When you’re considering replacing your roof, the first step to arrive to a decision is to know what you’re looking for. With the following considerations, you will be able to determine whether it is now time to replace your roof.
Signs of Roof Damage
1. Cracking
If your roof is cracking, then you will most definitely have to replace the shingles on your roof. The scope of replacement, however, will depend on how soon you caught a glimpse of this problem. This is why vigilance is a very important factor.
2. Wind Damage
The trouble with wind-damaged roofs is that there will be some exposed spots which are very difficult to detect on your own. This will especially be the case if the shingles on your roof have been completely lifted. A shingle which has been lifted from your roof due to strong winds may have loosened the nails or the sealant – which in turn means that replacement is vital.
3. Exposed Nails
Exposed nails tend to get rusted, and also are a common reason for leaky roofs. Depending on the number of exposed nails there are, or how long they’ve been exposed for, you may be looking at a problem that requires roof replacement.
4. Granules Missing
Roofs tend to lose granules and will continue to do so over a period of time. Now, whether you need minor repairs or a completely new roof will clearly depend on the age of your roof and how many granules have torn off.
5. Curling
If you see curling shingles on your roof, it may actually be a sign of a larger issue. The biggest issue of them all is leaking and will definitely require roof replacement. Shingles tend to curl particularly when they aren’t lined effectively in the first place, or when they have gotten old. Other reasons why this may happen is because you have a layered roof, or have poor ventilation in your attic.
If you see curling shingles on your roof, the best thing you can do is get them checked as soon as possible .
6. Leakage
Naturally, if you have a leaking roof, you shouldn’t waste time to get it fixed. Leaky roofs will take no time to cause really extensive property and structural damages in your home. Follow this link to find out 10 reasons for roof leaks.
7. Roof Cement
Metal flashing has the ability to prevent leakages where shingles meet another surface – such as your chimney or walls. An effective flashing job may take some time and technical knowledge, which is why some sloppy roofers resort to using roof cement instead.
Roof cement can seal water leakages for long enough for these roofers to cash your check. As soon as it has hardened, however, the cement will begin forming leaks and cracks. At the end of it all, cement will only make proper repair of your roof a little more difficult.
This is why, if you see a patchwork on your roof that involves heavy tar, then you need to fix it right before it begins forming leaks. As we mentioned before, leakages won’t take time to lead to extensive interior damages in your home. You may, however, choose to hold off on replacing your entire roof.
8. No Chimney Cricket
Wide chimneys tend to form a dam on your roof. If this is the case with your roof, you will notice debris buildups right behind this dam which also holds in moisture. This will then eventually lead to wood rot and rusted flashing.
Any chimney on a roof that is wider than 30” automatically requires saddles or crickets. These are basically small roof extensions that are built right behind the chimney. If the chimney cricket is installed properly, then debris and water will be efficiently directed off the roof. If, however, your chimney doesn’t have this, you should be vigilant of holes that will be formed because of rust through the flashing.
If you are planning on getting a new roof, you should make sure that your contract includes a chimney cricket.
9. Missing Kick-Out Flashing
Kick-out flashing refers to where your roof meets its sidewall. Without these, the runoff from your roof will flow down or even into the wall. After such a situation occurs, it is possible that the water might seep into the wall and lower down to the windows or doors below.
Another consideration here is the fact that this problem could be neglected for years. Eventually, however, the rot will have destroyed the framing and sheathing and, in some really extreme cases, your stucco may be the only thing holding the wall up!
This problem doesn’t necessarily mean your whole roof needs a replacement. You will, however, need your contractor to fix this issue.
10. Missing Gutter Aprons
When you see water flowing off the edge of your roof, you will see some of it cling onto the underside of your roof’s shingles. When this happens, you will notice that it dribbles down towards its fascia. If you find that you have a gutter but no gutter apron to stop the flow of water, then it will end up in the wick behind your gutter. As a result of this, your roof sheathing will begin to rot and you will begin noticing water stains below your gutter.
If you notice something like this, then you will have found a sure sign that your roof has a missing gutter apron. Even though you really won’t need a new roof because of this, you might have to get certain sections of your roof replaced down the road.
That said, you should also know that the best time to add gutter aprons is when you’re replacing the shingles on your roof. It is also possible to slip a new gutter apron under your existing shingles with a dab of cement can help glue it in place.
While these were some sure signs of roof damage, it is also important to know how to inspect your roof for damages after a storm. Click on the link to find out.
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