It is essential that your home have a structurally sound roof. Your homes roof offers the first line of defense against the elements. In order prevent minor issues from turning into something major it is vital to recognize potential problems and handle them as they arise. Below you will find information to consider in determining if it is time to replace your roof.
The Age of Your Roof
Most roofing contractors agree that shingle roofs only last about twenty to thirty years. Shingle roofing over thirty years old may look good from the ground but be suffering from a myriad of complex issues. Even if your homes roof looks great from the ground be sure to have a roofing contractor inspect the overall well-being of the structure to assess the overall condition of the roof.
Curling Shingles
There are two ways in which shingles can curl on a roof. Cupping is when the edges of the shingles start to turn upwards. Clawing is when the shingle edges are flat but the middle of the shingle starts to come up. No matter which way your shingles are curling the indication is the same. The shingles are weathered and are at risk for leaking. Roofing contractors suggest that roofs showing signs of curling should be replaced within the next year to retain the integrity of the roofs structure.
Missing Shingling
As far as the function of your roof is concerned replacing a few shingles that come loose or that are missing. It may difficult to find replacement shingles that match your current roof. If you start to notice the shingles being bare of granules or your roof turning into a checker board then it may be time to replace the roof instead of trying to keep replacing the missing shingles.
Cracked Shingles
When a shingle becomes cracked or damaged it is most often because of wind damage. If just a few of the shingles are cracked you are probably okay to just replace them. If you or your roofing contractor notice that the cracked shingles are located sporadically throughout the roof it may be time to start thinking about replacing your entire roof. When you see cracked shingles the roof has about two to three years left before it becomes an absolute necessity to be replaced.
Gutter Granules
Loose granules located in gutters are a familiar site after a roof has been replaced however if you begin to see these granules emerge after the roof has been in place for a few years it is a sure sign the roof is going to need to be replaced. The granules on asphalt shingles is in place to keep the sun off of the asphalt. When the granules start to fall off of the shingles the roof will begin to “bake” leading to quicker deterioration.
Other issues that roofing contractors say to look for is shingles covered in moss or algae, if you see sunlight from anywhere in your attic or if you notice that the roof is beginning to sag. As stated earlier, the homes roof is its first defense against the elements. It is crucial in providing protection for the structural integrity of your home.
Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs. You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.