As we all know, it’s important to practice regular roof maintenance and look for signs of damage, but many homeowners neglect to do so because we don’t exactly know where to begin or what signs to look for? Age is a good indicator of how to tell if you need a new roof.
If your roof was installed and maintained properly with good materials, you can expect 12-15 years of life or more. If a roof is nearing the end of its useful life, it’s probably time to consider replacement. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for that may indicate a roof replacement is needed.
Missing Shingles and/or Curling Shingles
Shingles are the outermost layer of your roof and the first line of defense against the elements. They can begin to curl and break after only a few years of wear and tear caused by heat and moisture. Curling shingles are often a result of poor attic ventilation or moisture issues.
Over time, missing or curled shingles will allow water to penetrate into the sheathing layers beneath which can result in wood rot, which can be challenging to repair. If you notice missing shingles after a storm, it’s best to call in a professional roofing company right away.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing, with the help of underlayment, keeps water from getting underneath your shingles. It acts as a seal around all the edges of our roof. Flashings help seal around chimneys, skylights and vents and any other things that are mounted on the roof. Flashing, like shingles, will allow water to seep into your attic over time if it becomes compromised and goes unnoticed. It is best to inspect these areas from both the outside and inside for any signs of moisture.
Moss & Mold Growth
When moisture collects in your attic or between the layers of your roof without a way to escape, it can cause moss and mold to grow. When water is able to seep into and be absorbed by the tiny cracks between shingles, and especially the wood planks of your roof, it creates the perfect conditions for growth. Not only are mossy, moldy shingles aesthetically unpleasant, but they can lead to more intense roof damage over time.
Weakened Decking
As the foundation of your roof, decking acts as structural support for all other layers of your roof. If your decking layer becomes compromised there is a good chance that you will need to replace your roof immediately before major damage occurs to the rest of your house structure. When water makes its way to your roof decking, the wood can warp and bend becoming structurally weak. If this happens the roof can begin to sag and in extreme cases, can even collapse.
As always, if you would like to have your roof inspected or think it’s time to replace your roof, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule your free roofing inspection. Together, we can ensure that your house gets the most out of its roof.