A roof doesn’t last forever. There will come a time when your roof may become compromised in different ways that will require repairs or even a full replacement. There are many layers and components to a roof and figuring out whether it is time to repair or replace it usually requires the aid of a knowledgeable professional who can perform a thorough inspection and offer advice. There are some things you can look for that will clue you in that it is time to give that roof some much-needed attention.
Clogged Gutters
Let’s start with an assessment of the gutters and downspouts. These are key elements in any roofing system. They are necessary to catch and divert water away from the building and the foundation. Gutters can get clogged with leaves, pine needles, tree nuts, and sediment. If gutters are clogged, water can back up under the roof perimeter flashing, also known as the drip edge, and damage the roof deck or cause leaks. It is prudent to have your landscape maintenance crew or roofer clear out clogged gutters as an annual routine maintenance program.
Deteriorated Flashings
Flashings are an essential component of every roofing system. When properly installed, they protect the eave perimeters, valleys, roof penetrations, and side walls from surface leaks. All flashing materials, including metal and bituminous or rubber membranes, are subject to deterioration. If you are seeing any moisture around skylights, vent pipe penetrations, and chimneys these may be able to be repaired without having to replace the entire roof.
Worn, Buckled, Moss Covered, or Missing Shingles
Age is the biggest determining factor in when a roof should be fully replaced. If you know the age of the roof, you will be wise to start looking for surface deterioration at around 15 years for older roofs and 25 for better quality roofs. Wear is normal with age. This can be accelerated due to exposure to sun, wind, snow, hail, and pollutants.
You may notice discoloration on the side of the roof that faces south much of the day. Buckled or missing shingles from strong winds and temperature extremes are also easy to spot. In some cases, these can be replaced without having to do a full roof replacement.
Noticeable Leaks
Roof leaks can occur from ice damming at the eaves or valleys, improperly installed or deteriorated flashings, and overall roof failure. If you are experiencing visible leaks on the interior surfaces, that is a good indication that your roof is in need of replacement. This is the time to have a professional perform an assessment and offer suggestions as to how to move forward to prevent any further damage to the structure and interior.
You can perform a visual inspection of your roof and the ceiling of your space to determine if your roof needs some attention. Knowing the age of the roof is an important step and that should be disclosed to you in your initial property inspection report. There are some maintenance steps you can take to prolong the life of your roof, such as clearing debris from gutters, removing ice and snow, power washing the surface, and replacing deteriorated flashing and shingles. However, if you are experiencing leaks on the interior, it is best to consult with a licensed roofing expert to discuss full roof replacement.
