An important part of maintaining a home is taking care of the roof. Your roof protects your home and your belongings from the elements and helps maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. Even a small leak can lead to thousands of dollars worth of damage. How do you know when it’s time for a roof replacement? Look for these warning signs.
Don’t Attempt to Inspect or Repair Your Roof Yourself
This guide will help you make an informed decision, but don’t attempt to climb onto your roof to inspect for problems. It’s a dangerous job, best left to professionals. Observe your roof from the ground, using a pair of binoculars if necessary.
Time for a Roof Replacement if it Needs Constant Repairs and Patches
Your roof will experience occasional problems throughout the life of your home, but it shouldn’t require constant repairs. If you find yourself having to hire someone to patch leaks throughout the year, then it’s probably time for a roof replacement.
Your roof can last a long time under the best circumstances, but the location of your home and the climate will play a role in how long your shingles last. A wooded location with lots of moisture will see significantly more wear on a roof than a location free of debris with a moderate, more arid climate.
Discoloration
The color of your shingles is a good indication of how worn they are and it’s easy to assess this from the ground. If your roof is more dull in color than it was a few years ago, then it may be nearing time for a roof replacement.
Faded shingles mean the protective components are breaking down from exposure to the elements. They are more likely to lose their water-repelling capabilities. You might even see a green tint on your roof. Algae, moss, and mold can grow on shingles that have deteriorated. Have your roof cleaned regularly for maintenance and to better understand its condition.
Follow The Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Every roofing material manufacturer will have a set of guidelines for maintaining your roof. When purchasing a home, ask when the roof was last replaced. If you can’t find out what company manufactured your shingles, then it’s a good rule-of-thumb to install a new roof when yours is about twenty years old.
Loose Shingles Might Mean it’s Time for a Roof Replacement
Bent or curled shingles happen when the material constricts over years of weathering. This eventually loosens shingles enough for them to shift out of place. Ideally, every section of your roof will be perfectly flat against the underlying plywood and any curled shingles will be replaced as needed. You could already have water damage from moisture trapped beneath aging shingles.
Excessive Wear From Weather
If you see pitted shingles that have an uneven surface, they’ve probably been worn from weather damage. Another sure way to know that your shingles are wearing out is by looking for granules in your gutters. This can happen after severe weather and after years of sun exposure. If you notice your shingles are losing granules, then it’s probably time for a roof replacement.
Mid Michigan Home Pros provides home inspections in Lansing, Jackson, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Contact us to request an appointment.