How do you tell whether your roof needs to be replaced? Most roofers will tell you to look up at it and make note of any missing shingles, peeling shingles, or sagging spots. But what if your home is really tall and you can't see the roof clearly? Then, you'll need to take a somewhat different approach. More specifically, you can look for these three signs that your roof is deteriorating. None of them require you to see the roof or climb on a ladder.

Granules on the Ground

Shingles are coated with little pieces called granules when they are made. These granules help the shingles shed water. However, as the shingles age, they become more brittle and less flexible. When rain hits them or the wind picks up, they begin losing their granules. You may see these granules on the ground near your gutter downspouts. Or, you might notice them on a sidewalk underneath the edge of your roof. If you see shingle granules, you'll need a new roof soon.

Moist and Compacted Insulation

Go into your attic. Or, if you cannot go into your attic, at least stick your head up into the attic space so you can take a look around. Is the insulation in your attic squished down in certain places? Does it look moist or have patches that appear to be moist or musty? These are signs that your roof has been leaking. While a roofer might be able to fix the leak with some repairs, it's likely you need a replacement if your roof is aged.

Stains on Your Second-Story Walls

Look at the tops of the walls on your second story. Also, look at the edges of your ceiling. Do you see any discolored spots where the paint looks darker or more brown than usual? These are signs of roof leaks. The roof may not be leaking right now, but if there are stains, then you know it has leaked recently. Call a roofer, but also keep an eye on the stains to see if they get larger. If they seem to be spreading, let the roofer know, as this may cause them to make your roof work more of a priority.

For really tall homes, it is often not possible to see the roof. Don't let that get you down! If you keep an eye out for the issues above, it's fairly easy to tell when you need a roof replacement.

Check out websites like https://www.qcroofdrs.com/ to learn more.

Share