Your roof can be considered the most important part of your house. It is there for all seasons, to keep you warm and dry in the winter, and cool in the summer. A bad roof poses a very serious threat to your belongings, not to mention your loved ones. And many people do not realize that they need a new roof until water is leaking into their house. Check for these roof warning signs that indicate you may need a new roof.

How Old is your Roof?

Do you know how old your roof is? Before looking for any roof warning signs, you should find out the age of your roof. Most roofs last between 20 to 25 years, depending on the type of material. If you are a new homeowner, you should find out if the old roof was removed before a new layer of shingles was installed. If you have a roof installed over other layers that are over 20 years old, then you should get a new roof.

Changes in Shingles

If the shingles on your roof look unusual to you, get an experienced roofer to checked them out. The condition of shingles is a good way to tell the age of a roof. A roof that is past its prime will often have shingles that are curling or buckling from sunlight or ventilation problems in your attic.

Check the Gutters

Remember to check your gutters regularly as well. When you are cleaning your gutters, keep an eye out for granules of shingles. Pieces of shingles wear away due to weather and lose granules is a sign that a roof is past its prime.

Spongy Texture

If there are areas of your roof that feel spongy or soft while you are walking on it, it is time to call the professionals. A spongy feeling means that the decking that lays under the roof has suffered damage from moisture and has become weak or rotted. Check the inside of your attic for signs of moisture and for daylight creeping through the roof boards.

Roof Valleys

If you noticed dips in your roof, accompanied by missing or damaged shingles, it is time for a new roof. Water can collect in the valleys and can lead to leakage inside of your home. It is especially important to check valleys of a roof before and after a serious storm.

Lack of Shingles in the Valley

The valley of a roof is where two slopes meet. If you see that shingles are missing in the area around the valley, this is a definite sign that you need a new roof. The valley is the most important part of the roof because rain and snow travel down the valley into the gutter. Missing shingles in this area are a sign that you could be susceptible to leaks.

Damage Around the Chimney

Damage to your chimney flashing can cost money if you ignore the problem. Chimney flashing prevents water from entering your home at the point in which the chimney and roof of the home meet.

Older homes often have flashing that is made from cement or tar. If this is the case, there may be moisture in the insulation. This would ultimately mean that you need a new roof. You should update the flashing with a new water-tight metal flashing system that is more durable and will last longer.

Daylight and Moisture

Many people do not check their attic frequently. After going through all of these warning signs, if you think that your roof might be nearing its end, checking your attic could be the last push you need. When in your attic, if you cannot see sun shining through the roof boards, still check for moisture in the insulation that could be hiding. Excessive moisture is a sign that your roof may be deteriorating.

Many homeowners don’t think about their roof until there are obvious signs of damage, such as a leaks or loose shingles on their lawn. Most older roofs have a life expectancy of 20-25 years. If the age of your roof is 20 years or more, you should plan to install a new roof soon.