If you’re one of the over 60% of US citizens who owns a home, the woes of maintaining your roof are all too familiar. But it’s not always easy to know what to look for.
Has your roof been giving you issues recently but you’re not exactly sure if it’s cause for alarm? If so, here are 5 dead giveaways you need to hire a roofer sooner rather than later.
1. Age
Even if you haven’t noticed anything in specific, you might need a new roof anyway. Most experts agree that the average lifespan of a roof is 20-25 years.
The length of time a roof can last depends on lots of things. For example, environmental factors are important to consider. Also, if your current roof was installed over another roof and is older than 20 years, you likely need a new one.
In short, even if nothing seems wrong, you should look into getting a roofer if your roof is getting up there in years.
2. Missing Shingles
This is another sign you might need a new roof even if you’re not noticing anything suspicious otherwise. Typically, if shingles are coming off, it’s a pretty safe bet that the structural integrity of your roof is compromised in some way or another.
Although you might lose a couple shingles in an especially bad storm and therefore not necessarily need a new roof, it’s still worth getting checked out. Better safe than sorry.
3. Shingles Curling/Buckling
Check the slopes of your roof to see if you notice any shingles curling or buckling. If so, this might be a sign they’ve outlived their usefulness and it’s time to get an expert involved.
In worse cases, this could also be a sign that the roof is defective in a more profound way. It’s not a cause for panic, but it definitely means you should take a closer look.
4. Granules in the Gutters
Although it takes a little extra effort to check for this, it’s worth it. Generally, shingles tend to lose granules more rapidly towards the end of their life. Check for granule buildup in your gutters to see if that’s happening.
If you don’t want to hop on a ladder, you can also look for color inconsistency on your roof. If you’re noticing darker splotches on some parts of your roof, there’s a good bet your shingles are losing granules and it’s time for a replacement.
5. You Can See Daylight
This is one of the most glaring and immediate signs you need a new roof, but it’s also one of the hardest to miss if you don’t go into your attic regularly.
Go up into your attic during a sunny day and make sure no sunlight is coming through the boards. If there is, it’s a sure bet it’s time for a new roof.
You Might Need a Roofer
If any of these problems sound familiar, it might be time to hire a roofer. After all, the roof is kind of important.
Now that you’ve decided to pull the trigger on a new roof, you’ve got options to consider. Read on to learn about some of the top roofing trends in 2019!