One of the most important and most expensive components of your home is the roof. Whether it has reached the end of its life or it has been damaged by severe weather, it is important to recognize when you need a new roof. A new roof provides weather-proofing for your home and prevents damage to the house while keeping you and your family safe.
Do I Need a New Roof?
While you might not notice every sign, you will see some of the signs below when it’s time for a replacement.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
If you see compromised shingles, it is time to get a professional evaluation. Shingles may curl or buckle with age or you may notice that patches of them are missing.
In some instances, you can replace just a few shingles instead of recovering the whole roof. A professional inspector will tell you if you need a new roof or if repairs are sufficient.
Roof Leaks
A leak means that your roof has been damaged. You might notice a water spot on the ceiling. Take a look in the attic for water-stained wood or damp insulation. If you notice light coming through in the attic, this is another sign of defects or damage. If the leak is expansive or if there are multiple areas that are compromised, it’s best to consider installing a new roof.
Age Can Help Determine if You Need a New Roof
Depending on the materials used, a roof will last approximately 20 years. As it approaches the end of its life, inspect it for signs of damage or wear. When ordering an inspection, choose a home inspector who has an aerial drone to easily inspect areas that are difficult to access.
Granules
A telltale sign that it’s time to replace the roofing is when granules from the shingles show up in the gutters or downspouts. This is a problem because the granules protect the shingles from the elements. A damaged shingle or two is a minor repair, however, missing granules on most of the shingles mean it’s probably time to replace your roof.
After a Storm
Storms can cause a lot of damage. Heavy winds may lift shingles and allow water to enter the home, causing damage to the roofing and the interior of the house. If you are concerned about it after a storm, have it inspected by a professional. Even better, order a wind mitigation inspection before hurricane season to learn how to protect your home from wind damage.
Some issues require a complete replacement and other problems can be remedied by simple repairs. Ignoring small problems will lead to a large problem and more expensive repairs down the road.
Nico Home Inspections provides home inspection services to Southeast Florida and uses drones for roof inspections when necessary. Contact us to schedule an appointment.