We rely heavily on our homes. It is where we start and end our days, it is where we cook and eat and sleep and live our lives. Because of this, it is important to keep up with your home and take care of it, this doesn’t just mean on the inside but on the outside as well. In particular, keeping up with your roof is very important.

Your roof is what really makes your house a house. Roof maintenance is important, but sometimes a roof just needs to be replaced. Understanding some of the signs of your roof needing replacing can help save you from disaster.

Leaks

One of the first things that you want to look for when it comes to figuring out if you need to replace your roof is leaks. While your home may not have any obvious leaks, there could still be some that are hiding that aren’t bad enough to be obvious yet. One of the easiest ways to check to see if your roof is leaking is by going up to the attic, armed with a flashlight. In the attic, you can shine your flashlight on the ceiling and look for spots where a little bit of light is coming through. These spots where light comes through are leaks. If you find a good number of leaks, it is a good idea to consider replacing your roof.

Shingles/Tiles

Most roofs are made up of many tiles or shingles. A simple way to see if your roof needs to be replaced is by taking a look at the shingles or tiles on your roof. What you want to look for is damaged, broken, and missing shingles or tiles.If many of these tiles or shingles are broken or missing, it may be time for a new roof.

Rot

Keeping your roof in good shape is important. Not only will a bad roof affect the look of your home, but also can be a safety hazard. Roof rot can cause your roof to have structural problems and is cause for a new roof. A rotting roof usually will sag and be noticeably damaged. The best fix for a rotting roof is to replace it.

Excess Moisture

We know that too much moisture is not good for most things. When your roof has excess moisture though, it can cause things like moss, mold, and fungi to grow. This can leave your roof rotting and also can damage the shingles or tiles on your roof. If you see signs of plant growth on your roof, it can be a sign of excess moisture, which can mean you need to further investigate your roof’s quality.

Age

Over time, things wear down, this includes your roof. Different types of roofs last for different amounts of time based on things like the weather, location, and care. Asphalt shingles generally last between 15 and 30 years. Metal roofs last between 40 and 70 years. Wood shingles last usually about 30 years. Clay tiles last between 50 and 100 years. Slate tile lasts around 75-200 years. Checking to see how old your roof is can allow you to better determine if you need to replace your roof or not.

Getting a new roof is a big decision. Understanding some of the signs that you need a new roof can help you prepare to need a new roof, and determine if you need one now. Don’t wait, go take a look at your roof today!