The roof over our heads is too often taken for granted, at least until something goes wrong. Do you know how to tell if your home needs a new roof? Don’t wait until it’s too late! Be on the look for these telltale signs both inside and outside of your home!
Internal Signs Of Wear
One of the easiest ways to tell if your home needs a new roof if by checking the attic. A couple of things to be on the lookout for are:
- Daylight. A sure-fire way to tell if you have damage, check to see if there are any signs of daylight coming in through your roof. If you are able to see any streams of light then you need to replace your roof ASAP as that is a sign of crack or hole. If the light is able to get through, then water is as well, and if left unchecked could go on to create a lot of damage.
- Dark Stains. If you notice any dark stains on the underside of the roof, this is a definite sign of moisture. Coupled with sunlight, this means you have cracks that need immediate repair.
- Sagging. This is another sign of water damage. If you find a soggy area, prod at the spot to see how much give there is. If it bends or feels squishy to the touch you know you have detrimental moisture damage.
- Leaks. Aside from dark spots, other signs of leaks can include rotting on the side of the roof. If you notice any crumbling wood, call local roofing contractors as soon as possible.
Exterior Signs Of Wear
Once you’ve given your interior a once over, move to the outside and see if you can spot any of these signs. It’s also important to note that while these checks should be performed regularly if you are unable to do so yourself, a local roofing company may perform a routine check at little to no cost.
- Dark Spots. Just like inside, dark spots on the outside of your roof are a sign of water damage. Take note of these stains and streaks so that you can inform your roofing contractor when you speak with them.
- Water Damage. Along with stains, sagging or rotting tiles are a clear sign that you have water damage. These are all issues that should be taken seriously, as putting it off for too long will only make the problem worse, and more expensive.
- Rotting. Rotting is a common problem for both asphalt and wood roofs. Rotten, broken, and missing tiles can all be telltales signs, as can mold build-up. If you notice any of these, contact your local roofing contractor.
- Moss or Algae. This issue doesn’t necessarily spell damage; however, it is something you should stay on top of if you live in a humid region. To mitigate this issue yourself, spray your roof with your garden hose, blasting away the build-up. Adding a weak mixture of hydrogen peroxide can help remove any lingering spots.
- Age. An easy way to know if your roof needs replacing is by knowing what age it is. Any roof over 20 years should be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. If you’re not sure how old the roof is, ask a roofing contractor if they could give you an estimate based on signs of common wear and tear.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t wait to reach out to a roofing contractor. Getting issues fixed before they worsen can save you both time and money going forward. More often than not roofing companies will offer inspections for little to no cost upfront, after which they can tell you what you need and when you’ll need it. Your roof is an essential part of your home; don’t take it for granted.