Don’t wait for your roof to start leaking before planning a replacement; it’s like waiting for your car tires to blow out before you have them replaced. Reputable roofing contractors will tell you that you should keep an eye on your roof for the following signs:
Your Roof Is Old – Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 20 to 30 years with proper care and maintenance. If you’re not the first owner of your home and are unsure of its age, the first step to knowing your roof’s actual condition is by having a roofing professional conduct a full roofing inspection and maintenance. You can get a few more years of service by having immediate issues repaired, which should be enough time to prepare for a roof replacement project.
Shingles Are Curling – On a clear day, take out your binoculars and perform a visual roof inspection. Old shingles will tend to curl, either from the edges (cupping) or the middle (clawing). Shingles in this condition would later start falling from the roof, expose the underlayment and later lead to leaks. The roof will also be less efficient in shedding water onto the gutters and instead weaken the fascia, leading to an unplanned gutter replacement.
Loose or Missing Shingles – Shingles could also come loose if improperly installed; too many nails, for instance, can cause as many problems as using too few. These problems typically manifest within the first two years and in most cases, should be covered by the roofing workmanship warranty. Deterioration can also cause asphalt shingle mats to come loose. Have your roof checked if repairs can address the problem; otherwise, you may be looking at a roof replacement.
Granules in the Gutters – A few loose granules in the runoff are not a cause for concern; in fact, it is normal for most kinds of asphalt shingles. If the gutters look like someone dumped a day’s worth of coffee grounds into it, however, this means the granules are starting to come loose from the asphalt layer. It’s a sign the shingles are nearing the end of their expected life span.
Finding one or more of these signs means you have to call Roofmasters Roofing and Sheet Metal today at (785) 727-7575. We have locations in Colby, Hays and nearby areas in KS.