You Might Need To Replace Your Roof If You Notice These Signs
Do you know how to tell whether you need a roof replacement? So often, homeowners look up at their roof, notice that all of the shingles are still there, and conclude that their roof is just fine. But having all the shingles in place does not necessarily mean you don't need a new roof. Roofs can become quite worn and damaged without losing shingles. If you notice any of the following signs, it might be time for a new roof — even though you still have all of your shingles.
Missing Granules
Shingles are coated with little pieces of stone or cinders. This helps them shed water, and it gives them protection from the elements. However, as shingles age, the adhesives that hold the granules in place become less sticky. The shingles start losing granules, which makes them really fragile. It's usually time to replace a roof once it loses granules all over. You may see those granules in your gutters or on the ground around the edge of your roof. Or, you may simply notice that your shingles look black and overly smooth with few granules on their surface.
Moisture in the Attic
Head into your attic, and spend a little time poking around up there. Be as observant as possible. Do you notice any drips of moisture on the attic trusses, or on the floor of the attic? Maybe you see little spots of mold on the insulation, or perhaps the whole space has the aroma of mildew. These signs all mean you have moisture in the attic, which usually points to a deteriorating roof. Water could be seeping in around the edges of cracked or crumbling shingles. Or, it could be coming in through places where flashing is missing.
Loss of Efficiency
Have your heating bills gone way up? Maybe your AC bills have skyrocketed in the summer. There are lots of possible causes for these changes. Check out your HVAC system and your windows to see if they are at fault. If these problems don't explain your loss of efficiency, the roof could be the problem. It could have holes or areas where air is leaking in or out. This usually means the roof should be replaced soon.
A roofer can come look at your roof and tell you, for sure, whether a replacement is in your best interest. If you've noticed any of these signs, it's time to call them.
For more info about residential roof repair, contact a local company.
