How do I know if I need a new roof?

How to tell if you need a new roof

You may think that you would easily be able to tell when you need a new roof. That the signs that it has reached the end of its life will be patently obvious. Or maybe because you have been maintaining your roof on a regular basis you may think it will last forever which, although you might have prolonged its useful life, is not necessarily true. In any case, since a roof is quite an important part of any home, it may be worth it to know the signs of a roof that needs to be replaced. Waiting too long to do so may result in other consequences that you probably want to avoid, such as damage to the structure and integrity of your home.

Here are the most obvious signs that your roof is ready to be replaced:

Interior Roof Check

If you are able to get into your attic, a flashlight with a bright beam will help you identify potential problems with the roof. Once you are up there, and before turning the flashlight on, check to see if there is any sunlight clearly visible through cracks or holes. This is a sign of an urgent replacement since sunlight on a bright day equals water on a rainy day.

Shine the beam towards the roof and look for any stains or dark streaks. These are signs of damage due to moisture coming in and a new roof is called for. A broomstick can help you prod certain areas to feel if the wood is soft, sagging, or spongy. This is also moisture damage. And if there are obvious wet areas or puddles, you know what needs to be done.

Exterior Roof Check

Performing an exterior roof check has its inherent dangers. If you do not have the right equipment or fear getting hurt, call a roofing professional to do this for you.  You may save some money if the damage is caught on time and the roof can be repaired.

An exterior roof check will reveal whether there are any signs of rot and decay. This is visible through rotten tiles, broken or missing shingles,  or areas of moldy buildup. Other signs of problems are:

Algae or Moss

Even though you may not like the way algae or moss buildup makes your roof look, these are not reasons to change it. Simply spray water with your garden hose on those unsightly areas. Do it with great force and if it doesn’t give you the results you want, a weak solution of water and hydrogen peroxide will get rid of these eyesores.

Shingles Decayed or Missing

If you can see spots where shingles are missing, curling, or cracking, or if you can see particles of your shingles on the ground around the property or in your gutters your roof may be damaged and need to be replaced.

Issues with Flashing or Valleys

Flashing around chimneys that have come off, or valleys where two sections of roof meet that has allowed water to seep in, mean you need to call a roofer right away to see if this can still be repaired.

If you are unsure as to the condition of your roof, find more information at https://bigalsroofing.com/roofing-pembroke-pines/.

About Amanda

I love to buy a lot of products for the home, and dissect them out. I split them into duds and winners, and share the findings here on my site. As a reader of my site, I'm aiming for your next purchase to be an informed and inspired one.

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