Do you think you could tell if your roof only needed some repairs or if it was time to replace your homes roof? There are quite a few flags to look for before calling in a professional roofing contractor. You don’t necessarily need a brand-new roof just because you have spotted a leak in the ceiling. The leak could have occurred due to a number of different problems. There are a number of factors to determine whether the problem with your roof requires repair or replacement which can be found below.
The Age of Your Homes Roof
Consider the age of your existing roof. Roof contractors estimate that asphalt shingle roofs can last upwards of twenty-five years especially when well maintained. A properly ventilated roof is important in the roof’s longevity as well. If a shingle roof was installed over another layer of shingle roofing and is over twenty years old, there are chances you will need a new roof sooner than later.
Curling and Buckling of Asphalt Shingles
If you notice the shingles on your roof are buckled or starting to curl it may be a sign that you need a new roof. To get a good look take a look at the shingles in the direct sunlight. If you notice they are curling, losing granules, or are buckling it often means that your shingles have exceeded their life expectancy. When this occurs in older roofs it is a sure sign that you need to replace your roof.
Missing Shingles
If your roof is falling apart or shingles are missing, there is a good chance you may be looking at a new roof. It is important to keep an eye on the valleys of your roof. Snow and rain need to flow freely through the valleys into the roof’s gutters. If this valley area in your roof is compromised the roof will be susceptible to leaks.
Granules in the Gutters
When cleaning out your gutters if you notice that are loaded with the granules that are on shingles you could be looking at replacing your roof within the coming months. Shingles lose more granules when the life cycle of the shingle is near the end. If you start to notice darker colored areas on the shingles or an inconsistent color on the roof that is most likely because the granules have worn away over time. This is a sure sign that a new roof is needed soon.
Sponge Like Roof Boards
If you are inspecting your homes roof from above and notice that it feels bouncy or spongy it means that the underlying decking has become weak from moisture. If left untreated you will start to notice daylight shining through the roof boards and moisture in your insulation. These are both sure signs that your home needs a new roof as soon as possible.
As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services. More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.