The roof is one of the most important investments for your home you can make. Your roof has to endure immense wear and tear from outdoor elements, especially during fierce Michigan winters. Your roof has to be able to withstand all types of extreme weather in order to keep your household cozy when Mother Nature’s at her worst. A proper roof stabilizes the structure, making it safe to shelter in for many years to come.
Because your roof has such significance, it’s vital you keep an eye on its health so you can intervene should you begin to see hints that your roof needs repairs or replacement. Knowing the warning signs of roof damage can prevent even costlier repairs down the road. Keep an eye out what you need to know to determine if you need a new roof and when to call a trustworthy roofing company to talk about roof replacement.
1. Curled, Missing, Discolored, or Cracked Shingles
Shingles hold up against the weather year after year. It’s no surprise when some end up with visible damage. However, this wear and tear is one of the ways you know your roof needs replacing. Cracked, warped, curled, discolored, or missing shingles can indicate roof damage that’ll become a more serious issue in the future.
You may not be able to see these signs of wear unless you get up onto your roof. Regular roof inspections can help catch these signs before they become a problem.
2. Asphalt Granules in Your Gutters
Many types of roof shingles have asphalt granules embedded in the surface in order to add color, protect against UV rays, and improve fire resistance. These granules are an important part of a roof’s lifespan. When the asphalt begins to fall out of the shingle, you know you need a new roof because it’s typically a red flag it will need replacing.
Inspect your gutters and the ground around your downspouts for excessive amounts of shed granules. While some loss is normal as your roof endures wear, extreme loss indicates an issue. Should you see granules after a big storm, call a roofing professional to discuss the damage, and potential insurance claims.
3. Leaks in Your Roof
Not all roof leaks mean you need a new roof. Minor roof leaks can be generally easy-to-repair and a reliable roofing contractor can handle these relatively quickly. Other leak types might indicate storm damage, installation flaws, or worn roofing materials.
A professional roof inspection can reveal the extent of an issue. If you notice a roof leak, call your roofing contractor right away to prevent water and mold damage.
4. Vegetation or Moss Growing in Your Roof
No one wants an impromptu rooftop garden on their house. While there are types of roof damage that can be difficult for the untrained eye to spot, moss and vegetation sprouting out of your roof indicate an obvious problem, and can be sure ways of knowing when you need a new roof. Call your roofing company and learn more about your options for a new roof.
You may notice black streaks on your rooftop. These are usually caused by algae, which does not necessarily point to a roof replacement. Your trusted roofing pro should know how to soft wash a roof and can handle this for you.
5. Age
How often do you need a new roof? Typically, your roof should have a lifespan of 15-30 years, depending on the materials used. If your roof is starting to reach this age, it’s important to have it inspected regularly. Regular maintenance can help keep your roof strong, holding off a replacement until you firmly decide on a new roof for your home.
Conclusion
If you have concerns about your roof, are unclear as to knowing when you need a new roof, or are in search of local roofing contractors you can trust, Southeast Michigan roofing professionals, Horizon Roofing and Construction is your one stop shop for all your roof repair needs. Request your honest, risk-free roof evaluation today!