A roof is one of the most important parts of a home, and it is never worth ignoring signs that the roof needs to be repaired or replaced. These signs may not be obvious at first, but a quick check of your roof every couple of months -- especially before and after rainy seasons if you live in a place with a good deal of precipitation -- will suffice. Keep reading below for just a few of the things you should look out for that signal the need for a roof replacement.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are often hard to spot from street level, but they are one of the most important signs that your roof may need to be replaced. Shingles on older roofs can easily be blown off during a major storm, leaving entire sections of the roof vulnerable to rot. If just a handful of missing shingles have not been replaced for several months, you may want to call a professional roofer who can not only diagnose any larger problems that have been caused as a result, but also recommend further actions that need to be taken.
Damaged Flashing
Many new homeowners are unaware of just how crucial flashing is to the structural integrity of their entire home. Flashing is usually constructed of metal, though on older homes, it can also be made of rubber or roofing felt. Its primary purpose is to direct water away from places where shingles and other structures meet. Most commonly, flashing can be seen surrounding the bases of a home's chimney and vents. If your roof's flashing has already been damaged for a significant amount of time, it may be that your roof has suffered irreparable damage as a whole and must be replaced.
Severe Sagging
Unless you have the right line of sight on your roof, it may be difficult to spot sagging. This phenomenon can occur for any number of reasons: water damage, too much weight on the roof, and simple old age are just some of the most common culprits. In fact, you may not notice until you see cracks in the walls or signs that support beams that have been shifted. At this point, it is almost always too late to repair the roof. Instead, look into contacting a professional roofer in your area who can replace the entire roof and prevent further structural damage to your home.
Contact a roof replacement service near you to learn more.
