Your roof is an important part of your home’s structure. It protects your house from pests, rain, snow, and the sun. Order yearly inspections and perform regular maintenance on your roof and gutters. Don’t wait until there are leaks before replacing the roof. By this time, there could already be significant damage to other parts of the home. Here are 5 signs you need a new roof.
1. Moisture in Attic is a Sign You Need a New Roof
Climb onto your roof and walk around, if you can safely. The surface should feel solid under your feet. If you find an area that is spongy, note the location and visit your attic. Check this area for damp insulation, water-stained wood, or sunlight showing between the roof boards. Even if you cannot safely access your roof, you can still examine the attic for signs of water damage that might indicate a leaking roof.
2. Damaged or Deteriorating Flashing Around the Chimney
Flashing is installed to protect parts of the roof that are especially prone to leaks. Many houses have tar or cement flashing. If this material is cracked or peeling, there could be water running underneath the shingles. Flashing is sometimes made from aluminum or galvanized steel. Over time, this flashing can oxidize and deteriorate or it may come loose. Damaged flashing is often the cause of a roof leak.
3. Compromised Roof Valleys
If there are damaged, missing, or improperly installed shingles along the valleys of your roof, you may need a new roof. Rain and snow are channeled through roof valleys and into your gutters. The valleys can become weak from continued exposure and this leads to leaks inside of your home.
4. Granules in Gutters are Signs You Need a New Roof
Roof shingles have a coating of mineral granules that protect them from weather and UV rays. Age is the biggest reason granules begin to shed. Check your gutters for granules collecting in them. If you notice them, usually after a heavy rain, your roof is losing its protective coating. This is one of the signs that you need a new roof.
5. Signs You Need a New Roof Include Missing or Buckled Shingles
Walk around your home and take notice of how the shingles lay on the roof. Look for any missing, broken, curved, or buckled shingles. A wind storm may have torn shingles off or lifted the edges. With age, shingles may begin to buckle, allowing water underneath. If your roof is reaching 20 years and you’re finding damaged shingles, you need a new roof.
Get a head start on planning for a roof replacement by checking for the above signs of wear and damage.
Cal Home Inspection offers home inspections to Greater Sacramento. Contact us to request an appointment.