No matter your level of expertise with roofing, an old roof will make it clear that it is beyond its prime and has to be replaced. As your first line of defense against the weather, your roof must be in good working order. As a costly home improvement, homeowners want to ensure they need a new roof before embarking on such a monumental undertaking.
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Check the Shingles
A broken roof’s shingles are an evident warning sign that it’s time to replace the roof. Shingles that are damaged, cracked, or fractured seem like such. When a severe storm with strong winds or a significant impact, such as a fallen tree limb or debris, hits, it might blow off entirely. Even a single missing or damaged shingle might lead to water damage.
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Flashing
Flashing refers to the black, often metal, a line that serves as a seal around the edges of your roof. Cement or tar-based flashing is the most common. However, metal flashing may be used to better seal your roof. Unlike wood, metal is less prone to leaks or fractures and can survive intense storms or falling debris.
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Check the Attic for Leakings
When there are leaks in a vented attic, the roof is not adequately vented, which reduces the efficiency of the attic. Shingles have a longer life when they are kept cold in the heat. If your roof has enough attic ventilation, you can keep the temperature in your house from rising to dangerous levels.
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Exposed Nails
When nails protrude from a roof, it’s a warning that the system has to be replaced because of corrosion. When staples are rusted, water may readily flow through them, and a leaking roof should be replaced. You may need a new roof sooner than expected if your old one has rusted through and exposed nails.
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Missing Granules
In the same way, exposed roofing nails are an essential warning sign. Missing granules on your shingles are a minor but significant indicator. As the first line of defense against rain, snow, and other debris on a roof, if you see granules disappearing, it may be time to think about getting a new roof installed.
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No Chimney Cricket
More water exposure means a greater chance of leaks, weakening, and mold or mildew. A chimney cricket is a little roof erected between the chimney and the top of a building. Your roof may need to be replaced if it doesn’t contain this feature or if it’s damaged and no longer functioning.
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Bowing or Sagging
Even though the lowest parts of roofs tend to droop, you’ll want to replace the roof before this happens. In situations where water damage to the supporting structure or weight of the system has caused the system to droop, neglected roofs may sag. Ice dams, decaying boards, or years of moss growth may accumulate on a top after heavy snowfall.