When you spot a leak in your ceiling, it’s a clear sign that you either need to repair the roof or replace it entirely. Common sense requires you to inspect the roof if you have just been through heavy snow or a significant storm. However, there’s a universe of grey areas between proper maintenance, leak, and specific weather-related damage.
Ideally, you want to check your roof regularly to avoid major issues. Below there is a list of seven red flags that warn you: you need a new roof!
How Old Is Your Roof?
According to experts, a typical lifespan is 20 to 25 years. It depends on the type of shingles it has and the ventilation system. Those installed over several layers of shingles and older than 20 years likely need to be replaced.
Curling And Buckling
When shingles are curling and losing granules, they are past their lifespan. It occurs more on the slopes receiving direct sunlight. When you see this happening, the chances are you need a new roof. Eventually, it will become defective; licensed roofing contractors can advise you further in this case.
Missing Shingles
Missing Shingles after a storm or heavy snow is a definite red flag. You need to get this fixed as soon as possible.
Chimney Flashing
If your roof has cement or tar flashing around the chimney, then the chances are you need to replace it with a long-term water-tight fitting.
Roof Valleys
A major red flag, are missing or falling apart shingles on your roof valleys. This is where rain and snow gather to drain into the gutters. If you don’t take action fast on this issue, you might be facing leaks sooner than you imagine.
Shingle granules in the gutters
Checking the gutters for shingle granules is an excellent way to assess the overall condition of your roof. The more granules, the more likely you will need to replace it. Another sign of worn-out granules is darker spots or inconsistent color on some parts.
Sunlight through the boards
If the underline deck is deteriorated by moisture, the chances are that sunlight will filter through and into the attic. When walking on it, it might feel slippery and bouncy. Moisture might well be infiltrating the insulation. There are several ways to detect moisture trapped within a roof system.
Final Thoughts
In order to avoid facing bigger problems with your roof, it is very much recommended to perform a regular visual inspection. In the event that you come across one of the above issues, it is important to take immediate action and get in touch with professionals to sort it out.
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