Most of the time, we don’t think about the roofs above our heads. Like the plumbing systems that bring us fresh water and remove waste, the boilers and furnaces that keep us warm, and the electrical wiring that charges our phones and laptops, we take our roofs for granted until something goes wrong.
Unfortunately, by the time you notice there’s a problem, the damage to your home can be extensive: leaking water can cause rot to set into your roof deck and rafters, and can even start seeping in behind your walls.
This is why it is so important to be vigilant about the state your roof is in, especially after a long winter. If you want to know whether you’re going to need to replace your shingles before the snow flies again, here are three things you need to look out for.
1. Missing Granules:
Asphalt shingles consist of two main components: a membrane, usually made from fiberglass coated in asphalt, and a layer of ceramic granules that give shingles their color and add protection from ultraviolet rays.
Over time, these granules can wear away, leaving the underlying membrane open to the sun and increasing the risk of leaks and water damage.
From the ground, shingles that are losing their coating will look patchy and dark, giving your roof a dirty and mottled appearance — a sure sign it will need to be replaced soon.
2. Curling Shingles:
Perhaps the biggest indication that your roof is running out of time is if the shingles have started to curl. Though even relatively new shingles can curl if they have been installed incorrectly, it is a problem more commonly seen on older roofs, where the shingles have lost their protective coat and are starting to dry out.
This can also be a sign of poor ventilation, as warm air and moisture trapped in the roof deck cause the sealant strips that bond the tabs to the underlying shingle to weaken. But whatever the underlying cause, once shingles have started to curl the only solution is to call Scarborough roofers to install a new roof.
3. Expiring Warranty:
Even if your roof shows no outward sign of degradation, you may still want to call a Scarborough roofing company for a consultation if your roof is reaching the end of its warranty period.
Most asphalt shingle roofs are designed to last between fifteen and twenty years, and replacing a roof before it reaches the point of exhaustion is essential if you want to keep your home protected. If you wait until your ceilings are leaking, mold and water damage can make the project significantly more expensive.
The roof above your head is one of the most important features of your home, and taking proper care of it will help prevent energy loss, ice damming, and even foundation damage.
For this reason, you should take time every spring to inspect your shingles to see whether they are showing signs of age. If they are, get in touch with a Scarborough roofing company and ask for a professional consultation to see whether or not you’ll need to book a new installation this summer.
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