Have you owned your home for more than 20 years? It might be time to check for signs of an aging roof. Even if you haven’t been in your current home for that long, if your home is older than 20 years, it’s possible that your roof may be at least that old or even older.
As your home’s roof is one of the most important areas to care for, it’s important to watch for these warning signs of an aging roof. Depending on how many of these signs you see, your roof may be in dire need of repair or possibly even replacement.
Even if you don’t see anything wrong with your roof, you may have seen a roofing contractor busy in your neighborhood. Are the homes nearby you built around the same time? Ask yourself why people are suddenly having professional work done on their roofs. How close is my own home’s roof needing to be replaced?
If your roof has asphalt shingles, you can find out a few things right away. The first obvious signs that a roof needs work can be told from the state of your current roofing shingles. Curled shingles, cupped shingles, or cracked shingles are all important warning signs. Also, if you notice any shingles missing, that’s a red flag.
One common shingle problem that may require you to look a bit closer for are “bald spots” where granules are missing. Also, if the roof shingles just look worn out overall, it’s likely that they probably need to be replaced. Two other common roof replacement warnings include moss growing on shingles or dark streaking caused by airborne algae. These could suggest a moisture problem in the roof system.
The question then becomes, can my roof be repaired, can the shingles just need replacing, or do I need a complete roof replacement? This is when infrared inspections for roofs come in handy. Not everything about a roof can be seen with the naked eye, especially when it comes to hidden water damage.
Using infrared technology can identify hidden problems with the roof system. These inspections can reveal issues with damaged roof underlayment or areas where caulking and sealant have failed. This information will help you decide what the best course of action is when dealing with your home’s aging roof.
Before you call any contractors to do new roof work on your home, gather as much information as possible. That way you can get a more accurate estimate in the actual work that needs to be done. Peace of mind is everything knowing that your home is putting a strong roof over your head.