Have You Taken a Good Look at Your Roof Lately?

Most roofing materials (such as ceramic, natural slate and fiberglass-based asphalt) have a lifespan of about 20 years. But, this can vary widely depending on the type of roof you have, where you live, and the weather conditions in your area. So how do you know if you need a new roof?

Inspect your roof periodically from the outside. Don’t walk up on the roof; you can do more damage that way. Get a pair of binoculars and look for any of the following problems:
Blistered, curled, or split shingles.

Loose, broken, or missing shingles or tiles.

Loose or exposed nails.

Dark patches on asphalt shingles or large amounts of granules in the rain gutters (this indicates advanced wear).

Sagging on the ridges or in the center of the roof.

Rusty or corroded metal flashing.

For flat roofs, look for blisters, depressions near vent pipes, separations in the flashing, and clogged drains.

Also inspect your roof from your attic. Check for the following problems:
Sagging decking between the rafters.

Outside light that can be seen through the roof (check with a roofing professional—this may not signal a problem in all types of roofs).

Signs of leaking in the attic (dark spots in the wood, especially around vents, chimneys, and other holes to the roof). Test dark spots with a screwdriver to see if they are old or new problems. The spot will be wet or soft if it is a current problem. Wet spots may not be directly under the actual leak; water travels to the lowest point before dripping. Bacteria, fungi, and mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours.

Signs of leaks (usually in the form of water stains or sagging ceilings)—these may be caused by an active leak in the roof or by condensation resulting from poor roof ventilation.

If you have wooden shakes, look for damage from termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-boring pests.

If you notice problems, don’t assume that you’ll need to start all over with a brand new roof. If your roof was properly installed and is less than 15 to 20 years old, it can often be repaired rather than replaced.

If your roof is in need of replacement, you may benefit from the new federal tax credits. If you purchase shingles that meet the federal guidelines for energy efficiency before Dec 31, 2010, you could be eligible for a tax credit of up to $1,500.

A roofing professional can help you decide what’s best for your home and should have all of the information about the tax-break eligibility of the available materials.

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