If you’ve noticed the roof on your home looks old, dirty, or worn, you probably scratched your head and wondered if you need a new roof. A functional rooftop is vital to keeping your home safe and dry. It keeps out the elements, insulates your home, and gives you peace of mind. Before it completely fails, check for these early warning signs that it’s time to replace your current roof.
Look for Daylight in the Attic
When was the last time you inspected your roof from the attic? Many homeowners don’t realize you can check out the roof’s condition from inside your home. Here’s how:
- Go up to the attic during the daytime.
- Don’t turn on the lights.
- Instead, look up and examine the attic boards.
- If you notice any beams of sunlight flooding the attic, there is a leak hiding somewhere.
- Shine a flashlight around the room, and search for streaks or dark patches on the walls and floors.
- If you find any, this is another indicator of a water leak.
More often than not, these signs mean a brand-new roof is in your near future.
Examine the Shingles for Damage
You should periodically go on top of your home to examine the condition of the shingles. If you notice curled up edges or buckling, it’s time to replace the shingles. Try walking across the entire surface of your roof. The shingles should feel firm and supportive under your feet, not mushy or squishy. Check for baldness, which is common with older roofs. If you notice shingle granules in the downspouts or gutters, new shingles are in order. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to have the roof completely redone.
Look for Missing Shingles
Do a quick assessment of your shingles. Look for any bald patches where shingles were once attached. It’s common to lose a few shingles after a severe storm or gust of wind, but you shouldn’t ignore this. If you don’t replace the missing shingles, you may find yourself with a more costly water leak inside your home. If you’re missing just a couple of shingles and the roof is in good condition, replacing the shingles is usually fine. However, if you’ve lost more than a few shingles and the roof is older, it’s best to replace your roof before things get out of hand.
Know the Age of your Roof
Unfortunately, roofs don’t last forever. All roofs, including expensive and premium ones, eventually wear out over time. Even if you don’t see anything wrong with the condition of your roof right now, you still may need to replace it. Over time, everyday wear and tear will degrade the quality of the shingles. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it’s probably at the end of its lifespan. Consider replacing your roof before you find yourself dealing with a much bigger, more widespread problem.
Find a Roofer You Can Trust
If any of these warning signs apply to your home, then it’s time to have it inspected by a professional roofer. Never try to fix it yourself. Capital Roofing is one of the most reputable roofing companies in Cornelia, GA. Let us take a look at your roof to determine the best course of action. From simple repairs to complete replacements, our roofers do it all. You won’t find a more dedicated, honest roofing company anywhere else. Contact us today if you need a new roof and want to schedule a free, no-hassle inspection.