Knowing how to identify issues on your roof is important for every homeowner. Your roof protects from weather and outside dangers from getting into your home. We want to provide information to you so you can be equipped in finding these problems, which will protect your roof and home in the future. Knowing about the life and quality of your roof can be paramount to keeping it maintained and keeping your home safe.
1.The Age of The Roof
Fun fact: most home insurance companies in extreme-weather states will suddenly stop insuring a home if the roof is over a certain age. If the age of your roof is 20-25 years old, you should seriously consider calling a roofing professional to look at and replace it. Some older roofs should be replaced after 20 years, but even newer ones only last 25-30. One way to know if your roof needs replaced is to find out when your neighbors got theirs replaced. Also, check to see if most of the homes in your neighborhood were built around the same time.
2. Cracked or Broken Shingles
A few broken shingles doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace your roof. But if you see large areas of cracked or broken shingles on your roof, that’s a sign to replace it. When a roof is old, shingles begin curling or breaking, and your roof can develop large patches of bare spots. Simply replacing the shingles is not enough, as 1. Their condition is a good indicator of the age and condition of deeper roofing materials and 2. Missing shingles expose the underlying layers to further damage. Covering that up will only add to the problem.
3. Check Your Flashing
Flashing repairs don’t necessarily mean a full roof replacement. Flashing protects the seals around your roof and keeps outside elements from getting underneath your roof. If you have older flashing that’s made of cement or tar, then it is recommended that you upgrade those to metal flashing, which is far more durable and lasts longer. But if you are getting a roof replaced entirely, your new flashing should be all metal.
4. Moss or Algae
Moss and algae can be just a cosmetic problem—at first. Though solved fairly easy in the early stages, later on, the moisture they hold can seep into your roof and cause mold infestations, ugly water stains, and even health problems for sensitive individuals living in the home. Water can also warp the boards and planks beneath your roof. When you remove moss and algae and find an underlying problem; call a professional. If left for too long, your roof could be ruined and require a full replacement.
5. Your Roof Has Rot or Sags
Moisture, rot, or even heavy limbs can cause a sag in your roof. This has serious consequences to the structural integrity of your home. Check the low points of your roof to make sure they are still holding up well. If you see any sagging, you need a roof replacement ASAP. Make sure you call us as soon as you see this issue.
If you see any of the signs on your roof from this list, give us a call about getting the problem assessed and fixed. A professional roofing job can last a long time and it can be warrantied so it’s even less of a burden in the long run.
Call us at (918) 994-2874 if you have questions about signs your roof may need replacing. Being proactive on this can save your home from further damage in the future and save you thousands of dollars.
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