The National Roofing Contractors Association says that a typical roof should last you 20 years. However, a roof’s lifespan can be affected by several factors such as the material used to build the roof, the slope of the roof, and weather conditions in your area. It is recommended that you perform a roof inspection twice a year – spring and fall. It is important to inspect your roof from both the inside and outside of your home.
Interior Check – Get a flashlight and go to your attic. Look for the following problems:
- Signs of water damage or leaking
- Spots where the roof deck is sagging
- Dark spots indicating moisture
- Is there outside light showing through the roof?
Exterior check – Look for these symptoms of damage:
- Visually inspect your roof for cracked, torn, or missing shingles.
- Look for loose material or wear around chimneys, vents, pipes or other penetrations. Check for damaged flashing.
- Check for signs of moisture, rot or mold. Note that water will travel down to its lowest spot before it drips; the wet spot may not be under the faulty shingle. Mold, fungi and bacteria can grow within 24 to 48 hours of a water-related problem. Algae growth is a problem in humid conditions and appears as dark or greenish stains.
- Watch out for an excessive amount of shingle granules (they look like large grains of sand) in the gutters — this is a sign of advanced wear.
- Make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached and functioning properly.
Timely maintenance can extend a roof’s life another five to ten years. If you think your roof need replacing, call a licensed roofing contractor.