Precipitation usually hits your home from the top down, making your roof the first line of defense against rain, snow and sleet. How do you know when it’s time to call in the reinforcements? Use the following tips to help you decide if your roof still has a few years left, if you need to consider simple repaira or if it’s time to fully replace your roofing Orleans County NY.
Warranty and Age
Various types of roofing have different lifespans. When purchasing a home, you should ask the seller when the roof was installed or last serviced. Check the warranty of the brand and the type of shingle used to determine whether it’s time to replace them.
Leaks
It can be difficult to pinpoint the source of water leakage. Sometimes the leak can be traced to a damaged seal around a vent pipe or flashing. In northern climates, a leak may be due to ice damming. Because of the many paths water can take, it may be necessary to enlist a qualified contractor to assess the situation.
Warped Shingles
Warpage is a sign that shingles are beginning to break down. If the shingles don’t lay flat, this invites water to work its way underneath, causing even more damage. When this affects only a few shingles, spot replacement can be sufficient. If many of your shingles are misshapen, then it’s a sign of the need for roof replacement.
Shedding Asphalt Granules
Asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material, have embedded mineral grains that give the shingles their color as well as other properties. As shingles age, these granules can come loose, and you may find them in gutters and on the ground along the drip edge. Large deposits of these granules may indicate that the shingles have lost their adhesion and are ready for replacement.
Moss and Plant Growth
Aging and lifting can cause shingles to retain moisture, creating an environment for moss and tree seedlings to take root. If you see this happening across a large swath of roofline, it could be a sign that the shingles are not shedding water but are instead absorbing it.
Your roof provides important protection for your home. A visual inspection can help you decide whether it’s time for repairs or a replacement.