Keeping your home safe involves being aware of your roof’s condition. This will help you plan ahead for any changes that need to be made before it’s too late.

Having a roof over your head is as important as having food in your fridge. As soon as it’s running low on food, we rush to the supermarket to avoid an unexpected disaster when the family or friends visit. Even though your roof takes a longer time to be replaced, we should know when it will need to be replaced and be ready.

Here’s how to notice potential issues before they become real headaches.

How old is your roof?

Most roofs don’t have the same lifetime warranty as ours do. Normally an asphalt shingle roof lasts around 20 to 30 years. If yours is around that age, you could have a problem even if it looks good at first glance. Tip: You should check your roof at least once a year to make sure it’s in good shape.

Examining the roof exterior

When examining your roof, you should keep an eye out for these signs:

1. Shingle Conditions
   Your roof is weathered and might cause leaks if you notice that your shingles are either turning upwards on the edges or buckling.This means you will need to change your roof in a year or so. It’s good to remember that the shingles might have already been weathered before you checked them, so it might be a good time to start thinking about positive changes.Missing shingles are another sign of wear. A few missing pieces can be easy to replace but the new shingles will differ slightly in color next to the older ones. If you are missing more than a few, it could be more beneficial to change roofs.
2. Shingle granules
   Excessive granule loss from shingles will appear mostly in your gutters. This is a sign of advanced wear. Granules are what keep the sun from directly heating the shingles. When shingles lose their granules, they’ll deteriorate very quickly.If your roof is more than fifteen years old, loose granules are a critical warning that your roof will not last much longer.

Examining the roof interior

1. Sunlight
   Sun rays might look beautiful, but it’s definitely not a good sign when it’s going through your roof. If light can get in, so can rain, cold air and even snow. When checking for light also look out for water stains.
2. Sagging roof
   This is what you should look for first. Sagging roofs usually mean structural damage. If you ever find that your roof is indeed sagging, don’t panic. Keep in mind that this kind of problem is a lot easier to fix when it’s small and localized rather than when it has progressed.

A new start

The smartest thing you can do is act preemptively and not wait until a disaster takes place. Start protecting your home by using simple observation skills. If you need a new roof, keep in mind: This is not a DYI project, especially if it’s replacing an older roof. Call a professional to get it done.

Thinking about replacing your roof? Check this post about Vital Factors in Picking the Perfect Roof.