%20.png)
.jpg)
Do I Need a New Roof?
Six Places You Should Look For Signs that it is Time for a New Roof
Roofs are a curious thing. Despite being one of the most importat parts of your home, they often go on forgotten and neglected until it is too late. So here are the things you should look for when deciding if it is the right time for a new roof.
1. Look Outside your Window
The age of your roof is a big indicator on weather or not it is time for a new roof. A roof's life span is about 12-25 years. But if you haven't been in your home for that long, or you can't remember when it was done last, an easy way to judge is to look to your neighbors. If you see homes near by getting a new roof, chances are its time for your home too, as houses built around the same time and in the same area likely need new roofs at the same time. But don't let this be your only deciding factor, as there are many things that can contribute to the longevity of a roof.
2. Look at your Ceiling
If you went to the very exclusive college of Roofology and took classes to speak fluent Ceiling, your roof may tell you something. Or you could use this handy dandy cheat sheet, either works. You just need to check for these things:
-
Staining on the ceiling or walls
-
Cracks or bowing in the ceiling
-
Peeling or chipping paint on the ceiling
These are all signs of water damage, which could indicate a leaky roof. You should call for an inspection to figure out if its pesky plumbing or a roof in revolt.
3. Look in your Attic
If it's still unclear if your roof is on its last legs, grab your trustiest flash light and head on up to the attic.
-
Is there light filtering through the attic decking (ceiling)?
-
Is there any sign of moisture in the insulation?
-
Are there dark spots or streaks on the walls, ceilings, boards, or floor?
If any of these things are true, moisture is getting into your home, and that may be a sign that your roof is failing. Rotting decking, insulation and framing... the longer these go on ignored, the more expensive it will be to repair other parts of your home as well.
4. Look in your Gutters
It's time to take a walk outside and check up on a few more areas. The contents of your gutters can tell you a lot about the health of your roof.
-
Are there birds nesting in your gutters or over head? They think there is food near by, and they will damage your roof and siding to get to them!
-
Are there pieces of shingles or asphalt granules clogging up the works? A shedding roof is a dying roof.
-
Is there kick out flashing and gutter apron properly installed? If not, water can find it's way under the shingles and rot the wood trim and decking.
Gutters play an important role in protecting your home, from the foundation to the roof. If the gutters are missing or improperly installed, there will be problems
5. Look at your Roof
Before braving the unknown heights of your roof top, take a lap around the house and look at your roof.
-
Do you see any discoloration? Shingles fade over time, but any patches that are darker than the rest need to be examined closely.
-
Are there things growing on your roof such as mold, fungus or small plants? Where there is life, there is most likely water. Moister may have become trapped in the shingles, and they, as well as your decking, will begin to rot if they haven't already.
​
.jpg)
6. Look on your Roof
All right, we have put it off as long as possible, but it's time to clamber up the ladder and look closely at your roof. This section will get a little long, so bear with me.
Starting with the shingles
-
Are they laying straight?
-
Is there any sign of them curling?
-
Are they pulling up in any areas?
-
Are there any broken or missing shingles?
-
Are their any bald patches?
-
Are there any areas where the roof is sagging in on itself?
-
Are there any squishy areas?
Answering yes to these questions may mean that the roof was not professionally installed, or that the age of the shingles and roof decking have surpassed their usefulness.
6.5 Look on your Roof pt. 2
Time to take a closer look at those roof extrusions: vents, pipes, chimneys and satellites.
Starting with the chimney,
-
is there a cricket? (A tiny gable that directs water flow away from the chimney)
-
What is the flashing material? Tar and Cement signal an older roof, as metal flashing is now considered best practice.
-
If it is tar or cement, is it cracked, bubbled or rotting?
-
If it is metal flashing, is it rusted or pulling away from the roof?
Now look at those vents and pipes.
-
Are they damaged or rusted or crooked?
-
Is the flashing cracked, damaged or rusted?
Now we must look a little closer.
-
Are their holes that have been drilled on purpose for satellite dishes? These holes can't be safely patched with caulk. The decking beneath is likely also damaged, and water will make its way through.
One final thing to consider is whether or not you are planning on selling your home. A new roof is more attractive than you may think. Not only to potential buyers, but to their lenders and insurance companies. You can add value to the home with a new roof while increasing your likelihood of selling by bosting curb appeal and avoiding mortgage companies backing out of an agreement because of a risky roof.
​
These signs are not guaranteed to warrant a new roof, only a roofing professional can determine that, but don’t wait to find out. Most professional roofers won’t lay new shingles in the winter, so the summer months can get very busy for them. And there is no way to know the extent of the damage without a professional inspection. The next storm to roll through may be the one that brings the roof down.
​
A new roof is expensive, but not as expensive as the damage caused by a failed roof. And GeekSuite Exteriors has several financing options available. So please don’t wait any longer to give your house the roof it deserves.
