Don’t Wait Around Until It Starts Leaking: 5 Signs Your Roof Needs Replacing *

*This is a collaborative post.

If you wait for rain to pour into your bedroom, you may be waiting too long to upgrade or replace your roof. Not all roofs will totally fail before they allow water to pour through into the living spaces.

Depending on the materials used, some home roofs will deteriorate after several years of taking on different weather patterns. Reputable companies like Erie Metal Roofs, or a local professional roofer should be consulted before choosing a roofing business to repair or replace your roof.

Here are 5 signs your roof is in need of replacement:

Shingle Damage

If your home is older, chances are the roof was built with shingles and after a period of time, they begin to break down. If you notice the shingles on your roof are missing, curling on the edges, either up or down, have a bare spot where the rough granulated coating is missing, or there is moss or another fungus growing on them, they need to be replaced.

Today, there are several different types of roofing materials to choose from, including metal, for a replacement roof. The materials needed to replace a roof are largely dependent on the area of the country your home is located in. The same materials used for a roof in the Midwest are not going to work for a house in Alaska or Florida.

Other Neighbours are Replacing Their Roofs

Look around your neighbourhood and if other homeowners are getting estimates and having their roofs replaced, you should consider having your home’s roof checked. It goes without saying that homes in a grouping were built at the same time.

This would mean that the roofs would weaken at about the same rate as they are all subject to the same climate conditions at the same time. 

Check for Missing Granules

You may not be able to see balding spots on the shingles unless you climb a ladder and inspect them close up. What you may find is the granules in the gutters or at the end of the downspouts.

When you find a significant amount of the material that helps to keep the water and the elements out of your home, then it is time to replace the shingles or perhaps the entire roof. 

The Flashing

Check the flashing that is built up around chimneys, vents and/or skylights. The seal on this type of roof accessory can crack or break down from years of the weather beating on them.

If your house is older, the seals around these items could be made of tar or roofing cement, which will not last as long as other materials such as metal.

Roof Rot

If you notice your roof sagging or dipping in parts, this could be a sign of roof rot. This means that moisture is trapped in the shingles or boards and they are rotting from the inside out. 

Even if you don’t see any of these signs on your roof, it is a good idea as a homeowner to check the roof on a yearly basis. Tree debris, toys and other things that may land on the roof can all damage the shingles and cause leaking inside the home.