Unless the ceiling has water stains, many homeowners do not prioritize fixing the roof. The underlying reason for neglecting needed repairs is usually because of anticipated costs or homeowners not recognizing the warning signs, according to roofing specialists. While the average cost of replacing an asphalt shingle roof can be expensive, homeowners should know that maintaining their roof can be a fraction of that cost and can help extend the life of older roofs. In order to help homeowners determine whether their roof needs work, The Insurance Center has compiled some warning signs homeowners should be on the lookout for when inspecting their roof.
“Modern roofs are complex because they have so many layers that perform multiple tasks such as keeping out the elements, protecting you from animals, and helping regulate temperatures in your home,” said Robert J. Sammon, president of The Insurance Center. “Thanks to technology and information available on the internet, it has never been easier for homeowners to determine whether their roof needs to be repaired.”
ZDNet recently published an article on how one homeowner used a 4k drone to examine the status of their roof. But what do you look for once you have a clear view of your property?
Here are some signs to look for that will help you determine whether you need to call a professional.
Shingles are missing
Roofs with a single missing shingle can cause surrounding shingles to become misaligned or fall off. Replacing the missing shingle early can help homeowners avoid costlier repairs in the future.
Shingles are curling or buckling
Over the years, moisture can become trapped in the wood deck layer of the roof. And if there is no room for wood to expand, the shingles may not stay flush against the roof. Contractors can usually address the underlying issue to prevent further curling or other damage to your home.
Review the documents
Homeowners should have information about the age of their roof in one of several documents such as the copy of the home inspection. Typically, roofs are good for 20 to 25 years, but newer roofs may use materials that could last around 50 years.
The gutters have shingle granules
Finally, roofs that are near the end of their lifecycle tend to lose more granules. If granules are building in the gutter when it rains, it could be a sign your roof is old and needs to be replaced.
These are just some of the easier methods for homeowners to determine whether they need to fix or replace their roof. With drones available at most large box retailers, homeowners nowadays do not need to endanger themselves to examine the condition of their roof.
For other ways to protect your largest investment, speak with an Insurance Center agent at one of our locations or visit: https://www.insurancecenterinc.com/