Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

Do you know when you should replace your roof? If your answer was, “when it starts to rain inside”, that’s far too late. Your roof is one of the most important elements to your home’s comfort and structural integrity, so don’t wait until you have to put buckets around the house to get your roof fixed. Here are some signs you should recognize that let you know it’s time to replace your roof.

The age of your roof is one factor that will impact when you should replace it. If you have asphalt shingles, they can last 15-20 years. Roofing made from sturdier material, such as slate or metal, can last even longer. For homeowners with asphalt roofs, it is a good idea to replace it after 20 years.

The collective wear and tear on your roof is extremely important to look for when surveying the condition of your roof. The overall health of the shingles is often a good indicator of your roof’s health. Check to see if your shingles are curled at the edges or appear to be bubbling. Wherever you see shingles that aren’t laying flat, it’s a strong indication that the shingle is damaged and not effectively repelling the elements. Be on the lookout for shingles that are balding or completely missing. While it’s normal for shingles to lose some of their grittiness over time, what isn’t normal is for your shingles to shed en masse. If your house has a chimney, you should inspect the flashing around it to see that it’s not damaged. Flashing is a barrier that seals the space where the chimney joins to the roof, and if this area isn’t intact, your house will be more susceptible to leaks. Of course, if your roof appears to sag, the structure is no longer properly supported and needs to be replaced.

Perhaps the most severe signs can be seen from inside the house, which means you should replace your roof as soon as possible. Inspect your attic during the daytime to see if sunlight shines through the ceiling. If you see light coming through, it’s evident you need to replace your roof. Look at your ceiling and the top of your walls—if you see mold or signs of water damage, you have leaks in the roof which requires an entire overhaul. In instances where you see fungal growth, it’s highly recommended that you call mold specialists to remove it.

Depending on the nature and severity of these roofing issues, you may be able to just repair the affected shingles rather than replacing everything. A reliable and certified roofing contractor should be able to tell you if patching will suffice. The best ways to keep your roof in good condition are to get a reliable contractor to install it and actively make smaller repairs to extend its lifespan. Maintaining the upkeep on your home will be important in building home equity. Replacing your roof is not a job that should be put aside; taking care of your roof is essential for taking care of your entire house.

If you have any questions about how to maintain your home, contact one of our licensed Mortgage Loan Originators. If you are ready to begin the home buying or selling process, click here to get started!

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