How to Tell if You Need a New Roof

Ah, yes, the roof. The holy grail of home protection, the shelter from the storm, the cherry on top of your home’s aesthetic. It can be easy to overlook a roof’s importance to the modern home until it shows signs of leakage, cracks, or other eye-catching problems. Since roof problems can range from superficial to safety issues, it’s essential to know when your roof needs to be replaced. This way, you can stop any problems before they get out of control and become costly. Below you’ll find some helpful tips on knowing when to get a new roof:

• Check Inside – Most of your roof’s issues can be found inside the house, specifically in your attic. Once you’re up the ladder and scouting around with a flashlight, look for light beams shooting through your roof, stains, and streaks – all indicating a leaky roof.

• Inspect Your Roof’s Exterior – Always check your roof after intense storms. It’s wise to watch for unusual patterns in your roof, such as cracks or buckling, which will need prompt repair.

• Check Your Gutters And Downspouts – If your roof has shingles, look for granules lining your gutters and downspouts. These granules are the exterior coating of the shingles that look like tiny black beads. If it’s losing granules, it is probably nearing the end of its life.

• Find Any Water Damage – Water damage is one of the most serious (and unpredictable) roof problems. While you might not experience any leaks, there could be trapped moisture or rotting boards weakening the roof slowly but surely. If it looks saggy and droops inward, replace your roof immediately before more damage occurs.

• Locate Any Moss Or Plant Life – Though it doesn’t look like it, moss on your roof usually means other uninvited guests, such as mold and fungi, which are evidence of trapped moisture. Use a nice, sturdy brush with stiff bristles to remove it. However, check for any underlying issues – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

• Have A Professional Inspect Your Roof – To fully understand your roof’s condition, have an expert assess the situation. That way, you’ll know that all the bases have been covered and nothing’s been missed. 

Even if your roof doesn’t show any “serious” signs of damage, it’s always good to get it checked, as the issue could simply not be visible to the untrained eye. If you’re in doubt, consider contacting Chastain Roofing to check the condition of your roof. With more than 25 years of experience, our team is fully certified, using only the highest quality products and the most reliable services to put your mind at ease. No matter the job, Chastain Roofing is here to help!