The roof is a major part of your home’s structure and protects the house and its contents. Most roofing materials should last for two decades or longer, but at some point you will need a roof replacement. Here’s what you should look for.

How to Tell if You Need a Roof Replacement

Age of the Present Roof

Depending on the type of materials used on your roof, any surface more than 20 years old may need to be replaced. Metal and tile may have longer life spans, so refer to a manufacturer warranty. If you’ve owned the house for a long time, establishing age probably isn’t an issue. If the age of the roof is a mystery, watch for other homes in the neighborhood getting a replacement. This may be an indicator that it’s time, especially if the neighboring homes are all around the same age.

Interior Signs

An interior check includes heading up in the attic or ceiling crawlspace to inspect the underside of the roof. Signs of roof damage include:

• streaks and stains, which indicate that water has or is coming inside
• daylight through the roof decking
• sagging ceiling or walls, indicating water damage and possibly rot

Exterior Signs

Signs on the outside of the roof that indicate a replacement may be needed are:

• rotting or sagging areas, common in wood or asphalt
• missing shingles—more than just a few
• stains, which indicate leaks or water damage
• moss, mildew, or algae that covers most of the roof or that resists removal
• damaged flashing around the chimney, skylights, and venting
• asphalt granules in the gutters or around the outside of the house, indicating that asphalt shingles are compromised
• layers of previously repaired shingles or the existing roof covers an even older roof

Don’t ignore signs of damage to your roof. For roof replacements, new installations, inspections, and maintenance, contact Ray St. Clair Roofing. They are the go-to roofing professionals in the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area and also offer siding, windows, doors, gutters, gutter protection, insulation, skylights, and chimneys. Serving the area for over 60 years, they have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau^® and offer installation and manufacturer warranties on every job. Visit their website or call (513) 874-1234 to learn about their quality control.