How To Tell When You Need a New Roof

Well, if you’re asking, you probably need one.  But, let’s go over a few things to see if you might be able to buy time.  However, if you are sitting with buckets all over your floor, yes, you need a new roof.  As the roof springs a leak it can cause more damage than first appears. This is because your roof leads to your attic that then leads to your ceiling.  Do you see, that the roof to the ceiling is a long drop, through all the insulation and finally dripping into your home? So, once that all takes place and you have a dripping ceiling, there is most likely a bunch more damage than meets the eye.  Be sure you get someone out there right away for a roof inspection and to at least get the roof under a tarp or something to protect from further damage.

Now, let’s go take a look at the roof.  You may need to get a ladder or have someone come out and look for you.  However, take a look at the shingles themselves. Are they in good condition or are they cracked up and the edges curling?  This is a sign that the shingles are getting old. If they are missing the sand type texture that is a bad sign that they are very old.  Bald spots and such are telling you, it’s time for a new roof.

Roof Inspection

Roofs are supposed to last up to 20 years.  However, just like people each one ages differently.  This is due to many factors. Things like direct sun and proper ventilation are some of the aging factors.  If you have good shade but high humidity this can lead to mold and more break down of the shingles than a typical roof that has a nice breeze and less humid.  So, don’t just go by age.

Are Others Getting New Roofs?

Often times if you live in a neighborhood the houses are of the same age.  So, that means they are built in a similar fashion as well. And, they all experience similar weather conditions.  If your neighbors are all replacing their roofs, then that’s a good sign it’s time for you as well. These homes are going to age-similar due to them being built at the same time, sometimes by the same builder and enduring the same factors.  So, keep your eyes open and look around at what others roofs look like as well.

If you are missing shingles, this is another great sign that it’s time for a completely new roof.  Missing shingles often leads to more underlying problems. The shingles are deteriorating and the nails cannot hold them in as well.  This could also be due to the wood under the shingles being rotten and the nails not having anything to grab too. Over time, if your roof is mildly leaking you won’t know it by a drip in the ceiling.  You’ll know as the shingles start going missing. This is a good sign there may be some water damage under the shingles that allowed the wood to expand and the nails to get loose.

Still not sure if you need a new roof?  Call an expert. We are always happy to come out and take a look and provide free roof inspections Maumee, OH, roof inspections Delta, OH and roof inspections Wauseon, OH.