Buying a new roof is a lot like buying a new home. It’s one of the most expensive upgrades you can invest in—so you better make sure it’s worth the money!
When buying a new house, you’re often told that the place was recently renovated, with brand new appliances, freshly tiled bathrooms, and the roofs entirely redone. After you move in, you don’t really think about reroofing—as far as you’re concerned, it was just taken care of.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, most roof systems typically last up to 20 years, but much depends upon the type of roof, the extent of the slope, the materials used, weather conditions, maintenance and the age of your existing roof. Investing in roof repair and maintenance can easily extend its life by 5 to 10 years, but without an expert eye, you may not be able to detect structural damage in the first place.
A slated roof, for instance, may last up to 75 years, while one composed of asphalt-based materials could be subject to significant wear and tear within 12 years. Ultimately, it all comes down to knowing your roof, and when to replace it.
Looking for the Signs
Many homeowners tend to make the erroneous assumption that, until their roof begins to leak, there’s no need to replace it.
Asphalt shingle roofs may last up to 20 years, but the decision to have it redone depends on the layers of shingle you have, and if your roofing contractor made sure it was properly ventilated at the time of installation.
Here are a few other tell-tale signs of damage:
Sags
If you take a close look at your roof, you may be able to identify certain irregularities that indicate wear and tear. Pay attention to the valleys, where rain and snow tend to accumulate on their way to the gutters.
Important questions to ask yourself are: are the shingles all aligned in a straight pattern? Do you notice sags? This indicates that the sheathing beneath the surface is rotting, and demands immediate fixing.
Asphalt Granules
Check your gutters frequently and look for the presence of asphalt granules, which reveal a breakdown of asphalt shingles. To avoid this from happening, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year.
Tar or Cement in Chimney Flashing
Chimney flashing refers to the watertight seal at the intersection of the chimney and roof. If not installed properly, or after a catastrophic storm, the sealant may deteriorate and cause leaks and damage.
If your roof exhibits the aforementioned signs and more, it may be time to call in experienced roofing contractorsFort Worth TX for a professional inspection.
We’re a GAF certified roofing company Fort Worth TX, serving over 70 cities across the great state of Texas.
When it comes to your roof, don’t gamble with quality. Consult a professional roofing technician and get a free quote now. Follow the path of sustainability!