A leaky roof isn’t just a nuisance, it can cause major damage both visible and invisible. Water cascading down from the ceiling shouldn’t be your first indication you have a roof problem. Look for these signs indicating your roof needs replacement.
Inspect Shingles
One of the first places roofing contractors St Charles County MO look at are the shingles. Heavy storms and high winds can dislodge a shingle or two leaving gaps in the roof to allow water in. Over time, the shingles can buckle, crack or become damaged in other ways. Repairing those patches of bad shingles before they become a bigger problem can prolong the life of your roof. The contractor also looks at the granules on the shingles, too few indicates it’s probably time to replace them.
Attic Inspection
The attic is a great place to hunt for signs of a leaking roof. As the first stop in the interior, the attic is accessible through an access door or ladder. Streaks, stains or beams of light coming from above all indicate a problem with the roof.
Noticeable Problems
Standing outside look up at your roof. Any noticeable signs of drooping or sagging areas may need immediate attention. The lower points of a roof may be the first spots that experience sagging, trapped moisture or have rotting boards.
Roof Installation
Look for any paperwork indicating the last time the roof was replaced. It is recommended to replace a layered shingle roof every 20 years and 20 to 25 years for asphalt shingle roofs. If it’s earlier than that, look to see what type of warranty coverage you have for the roof.
Check Flashing
The flashing system helps extend the life of the roof. A metal flashing system is the better alternative, but some older homes have tar or roof cement flashing. Breaks or cracks in the flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights can allow water to leak into the home. A good contractor looks at all these places before making a recommendation for a new roof.
