When hail and wind whip through the plains each year, the first thought on all homeowners’ minds is their roof. Will there be damage? How much will it cost? Ahh, the stress!
But what about the rest of the year when there haven’t been any apparent causes of roof damage? How do you know your roof needs to be replaced? Aside from calling us for a consultation, here’s what you can do to check for yourself.
Look in the attic.
Go against your intuition here. You might think the first place to start is to head straight up to your roof to do an assessment. Instead, grab a flashlight and make your way to the attic. Look for signs of water damage, leaking, or beams of light coming through the roof.
Check your shingles.
Now it’s time to grab your ladder and get a close-up look at your roof. Shingles should lie flat, so damaged shingles may be a quick sign you need to replace your roof. Here are a few things to look for:
- Missing granules
- Curling
- Cracking
- Missing shingles
- Hail damage
Depending on the severity and number of shingles damaged, you may or may not need to completely replace your roof. We can help you determine whether repairs or replacement are best for you.
Inspect your roof valleys.
A roof valley is anywhere two downward sloping planes of your roof meet. Because the slopes direct water to the valleys, they pose a significant area of concern for water damage.
Examine the flashing.
Roof flashing is typically made of galvanized steel and is installed around chimneys, vents, and skylights to direct water away. Look for damage on your flashing like cracks or breaks. If the flashing is loose or rusted, it could signal leaking problems. Older roofs have flashing made from cement or tar. If this is the case for your home, you should consider updating your flashing to metal for a longer-lasting system.
Survey the gutters.
If your gutters are filled with granules from your shingles, your roof is worn out and ready for a makeover.
Assess the curb appeal.
If your roof has noticeable, unsightly moss, water damage, or sagging, it’s probably time to install a new roof. Do you have black streaks running down your roof? Those streaks are caused by algae, which will develop and worsen over time. While the streaking may not necessarily be a sign there is major damage to the roof, it is unattractive and downgrades your home’s overall appearance. To avoid streaking, you can install composition shingles on your new roof. Zinc or copper are mixed with the granules on the shingle’s surface to help prevent algae and fungus growth on the roof.
Find your paperwork.
When was your current roof installed? Most homes are equipped with composition shingles, which are meant to last approximately 20 years. If you can’t find the date of your roof’s install, take a look around your neighborhood. If the homes around you are getting roofing updates, it may be time for you to join.
Identify roof leaks.
A clear sign your home’s roof needs to be replaced is leaking. If you have wet spots on your ceiling, you likely have a leak in your roof. Water damage is not a problem you want to sit on. If you notice mold, water stains, a musty smell, or bulging walls, act swiftly and call us to schedule a consultation.
Unfortunately, leaks are not always apparent, so you may need to do a bit of investigative work. As stated before, look inside your home for leaks before heading up to your roof. Start in the attic or inspect your ceilings for any signs of water damage. If there are no apparent signs of leaks, it’s time to take a look at your roof. The most common place to find leaks on your roof is around the vents, so inspect these areas first and then move on to your flashing. Additionally, mold, mildew, and moss from excess moisture can cause irreversible damage to your roof, so contact us immediately if you find any present.
Next Steps
Still unsure if you need a new roof? Unable or uninterested in climbing on top of your house to check it out? Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. Then take a look at all of our roofing options.
