Your roof is an important part of your home. It keeps you and your family dry, and it protects your home from extreme weather. And when it’s damaged or worn, your home may be subject to water damage or other issues, which can add up over the years and cost you a pretty penny.
If you’re wondering if your asphalt roof is at the end of its life, use the signs below to determine if it needs repairs or replacement. We’ll discuss what to look for and when you need to tend to your roof.
- Old Age
If you have paperwork for your home or roofing, check to see how old your roof is. When properly installed, asphalt shingle roofs generally last 20 to 25 years. Even if your roof looks all right, there may be underlying issues you can’t see. So if your roof is older than 20 years, you should have it checked out by a professional.
However, if your roof hasn’t yet reached 20 years of age, you may only need repairs to damaged areas instead of a complete replacement.
- Curling Shingles
If you notice curled shingles on your roof, it may be about time to replace or repair your roof. Check areas of your roof that get direct sunlight, and look for shingles that are either curling at the edges or towards the middle.
But if you notice curled shingles with a somewhat new roof, it could be that your roofing is defective.
- Cracked Shingles
You’ll also want to check for cracked shingles. Cracked shingles are often a product of steady wind damage. They can be replaced as they’re damaged, but if you find a lot of cracked shingles, you may want to look into replacing your roof in the next three to five years.
- Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are also a problem. Take a look over your roof to see if any of the shingles have fallen off. You can replace them as they disappear, but with sun exposure and weather, it can be difficult to perfectly match a new shingle to the old ones. You may prefer to completely replace your roof to avoid mismatched shingles.
But if you don’t think you can replace your roof all in one go, you can stick to replacing shingles until a bigger problem arises.
- Damaged Flashing
Flashing seals the seams in roofing and around chimneys, skylights, and vents. Eventually, flashing can begin to fail, and it can break or crack, leading to leaks and water damage. Most modern flashing is made of metal and can easily be replaced by a professional.
But if your roof is older, your flashing may be made of tar or cement, and you should consider replacing it with metal flashing right away, as it’s a more dependable material than tar or cement.
- Bald Shingles
Asphalt shingles have a layer of granules over the surface, but as time goes on, the granules can come loose, resulting in bald shingles. You may also find a collection of granules in your gutter system as they shed.
As soon as you spot bald shingles, you may need to replace your entire roof. When the shingles shed a lot of their granules, your roofing may quickly lose its usefulness.
- Sagging
While many roofing issues are troubling, sagging is a real concern. If your roofing noticeably sags, it could be a structural problem. The boards under the roofing may be rotting after continual exposure to moisture, or there could be an issue with the foundation. So, as soon as your roof starts drooping and sagging, call in a professional for repairs.
- Water Damage
Even if the roof and shingles look okay on the surface, water may still leak through and cause water damage. Moisture can also get trapped in the roofing and result in moss, mold, and fungi growth. Check the attic for any water damage, and inspect the roof for any holes or other openings. Something as small as a nail hole can cause a leak or other issues.
If you spot anything, or notice moss growing on your roof, call a professional to take a look.
- Light in the Attic
When there are holes or cracks in the roofing, you may see sunlight shining into the attic. If you’ve noticed light streaming through the roof and into your attic, call someone right away to fix the roof and ensure everything is properly sealed. Otherwise, moisture and debris can easily find its way into your home.
It’s important to properly maintain your roof to keep you, your family, and your home safe. To ensure your roof is adequately cared for, depend on the professionals at Beissel Window & Siding. We can carefully inspect your roof and identify any problems. We’ll also work with you to find the best course of action.