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The average roof lasts 25 years, but age isn't the only factor that determines when it needs to be replaced. Sometimes, the signs of a failing roof are obvious, while other times, the damage is more subtle and will worsen over time. The good news is that in terms of home improvements, roof replacements have a high return on investment, and can also help prevent other costly problems around the home.

How to Tell If Your Roof Needs Replacement

1. Obvious Water Damage

It’s usually relatively easy to identify leaks and water damage. When you see dark spots on your walls or on the roof of the attic, then water is penetrating your roof and causing damage. Even if the leak seems minor now, it will only get worse over time and can lead to extensive home renovation and even mold problems.

2. You See Daylight 

Go into your attic and look up at the roof without turning on a light or using a flashlight. If you can see daylight coming through any cracks, you can be sure that water will get through them as well, and you need a new roof. 

3. Damaged or Missing Shingles

home improvementStrong windstorms can occasionally cause shingles to blow off your roof, but as a rule, shingles should all be attached and in good condition. If you are missing shingles, or the shingles in place are curling or buckling, then they need to be replaced. If you notice an abundance of shingle granules in your gutters, that’s also a sign that your shingles have reached the end of their lifespan. 

4. Damaged Chimney Flashing

Chimney flashing is the component at the base of the chimney that connects it to the roof and helps provide an extra layer of protection from the elements. On older roofs, flashing is often made from tar or roofing materials, but metal flashing is more durable and water-resistant. If you have older flashing, or it’s been damaged or worn, replacing it is a simple home improvement project that can help save your roof. 

5. Sagging

If there are any noticeable sagging spots on your roof, it’s time for a replacement. Sagging is often a sign of water damage, but it can also be a sign of structural issues in your home that need fixing. Pay close attention to the roof valleys, or the areas where the different slopes of your roof meet. This is where rain and snow drain off the roof, and damage or sagging there can mean significant water damage.

 

If you need a new roof, contact the professionals at Murphy Home Improvement in Cincinnati, OH. These home improvement experts offer a wide range of services like roof repairs and replacement, siding installations, and window replacements to homeowners throughout Northern Kentucky and Hamilton County, OH. Call the company at (513) 922-8989, or take advantage of their 10% discount when you stop by the showroom with window or door measurements in hand. Visit their website for more information on their services. 

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