It’s easy to track how old your roof is if you’re the original owner of the house, but if you bought a home and the owner wasn’t forthcoming about when the roof was last replaced (if at all), or you simply forgot to ask, there are signs you can look for that can give you a good idea. While you might still need professional roofing inspections to determine whether your roof is due for repairs or a replacement, it’s never a bad thing to know more about it yourself first.
Here are some common signs that your roof is old or steadily getting there:
1. A Spike in Your Energy Bills
If your latest heating or cooling bill is nothing like the one before it, or if the bills are steadily increasing, and there’s nothing wrong with your HVAC system, there are several places you should inspect: your windows, doors, and roof. These all contribute to your home’s insulation, so deterioration means weaker insulative properties. Your roof is the largest part of your home, so start there if the spike is high.
2. Loss of Shingle Granules
Asphalt shingles have granules that protect them from the damaging effects of the sun. When shingles are installed, some loose granules fall off. Over time, the roof gradually loses more granules. But if almost all the granules are gone, or there are large bald patches, your roof is way past its prime and you need to replace it. You’re likely to notice this because there’s a bunch of granules in your gutters or on the ground.
3. Torn or Cracked Shingles
If your shingles are curling at the corners, that’s a part of your roof’s normal aging process and you still have some time before a replacement is in order. But if your shingles are cracked or torn, that should alert you to start calling roof contractors. Your roof might not last another year.
4. Holes in the Underlayment
Your underlayment is a layer of protection under the shingles. Normally, the shingles get damaged before the underlayment, as it’s the shingles that are exposed to the elements. There are cases, however, where the underlayment becomes brittle and develops holes, even when the shingles look fine. A professional inspection can determine if your underlayment is no longer usable.
There are other signs of roof aging, and Redemption Roofing can tell you all about them. You should know that your insurance premiums can go up if your roof is old and out of shape. Your insurer can also drop your coverage unless you replace your old roof.
Redemption Roofing also offers metal roofing, which is more durable than regular asphalt shingles. Call us at 936-321-3733 (Montgomery), 281-205-1337 (League City), 830-214-7779 (Hill Country), (409) 403-5073 (Golden Triangle), or (337) 305-7705 (Lake Charles). You can also contact us here.
