Think it's time to replace your roof? Look for these warning signs to determine if you need to repair or replace your roof.
Hint: If your roof looks like the one in this picture it's time to call in a professional.
1. Any Shingles Missing?
If you notice that any of your shingles are missing or if any of the tabs (the individual sections on each shingle) are missing this is a sure sign of wind damage and should be addressed as soon as possible.
2. Roof age
The average asphalt shingle roof lasts between 20 and 25 years. Improper ventilation, multiple layers of shingles and extreme weather conditions can greatly reduce that number. If you feel like your roof may be reaching the end of its useful life it is probably time to call a roofer.
3. Buckling or curling shingles
If your roof is getting older and you notice that the edges of the shingles seem to be curling there is a very good possibility that it is time to replace your roof. One great way to see this is to look at your roof in direct sunlight and see if the edges don’t seem to be sitting flat. If you notice anything that looks out of place call an experienced roofing contractor for a full inspection.
4. Shingle granules on the ground or in gutters
Look around your house and in your gutters to see if you notice any shingle granules. When roofs are getting near the end of their useful life they tend to lose a lot of granules. If your gutters have a lot of granules in them chances are it’s time for a new roof.
5. Valleys in your roof
Look at the valleys in your roof. If there seems to be any areas of flashing or shingles missing or damaged it is very important to have your roof inspected right away. The valleys of your roof are where a great deal of water flows down to the gutters and if there is any damage in this area the interior of your house could be getting wet without you noticing it.
6. Chimney flashing
If you notice that the area around your chimney is full of caulk or tar that seems old and cracked it probably means that your chimney was never proper flashed which can cause big problems if water starts to penetrate these seals.
If your roof is getting older or if you have recently experienced a heavy storm take a look for these signs and call an experienced roofing contractor. Many will come out and give you a free inspection if you call them and let them know that you have noticed a problem.
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