5 Telltale Signs Your Roof is Smoked 

Your  roof  is one of the most important elements of your home, which is why it is vital it is working at its peak. This is especially true during these times of social isolation and as you spend more time at home. It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that the lack of active or visible leaking means the roof is working well enough. However, this is not always the case. The best time to replace your roof is well before it begins leaking. Once your roof begins to show signs of major wear and tear, this is the time you want to start looking for a new roof. That way, you will have plenty of time to consider your options and what is best for your home, without being pressured to find a quick fix when your roof begins to leak. Keeping an eye out for the following signs will help save you money, emergency repairs, and major headaches down the road. 

Take Note of Rain Slots and Notches

When it comes to your roof, leaking is never a good sign. However, it is not the only sign your roof is on its way out. If you have a roof with asphalt or fiberglass shingles, take a look at the rain slots (notches) between the tabs. If the notches are significantly wider than they are on new shingles,  rounded off on the corners, or the surface of the shingles are bent, warped, cracked, curled or dented, you should have a professional roofing contractor look at your roof to see how much life is left in it.

A Build Up of Shingle Granules

If you notice a build up of shingle grit and granules in your gutter, this is another telltale sign your roof has seen better days. The older the shingles get, the more cast off granules you will see. If you have a look at your shingles and see most of the asphalt layer peaking through the colored granule coating, this is a clear sign your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Or, if your roof is metal, keep an eye out for damage, rust or loose panels. For roofs made from tile or wood shingles, damaged, loose or peeling shingles is a sign you will soon be in need of a new roof.

Severe Weather or Storm Damage

While most roofs have a 20+ year lifespan, even new roofs can be damaged by severe weather incidents. This could simply be the result of a very strong storm, or it could also be caused because your roof was improperly installed or constructed with substandard materials. In such cases, it is a good idea to take a look at your warranties and ask your insurance provider about any coverage. It is also wise to begin looking into new roofing options and talking to a roofing professional so you will be ready to make an informed and swift decision when the time comes. 

You Notice Light Shining Through Your Roof 

If you can see light shining through your roof, this is a clear sign you need a replacement roof. Noticing light shining through means the singles and materials have worn away and your roof is in a compromising situation that needs to be fixed before a bigger problem develops. Similarly, if you notice your roof sagging, this is a sign it has developed soft spots and may even appear as a different color. Sagging is usually a result of water damage and is a sign that the structural integrity of your roof has been compromised.

A Leaky Roof 

Finally, a roof leak is a serious sign your roof needs to be repaired, but more often than not, it will need to be completely replaced. Ignoring roof leaks or doing a quick, band-aid fix puts many of the other parts of your home at risk. If you spot a leak or are finding yourself continuously repairing the same leak over and over again, it is important you bring in a professional home improvement contractor to inspect and identify the cause. Sometimes, there will be a reason for the leak and the roof can be repaired quickly. However, usually a leak is a sign of a flashing issue. Without tight flashing around all of the areas of your home including chimneys, vents and skylights, incoming water (such as rain) can cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems.