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.