It doesn’t matter if you are a new homeowner or if you’ve owned your home for a while. Replacing your roof will be a project at one point. Many people wait until signs of a leaking roof start to appear. However, leaks can be caused by many different factors and are not always solved by a new roof. Below you will find a handful of different factors that will help determine whether you need a new roof or not.
Age
The age of your roof should be the number one thing to consider. Roofs last approximately 20 to 25 years. You also need to take into account how your roof was installed. For many older roofs, it was common to lay a new roof on top of an older roof. If your roof is close to 20 years old and you have an older roof underneath, good chances you will need to replace your roof. Sometimes you will discover several layers underneath as well.
Look
If you look at your roof it should be smooth. The shingles should lay flat and staggered. When looking at your roof and you see some shingles curling or buckling, this is a sign that you need a new roof. This type of defect is found on the slopes of your roof and usually receives direct sunlight. If your roof isn’t that old and you see this occurring on your roof, contact us because you may be eligible for a reimbursement from the company who made your shingles.
Still looking at your roof, take notice to the valleys. Valleys are very important because they are the path water, snow, and debris travel to get off your roof. Make sure the shingles here are in perfect condition. If you notice that your shingles look like they are falling apart or are missing in this area you need to replace your roof. Roof leaks occur the most in this area.
Chimney
Chimney flashing is another area to pay attention to if your home has a chimney. Most flashings are a piece of metal surrounded by a weatherproof material such as tar or roof cement. If any water is coming through this, then it’s time to replace your flashing.
Gutters
It’s a good idea to clean out your gutters at least twice a year. While cleaning out the gutters take notice to whether or not you notice small granules of your shingles. Many shingles start to shed these granules when they are reaching the end of their life. Another way to tell is if your roof looks darker in some areas and lighter in other areas.
The last sign to look for when deciding if you need to replace your roof is to go up and walk around. Your roof should feel sturdy. If you walk around and feel a spongy feeling underneath or even bouncy, then you need a new roof. These signs usually mean that the decking underneath is decaying from moisture. If you go into your attic and see any light shining through also indicates you need to replace your roof.
If you notice any of these signs on your roof or you’re not sure, give us a call today. Allow one of our Master Elite “Weather Stopper” roofing contractors for GAF will help you diagnose and solve your roofing problem. Your roof protects your home, so proper planning is important when thinking about your best option.
