How often do you actually look up at your roof? If you’re like most homeowners, the answer is probably “not very often”. We all tend to take our roofs for granted, but they serve a couple of very important purposes: your roof is what shields you, your family, and your belongings from the elements while also keeping you cozy. There is a catch, though: even the toughest roofs wear out over time.
The big question is – how can you tell when it’s time to say goodbye and welcome a new one? That’s what this article aims to find out. And if your roof does need to be replaced, it’ll also tell you how to choose a reliable roof company. Read on below:
The Age Factor: Is Your Roof Over the Hill?
If your roof is pushing 20 years or more, it might be living on borrowed time. Most asphalt shingle roofs last around two decades, give or take, depending on the weather and how well it was installed. Even if your roof looks as though it’s just fine from below, the materials may have started to deteriorate in places where you can’t see unless you get up there and take an up close and personal look yourself.
The bottom line is, an old roof is kind of like an old car in a lot of ways. Sure, it still runs and all, but it constantly needs to be repaired. At some point, replacing it is a lot more practical than patching things up.
Shingles Telling Tales
Another clear distress signal that your roof needs to be replaced, stat, are shingles that are curling at the edges or going AWOL. When shingles start to warp, crack, or disappear entirely, your roof’s ability to keep water out takes a serious hit. There’s also granule loss – if you see bald spots or find granules piling up in your gutters, your shingles are waving the white flag.
The Mysterious Case of the Leaky Ceiling
Have you spotted water stains on your ceiling or down the walls? That’s not just a sign of an issue with your plumbing – it could be your roof crying for help. When water sneaks in through damaged spots, it often travels before making its presence known. By the time you spot that ugly brown stain, the damage might already be widespread. It’s a telltale symptom that says your roof isn’t performing its primary function – protecting you from the elements – anymore.
Don’t ignore it or hope it goes away! Moisture can lead to all sorts of issues, including mold, mildew, or even structural damage.
Light in the Attic? That’s Not a Good Thing
If you head into your attic and see sunlight streaming through the roof boards, it's time to worry. Sure, it might look poetic in the right lighting, but it means there are holes or gaps where rain, snow, and even critters can enter. If light can get in, so can the elements, and that’s a big red flag.
Sagging Isn’t Just a Fashion Problem
Finally, a sagging roofline isn’t something you can or should shrug off. In some cases, it might mean that the decking or even the foundation of the roof has started to rot. That kind of structural compromise is serious—and often points directly to the need for a full roof replacement.
Choosing the Right Roof Company
Now that you know how to tell if your roof needs to be replaced, it’s time to choose a roof company that will do the job right. Here’s how to do just that:
Start With Research, Not Regret
Most people don’t think about roofers until there’s a problem. However, the selection process isn’t something that you want to rush.
Searching for “roof company near me” is a great starting point if you live in the area. It’ll point you to options that are available locally and won’t have to travel a great distance to get to you. It’s important, however, to make sure that their reputation is solid. If their name keeps popping up in good reviews or neighborhood Facebook groups, that’s a good sign.
If possible, explore their websites thoroughly. A good roofing contractor won’t just have a professional-looking website, though. They’ll also want to show off their work through before and after photos, as well as what past customers say about them in reviews.
Here at Roof Masters & Exteriors, you can easily find photos of our work as well as our Google Reviews in addition to more information about the services that we offer. For anyone located in the Indianapolis area, we can help tackle just about anything roof related.
Always Check for Licensing and Insurance
You don’t want to be the one footing the bill if something goes wrong, and any number of things can happen, from a worker getting hurt to damages to your home. A reputable roofing company like ours will have no problem showing you proof of both. If they dodge the question or make excuses, move on.
Experience Isn’t Everything, But It’s Close
A roofing company that’s been in business for years has likely seen and fixed just about any roofing issue you can think of, from storm damage to structural rot. It’s that kind of experience that could mean fewer mistakes and faster work.
35 years and counting, that’s how long we’ve been providing top-quality roofing services to homeowners and businesses in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. In terms of experience, we simply can’t be beat here at Roof Masters & Exteriors.
Whether you’re in need of a routine roof inspection or a full-scale roof installation, you can trust that our experience and knowledge in the industry will meet your expectations. Contact us today to get started!
