Tips to Determine if You Need a New Roof

Spring thaws can sometimes reveal nasty news about your roof.

After your roof takes a battering during the winter months, it's time to take a close look to determine if any damage has occurred. What do you look for? Here are some sure signs that your current roof may have reached its lifespan and it's time to invest in composite roofing.

Damaged Natural ShakeSign #1 – Curling shingles is an indication that you might need a new roof. Take a look at the slopes of the roof. Do you notice any shingles that are curling or losing granules? If you see curling or granule loss, your shingles may be past their prime.

Sign #2 – Valleys that are missing shingles is also a warning sign. When shingles are missing in the valleys, your roof might develop leaks.

Sign #3 – Asphalt shingle granules in your gutters is never a good sign. This indicates that your roof shingles are losing their beauty and their functionality. Along with being a mess to continually clean out of your gutters, the granules are an indication of a failing roof.

Sign #4 – Chimney flashing that is loose or made of tar or roof cement is a bad sign. You'll need a longer lasting, watertight fitting to prevent leaks.

Sign #5 – Sunrays that are clearly visible coming through your roof boards means that your roof is not doing enough to protect your home. Go in your attic on a clear, sunny day. Keep the lights off and look up carefully at your roof in all areas. If you see any signs of sunlight coming through, your roof is failing.

Sign #6 – Do the math and consider the age of your roof. All building products on your home's envelope need to be replaced at some time. If you have asphalt roofing and have experienced bad weather conditions in recent years, this can speed up your roof's aging process.

You shouldn't make a roofing replacement decision alone. While the signs listed above are easy indicators that a new roof may be in your future, a professional roofer can do a comprehensive inspection and offer you expert advice.

When the time does come to replace your roof, remember that DaVinci Roofscapes polymer roofing tiles are backed by a Lifetime Warranty, so you can rest easy with these imitation slate and composite shake tiles overhead. For more insights on when it's time to replace your roof, see Roofing 101 for Homeowners and 6 Signs of a Failing Roof: How to Tell if You Need a New Roof.