If it’s been a while since you’ve had your roof looked at, repaired, or replaced, now’s the time to take action. You don’t need to immediately hire someone to replace your entire roof, but you should verify its condition.
While your best bet is to contact a roofing company to get a free inspection, there are some obvious signs of old roofing that you can look out for. Some of these signs you can see from the ground, while others will require a closer inspection.
Not sure what you’re looking for? No worries, we’re here to help. Keep reading for some quick tips on spotting signs of old roofing.
Look In Your Gutters
If your roofing material consists of asphalt shingles, you can check your gutter to see if the roof is in rough shape. Asphalt shingles are coated in crushed stone and minerals. As the shingles start to wear out, these granules break free and roll into your gutters.
If you feel comfortable and safe climbing up on a ladder, check your gutters for discarded granules. Some granules are to be expected. However, if there’s a lot of them in your gutters, getting a new roof might be in your future.
Do Some Research
Next, do a little digging to find out how old your home’s roof is. If you bought the house used from previous owners, you might not be able to find out. If you have their contact information, you can ask them directly.
Alternatively, you might be able to look through city records to find the permit pulled for the last roof replacement. Otherwise, get an inspection from a competent roofing contractor. They should be able to give you an estimate of its age.
Look for Damaged, Deformed, and Discolored Shingles
Old roofing materials generally show signs of aging. As noted above, you might be able to tell by the number of granules in your gutters.
If there’s a serious issue, the shingles will appear bald. As they bald, the shingles are more vulnerable to the sun’s rays, which will result in curling and deformation.
Obvious signs of aging are one of the benefits of installing asphalt shingles. If your roof is very old or has been through violent storms, you might also be missing shingles, flashing, and other materials.
Check for Water Leaks
If you don’t see anything from the ground and don’t feel comfortable getting on top of your roof, some signs of old roofing can be spotted from inside your house. If you have an attic space that’s unfinished, you might be able to see water trickling in during heavy rainfall.
If your entire house is finished and walled up look for signs of water damage in the walls and ceiling. This includes bubbling and discoloration.
Does Your Old Roofing Need to Be Replaced?
As you can see, there are plenty of signs of old roofing that you can use to determine whether or not it needs to be repaired or replaced. If you can’t tell from the ground or don’t trust your judgment, contact a roofing specialist in your area. And if you are in need of new roofing, they can provide you with a free quote.
For more homeownership tips and renovation advice, read through some of our other articles before you go. Our blog has a wide variety of helpful information created for readers like you.
