Many of the repair and renovation projects in your home are obvious ones. You know when something is broken, no longer performing as it should or just doesn’t look good, making it clear that it’s time for a repair or replacement. Then there are those projects that are equally as important but they aren’t always as obvious. The roof can typically fall into the latter category. Unless the roof is leaking and causing water damage in the home, it may not always be obvious that it’s time for a replacement.
With that said, you never want to get to the point where water is coming into your home; instead, it’s wise to act before it gets to that state. So, how can you tell if your shingled roof needs replacing this year? We’ve got some basic signs that you can look for.
Shingles are Curling or Lifting
Over time, the asphalt shingles are exposed to all kinds of inclement weather plus the harmful rays of the sun. The sun can prove to be the most damaging of all as it causes the shingles to dry out, shrink and then start to curl. Not only that, but they can become very brittle as they dry off, making it easier for them to lift and even blow right off during a windy or stormy day.
Shingles are Missing
This is one step further than curling or lifting shingles, as they can also fall or blow off, leaving bare patches on the roof. This is noticeable from the ground so you shouldn’t have a problem spotting this red flag. All you need to do is walk the perimeter of the house looking at all sections of the roof.
The Shingles Start to Look Bare
When you look at shingles up close, you’ll see they are covered in all kinds of granules that almost look like tiny pebbles. These will help to add to the color and create interest and they also act as a UV protectant so the shingle doesn’t dry out as fast. Over time, the granules will start to fall off, usually after heavy rainstorms.
The Age of the Roof Plays a Big Role
Even if your roof appears to be generally in decent condition, you also need to factor in age. Shingle roofs have a typical lifespan of 20 years. At this point, you need to start paying closer attention to its condition.
Have the Professionals Take a Look
If you’d rather not have to guess yourself, then the best tip is to have a professional roofer come out and take a look, as they can go up on the roof and do a proper inspection. The whole roof may need to be replaced, or you may be lucky and just require some minor repairs to extend its lifespan. Homeowners can check out companies like Rock Solid Exteriors, known as one of the best roofers in Michigan.
As a homeowner, it’s always important to be on top of repairs. So, knowing the signs to watch for when it comes to your roof is essential.
