My parents needed some help adding onto their home of 20 years. The good son that I am, was willing to help them accomplish their need. When I was on the roof adding some sealant between the newly finished addition and the preexisting home, I noticed a few things about the old roof. So I decided to do some research on how to see the signs your roof needs replaced.
Major Concerns
Here are a few of the things that I noticed when inspecting my parents roof for signs of wear and and possible need for replacement. Remember this is not an all inclusive list of signs of wear or damage, but it is a list of things to notice.
Edges of shingles are curling
If your shingles are lifting or curling at the edge of the shingle this is a sign that the shingle needs to be replaced. This makes the shingle more susceptible to lifting more and or completely blowing off in a windstorm. It also is a compromised area of the roof and will allow moisture into your home.
Missing granules
If you have areas of missing granules or bald areas of your shingles where the little gritty like stones are missing this is a sign of a compromised shingle. If you don’t want to get on your roof to see if your shingles are missing it’s granules then look to see if you have any granules that have come out of your gutters rain spout. It it looks like you have an abundance of granules then it might be time to replace your roof.
Cracked Shingles
The signs of cracked shingles might not be as apparent to the naked eye from the ground. You might have to get a ladder out to look for this sign (make sure you are safe). It might be easier to have a professional come to your home to check this out. When a shingle is cracking it is a sign of age and can be a source of moisture in your home. It is also a risk of further damage to your home if you experience high winds. This can cause the shingle to lift and blow off your home.
There are many other signs of a worn or damaged roof too. It is best to have a professional come out and inspect your roof if the home is more than 20 years old and hasn’t had any major roof repair done. Also check with your insurance company to see if your roof is covered in your policy. If it is then the major cost of replacing the roof won’t seem so overwhelming.