Most of the time, the roof isn’t an element of a home that homeowners think about on a regular basis. In general, they don’t think about the roof until there’s a problem. By the time a problem becomes obvious, though, the damage could already be significant. For that reason, it’s important to know how to spot the signs that it’s time to replace your roof.
Roofs don’t last a lifetime. In fact, most of them only have a 20-year warranty depending on the materials with which they’re made. Consider how long that you’ve had your roof. If it’s 20 years or older, it might be time to think about replacing it.
Are you unsure how old your roof is? Pay attention to how it looks from the curb. Do you see a lot of streaking and large areas of disrepair? If so, these are signs that you should replace the shingles. If you feel comfortable enough to get on your roof, check the most problematic areas, such as the flashing around the chimney and other joints.
Loose Granules
As shingles age, the granular surface starts to break away. As a result, granules build up in your yard or in your gutters. If you notice this, your asphalt shingles will need replacing sooner rather than later.
Keep in mind that, if your house sits underneath the cover of large trees, you might notice granules breaking loose from the shingles faster than normal. That’s because the trees provide shade, which means that the shingles stay wet for longer than if they got more sunlight. This allows algae and other plant life to grow on the shingles, which breaks down their integrity.
Leaks in the Attic
Before you notice a leak in the living spaces of your house, it will start in the attic. Because of that, it’s a good idea to go up there after heavy rainstorms to look for wet spots along the roofing deck. Haven’t had rain in a while? You can still check for water stains. If you notice any, your roof needs repairs or possibly a replacement.
Rising Energy Bills
Did you know that your roof acts as an insulator against cold and heat invading your house? It does, which is why rising energy bills can be a sign that it’s time to replace your roof. At this point, consider investing in a roofing material that reflects sunlight, like a metal roof, to further lower your energy bill.
Using the information above, you can spot signs that it’s time to replace your roof before major damage occurs. The quicker that you notice these warning signs, the more damage that you can prevent. When it comes to fixing and maintaining your roof, don’t procrastinate. Be sure that you keep up with routine maintenance such as gutter cleaning and shingle replacement.