Here are five warning signs to help you determine if you need a new roof…
- Light in the attic: Surprisingly, if you think you might need a new roof, the first place to look is not your home's exterior -- it's inside your attic. Grab a flashlight and head upstairs. Look for streaks, stains or any light coming through the top of the house. Also, check the insulation for moisture. Additionally, brown stains on any of your ceilings inside the home are usually a sign of a roof or plumbing leak and should be investigated when you first notice them to prevent additional damage.
- Roof age: Check your home improvement records to see when the roof was installed, replaced or reshingled. Knowing when a roof was installed and what it's made of is key to knowing how much life it has left. Most experts agree that a typical asphalt roof should last between 20 and 25 years. However, if the roof was installed over an existing layer of shingles and it's older than 20 years, it likely needs to be replaced.
- Shingles curling, buckling and losing granules: Shingles should lie flat against the house. If you notice patches that are cracked, curling or buckling, then repairs are in order. Also, check the gutters and downspouts for granules. Roofs tend to lose more granules toward the end of their life cycle. Inconsistent or darker coloring on some parts of the roof also can indicate that granules have worn away.
- Flashing: The flashing around vents, skylights and chimneys is what seals the seams of the roof from rain and weather. Examine these areas to make sure there are no cracks or breaks that could lead to leaks. In older homes, the flashing often is made of roof cement or tar, so upgrading that to a more durable metal flashing system is a good idea.
- The drag of the sag: A droopy, sagging roof is a real problem. It often indicates a structural issue such as a problem with the decking in the attic or, even worse, with the supports in the foundation. Bottom line: if the roof sags anywhere, it may be a sign of structural issues, as well as a roof that needs to be replaced, and it should be checked by your contractor.
A new roof is a significant investment and one that is worth investing the time and money necessary to ensure you are getting the highest quality materials, installed by top-notch, experienced professionals. With nearly 25 years of experience and thousands of satisfied customers, Craftsmen Home Improvements delivers affordable, top-quality roofs to homeowners in the greater Cincinnati and Dayton areas. Click here to find how you can save $250 on a new roof.
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