Most people don’t think about the roof over their heads until a leak ruins their furniture, electronics, or another item.  One sure way to know you need a roof replacement is if your roof is older than 20 years old. However, age isn’t the only determining factor when considering a roof repair or replacement. While nothing beats a thorough inspection by a professional, here are some of the most common signs that may indicate you need a new roof. 

1) Light Through the Roof Boards

The first place you should check is the interior of your attic if you have one. Look for daylight coming through the interior boards at the top of the house — if light is coming through there, then so is water. Also, look for dark streaks and visibly sagging areas. That also means there is too much moisture and you most likely have a leak.

2) Buckling or Missing Shingles

Take a look at the slopes of your home that get direct sunlight as well as the “roof valley” — these are the spots where two parts of your roof that are sloping down meet each other. Shingles should lie flat against the roof. If you notice the shingles are curled, buckled, cracked, or losing granules, you should contact a professional to get them repaired or have your room inspected. The area beneath them may have additional damage. 

3) Broken Flashing

Flashing is the material used to cover joints and seams on your roof around chimneys, vents, and skylights to prevent water seepage. Older homes often use roof cement or tar, which tends to crack and break with time and temperature fluctuations. Metal flashing systems are now the preferred method since they’re more efficient and they last longer. Regardless of whether or not your tar flashing is damaged, it’s a good idea to upgrade before it fails.

4) Sagging or Drooping Roof

If you look at your roof’s surface and you see rotting or decaying boards, sagging spots, or missing or broken tiles you should address these issues as soon as possible and have your roof inspected by a professional. Damage such as sagging or dropping can have costly consequences if ignored for too long.

Scrutinize Roof Shingles

The shingles that line your roof are the first line of defense for your roof. Damaged or missing shingles mean a leaky roof. If those shingles are lifting up, it is easier for water to get into the underlayment and into the house. Over time, water and wind from storms beat down on the roof and wear away the grit of the asphalt shingles diminishing their effectiveness.

Not all damaged shingles will be visibly lifting up, but that’s not the only sign they need to be replaced. Torn shingles and shingle creases are two other common signs that those shingles need to be replaced. Hercules Roofing believes that not all roofs need a replacement. Instead, many problems, like shingle replacement, can and should be repaired before the problem turns into a leak.

Inspect Roof Flashing

Roof flashing is usually made from rust-resistant metal, and it is placed around skylights, chimneys, and vents to create a barrier between the roof and the inside. It also runs along the valleys and crevices of the roof to direct water. Caulk is used to create a seal, and this caulk could wear over time.

Monitoring the points of contact on your roof with flashing is another way to take spot problems before they start. Summer heat can cause the caulk to swell and contract over time which wears it away. If you do notice worn-out caulking or leaks, call Hercules Roofing as soon as possible. We offer 24/7 emergency roof repair and inspections. Taking care of the problem before it gets worse could save you a lot of money in repair bills.

Check Your Drains And Gutters

Clogged drains and gutters can create a multitude of problems. Water overflow could accumulate around your home causing erosion at the foundation. Also, leaves and debris in the gutter are great places for pests to hide, and these pests will eventually find their way into your home. But for your roof, it could cause the shingles to rot and leaks inside your home leading to even bigger problems like mold.