Your roof is one of the essential parts of your home. Without a solid, secure roof, a house can experience damage and disaster and even become unhealthy for the occupants. It is essential to maintain your roof throughout its life and replace it when the time comes.
To keep your home in good condition and catch when it’s time for roof replacement, inspect it at least once a year.
If you know what to look for and are comfortable being on your roof, you can do the roof inspection yourself. However, if you aren’t confident in what to look for or are worried about heights, you should contact Legacy Restoration and have us conduct the inspection for you.
Roofing Material Matters
Eventually, every roof will need to be replaced, either due to damage or due to age. Pay attention to the roof’s age, as that provides a good indication of when your roof needs replacement.
Each roof has a certain lifespan, depending on the materials used.
- Asphalt/Composition shingles last 15-25 years.
- Wood shingles last 15-25 years.
- Rubber roofs last 30-50 years.
- Metal roofs last 50-75 years.
- Concrete tile roofs last 50-75 years.
These averages are dependent upon a number of factors, including proper maintenance, weather, and catastrophe. Some roofs that have been battered through volatile climates or have had upkeep neglected may need replacement before the typical end of the age.
Look for Signs of Roof Damage
When it’s time for your annual roof inspection, you will want to watch out for a handful of things, including:
- Mold
- Rot
- Sagging
- Cracked, damaged, or loose shingles
- Missing shingles
- Holes
- Dark spots
- Any signs of water damage or leaks
If your inspection catches any of these signs early enough, you may be able to have a roofing company perform repairs and maintenance instead of a full-on roof replacement. Discovering problems early can literally save you thousands of dollars.
By having your roof inspected twice a year, it is likely that you will discover any issues before they grow too big or cause too much damage. In that instance, a reputable roofing contractor will be able to provide the necessary repairs that your roof needs.
However, if the damage is extensive, if it has caused problems within the structure of your home, or if your roof is at the end of its life, you’ll want to have your roof replaced.
Look for Roof Leaks Inside your Home
If you think you might need a new roof, the first place to check isn’t your home exterior – it’s your attic. So arm yourself with a flashlight and climb up under the eaves. Look for beams of light coming through the top of your house or stains and streaks, which signal a leaky roof.
Leaks only get worse. Act quickly to address leaks once you’ve pinpointed yours. Fortunately, it takes only a moderate roof repair in many instances to fix the leak – for example, replacing a shingle. If you don’t feel uncomfortable on your roof or the leak seems extensive, do not hesitate to contact us.
Don’t Panic
Just because you have a few damaged shingles or a bit of a leak, don’t automatically assume that you need a whole new roof. If your roof has been properly installed and is younger than 15 or 20 years old, it may get by with repairs rather than a total replacement. When in doubt, fill out the form below for a free quote.