5 Warning Signs You May Need a New Roof

1. Roof Age

Listen to the numbers. If the roof is 20+ years old, experts are most likely going to tell you that it needs to be replaced. This is a great benchmark to be able to efficiently determine if the roof should be replaced or if it still has some life left in it.

2.Shingle Condition

Are the shingles curling, buckling, or completely missing? Make sure you scan the entire roof for these signs. Pay close attention to the spots that receive the most direct sunlight. The shingles that receive more sunlight are likely to show signs of curling before other areas of the roof do. Don’t be afraid to get a ladder for a better view.

3.Roof Valleys

Roof Valleys can show key signs of the condition the roof is in. Look for missing or broken shingles in the creases. These areas get the brunt by Mother Nature with precipitation running through these valleys to get to the gutters. A leaky roof is most likely to occur if the condition of the roof valleys is compromised.

4.Chimney Flashing

If the house has a chimney, inspect the area where it meets the roof. Ideally, it will be filled with a water-tight fitting. If you see that it is filled with cement or tar consider replacing it with a metal flashing system for the most efficient results.

5.Granules in Gutters

As the shingles are reaching the end of their life span granules will start building up in the water that runs through the gutters. The more granules that are falling through your gutters the sooner you should be replacing the roof. Another checkpoint to pursue is to scan the roof for inconsistent coloring. As the shingles shed granules the color of it will begin to fade.

If the owner lists their property as-is, be mindful of what to look out for when evaluating the roof's condition. If it does not pass some or all of these inspections above, there are a few things to consider when looking into replacements.

Determine if you are going to use the same material or try something different. There are several different materials that can be used; asphalt, wood, clay, concrete, slate, and metal.

If you are using a new material for the roof that is heavier than the original make sure you have the framing evaluated.

Consider the climate when replacing, some materials are better suited for certain weather conditions.

Knowing what to look for when searching for an investment property can help you understand the level of work and time that is needed for the project. Before you have a professional physically go on the roof to evaluate its condition you can initially scan from the perimeter of the house and get a better understanding about your potential investment. 

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