find valleys. These areas are extremely important, as they allow drainage of water from your roof. If there is any damage in these areas, such as missing or cracked shingles, you are going to want to have your roof replaced. Left untreated, damaged valleys can potentially cause huge problems for your roof.
Curling and Buckling: If your shingles are curling or buckling, you are going to want to call a roof repair company as soon as possible. Curling and buckling is a good indicator that your shingles are no longer effective and that you need to have your roof replaced.
Age of the Roof: Like all things, roofs only have a limited life expectancy. Expert roofers indicate that a roof that is more than 25 years old has outlived its life expectancy. If your roof is reaching 25 years of age, or is older than this, you are going to want to have it replaced as soon as possible. You may have been lucky up until this point, but it is almost a guarantee that you will start experiencing problems at any time.
Holes or Dents: Another very clear sign that you need to have your roof replaces is holes or dents. As logic dictates, holes or dents in a roof can lead to significant problems, including leaks, exposure to the elements and even the ability for pests to easily enter your home. In order to determine if there are any holes or dents in your roof, you are going to need to physically assess it. Walk along the surface of your roof and inspect it as thoroughly as possible to determine if there are any problems.
If you don’t feel confident in checking the state of your roof, you can always call a roofing company to assess it for you. If damages is found or if it is determined that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced for any reason, the roofing company will be able to quote you an estimate and complete the job for you.
Don’t just assume that your roof is in good shape. In order to make sure that it is in proper working order, you will want to assess its condition at least once a year.
About the Author: Jake Riley is a professional roofer who has been repairing and replacing roofs around the country for 17 years. He stresses to homeowners the importance of proper roof maintenance because when not properly maintained, extensive damage can occur.
