How To Tell If You Need A New Roof

As a homeowner of an older or aging home, you are probably wondering how to tell if you need a new roof. Also, I’m sure you are wondering when and how often your roof should be replaced.

The first and easiest way to evaluate the condition of your roof is to grab a flashlight and head up to your attic. Make sure to grab a good flashlight with a bright light and always be sure to be safe as you perform these inspections. Once you are in your attic, look for some of these signs.

Need a new roof

4 Signs To Tell You If You Need A New Roof

 

1) Light Shining Through The Roof Boards

Before you turn your flashlight on, see if you see any streams of light coming through cracks or holes in your roof. If you do spot light coming through your roof, repair or replace your roof immediately. If light is getting through your roof, then water is getting through as well.

2) Streaks & Stains

This one is also particularly easy to identify. If you see stains or dark streaks on the underneath side of your roof or running down the walls from the base of your roof, then your roof is likely leaking, and moisture is damaging both your roof, as well as your home’s interior structure.

3) Sagging Areas

If you identify sagging and moist areas in your roof, use your hand or an object to lightly poke at the sagging spot. If the spot feels soft and wet or bends easily when you poke at it, you know you have moisture damage and leaking in your roof.

4) Leaks & Water Damage

Also, make sure to look for any obvious signs of water leaking or wood rot on the inside of your roof. If you see any clear signs of water damage, you should contact one of our professionals to inspect your roof immediately. This will keep from any other damages occurring.

 

 

 

Do I need a new roof

You Will Also Need to Perform An Exterior Roof Inspection As Well.

Once you have performed an interior roof inspection, it is also a good idea to take a look at your roof from the outside. Interior roof checks are essential because they will help you identify roof damage that has already reached the interior of your roofing structure.

 

Exterior roof checks are essential, as well as a money-saver because they help you to identify “roof damage” before it actually becomes major roof damage.

 

An exterior roof check is a great thing for homeowners to perform on a regular basis, when they are able-bodied and have the right equipment. However, exterior roof checks are dangerous. So, if you are physically challenged or do not possess the right equipment, please consider calling a professional to perform a roof inspection. Once you are on your roof look for some of these signs.

 

1) Dark Streaks & Stains

In the same way that you performed the interior roof inspection, look for any visible dark streaks or stains that would imply water damage. If it looks like damage, it probably is.

2) Leaks & Water Damage

Obvious leaks, stains, sagging, and rotting tiles are all clear signs of water damage to your roof. Do not ignore these types of damages, no matter how small they seem, because they will only continue to get worse.

3) Rotting

Rotting is common for wooden and asphalt roofs. Look for signs of rotting and decaying. Signs of this type of damage would be rotten tiles, missing & broken shingles, or moldy buildup on an area.

4) Moss & Algae

Fortunately, algae growth and buildup are not normally a sign that you need to repair or replace your roof. Rather, moss is more of just an eyesore to your roof and one that is extremely common in humid geographic regions. We can do a soft wash on your roof to remove any moss or algae you might have.

5) Decaying Shingles

While rot is common to wooden and asphalt roofs, decay & cracking are common to shingle roofs. Look for spots with missing shingles, as well as spots with shingles that are broken, curling or buckling.

6) Lots of Shingle Granules In The Gutter

Another easy way to identify damage to your shingles is to look for particles and pieces of your shingles in your gutter. If you find pieces of your shingles washed down to your gutter, then your roof could be susceptible to greater water damage and roof decay.

7) Damaged Chimney & Roof Flashing

Flashing is most commonly found around the base of your chimney. If your flashing is made of roof cement or tar, then it is more vulnerable to water damage. Consider replacing it with a more durable metal flashing system.

8) Roof Valley

“Roof valley” is the spot where two parts of your roof (sloping down) meet each other. This is one of the most common areas for roof damage because snow and rain flow through valleys into gutters.

 

9) Roof Age

One easy way to be sure you need a roof replacement is if your roof is older than 20 years old.

After you have finished your interior and exterior roof inspection, make note of any damages you noticed during your inspection. Then do your research and call a professional roofing inspector to come evaluate your roof’s condition.

Roof damage

Shingle Roof

  • Shingle Roof Replacement
  • Shingle Roof Repair
  • Roof Cleaning
  • Roof Blowing
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Metal Roof

  • Metal Roof Replacement
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Replacing the roof on your home isn’t something any homeowner is looking forward too.  If your roof hasn’t been replaced in 15 to 20 years then it is a good time for a thorough roof inspection from BC Roofing Services. It is possible you may need a roof replacement, or just a small roof repair. We service the Low Country area.

Would you like to replace your current asphalt shingle roof with an upgraded architectural shingle or a metal roofing system?  We are here to help you and your family get the roof you desire. Please call us today to get your free estimate or request an appointment online.

BC HandyMan & Roofing Services Specialize In...

  • Complete tear off and replacements
  • Plywood & Decking repairs & replacements
  • High 2, & 3 story difficult installs
  • Asphalt shingles, TPO