The roof is probably the most important part of your house. If something goes wrong with your roof, the entire integrity of the structure can become compromised. You lose the protection and security that you expect from your home. Because of this, it is important to keep your roof well-maintained, no matter how old the materials are.
The roof is the most exposed part of the house to the elements, and Mother Nature can be relentless at times. Even newer roofs can suffer damage from storms, so it’s better to be safe than sorry and inspect your roof regularly. If you’re wondering what exactly to look for, we’ve compiled a list of five warning signs that it’s time to replace your roof.
Inspect your Shingles
Shingles should lie flat against the roof. If you find curled, cracked, or chipped shingles, it’s a sign that your roofing is nearing the end of its lifespan. Although missing shingles aren’t necessarily a sign that you need an entire new roof, it’s good to have the roof looked at anyway. Missing shingles could be a sign that wind has loosened others and let water in. This could eventually damage the wood underneath. This is especially dangerous in the roof valleys, where rain and snow slide off the roof.
Look for Granules
Asphalt roofing loses granules over time. Check in your rain gutters for any that may have collected. If you notice a lot of large sand-like granules, this is a sign that your shingles are wearing out and not protecting your roof like they should.
Do You Have Moss?
Moisture is the biggest enemy to roofs, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Where there is a great deal of moisture, you’re bound to find moss. Although this might look good in your yard, moss growing on a roof can spell big-time trouble. It usually indicates that moisture is trapped. This moisture will eventually lead to wood rot and structural damage.
Most moss that has collected in the shady corners can be scraped away with a stiff brush. However, if you notice the roof feels spongy or sags when you walk on it, this is a sign of a more serious issue.
Sagging Roof
Sagging is generally a sign that moisture has seeped under the shingles and begun to weaken the underlying wood construction of your roof. If left untreated, it can also mean wood rot. It’s best to get this checked out before it spread to other parts of your house.
Deteriorated or Missing Flashing
Flashing is what we call the sealing around vents, chimneys, and skylights on the roof.
The flashing prevents the rain and weather from getting under the roofing. Examine these points make sure there are no cracks or breaks. If your flashing consists of tar or cement, you should consider roof replacement with metal flashing, which creates a seamless barrier to prevent leaks.
Are you seeing these signs on your home’s current roof? If so, it might be time for a new roof. A FREE estimate from your professional roofing contractors at Broussard Home Services can help you know for sure.
