Does my roof need replaced?

How to Know When Your Roof Needs

Replacing

Most often, Kansas City and St. Joseph families are not concerned about their roof until it springs a leak.

This attitude can lead to further damage in your home and costlier repairs and replacements. Most

importantly, such a roof can be dangerous for the household.

You want to keep an eye out for roof damage and hire a qualified general contractor or roofer for timely

repairs and replacement when needed.



But how can you tell if you need a roof replacement?

...you shouldn't panic or jump to conclusions that your roof needs replacement. It is highly likely that you simply need roof repairs, especially if your roof is less that 15 or 20 years old and properly installed by professionals.

- Blackstone Construction

1. Check Records

The first place to look for signs of roof replacement is nowhere near the roof. You need to check your

house records or home improvement records to figure out when the roof was installed, replaced, or re-

shingled.

The date and material of the roof can give you an excellent idea of whether it needs replacement. For

example, slate roofs can last over 50 years, whereas asphalt shingle roofs may last for anywhere

between 20 to 30 years.

Similarly, roofs installed over existing shingles need replacement in around 20 years. Check the material

and date of your roof to understand better if it's time for a roof replacement.

2. Inspect the Attic

The second place to check the condition of your roof is on the inside. Go to your attic around midday

and check for any beams of light peering through the roof. These beams would indicate roof damage

and that your roof may need repairing or replacement.

You must also use a flashlight to check for streaks and stains that indicate a leaky roof. Lastly, you should

also keep an eye out for mold damage. Sometimes mold is not visible, so be sure to notice moldy smells

or bodily reactions to mold.

3. Check the Exterior

You should regularly keep an eye out for the condition of your roof, especially after inclement weather.

You want to see flat shingles every time. Patches of chipped, damaged, cracked, or buckling shingles

mean that you may need roof repairs.

It is also important to check the downspouts and gutters for shingle granules. The more granules you

find, the greater your chances of needing a roof replacement.

On the other hand, a sagging roof is a sure sign of rot, which is dangerous and likely means you need to

replace your roof ASAP. Check for moisture, rot, and saggy spots, particularly at the lowest points in

your roof.

4. Moss, Mushrooms, and Mold

Your roof should not have any moss, mushrooms, mold, or other fungi living on it. These things are a

sign of trapped moisture in your roof, which is not good, and can lead to leaks and cracks in your roof.

While you can remove any moss buildup in the corners of your roof yourself, it is important to get it

checked by a qualified professional to understand the extent of the roof damage.

Our Final Thoughts

If your roof shows the mentioned signs, you shouldn't panic or jump to conclusions that your roof needs

replacement. It is highly likely that you simply need roof repairs, especially if your roof is less than 15 or

20 years old and properly installed by professionals.

Of course, a sagging roof, heavy mold damage, leaks, or extensive roof damage are sure signs that

replacement is needed, regardless of the age of your roof. Hiring professionals like Blackstone

Constructions to inspect your roof for repairs and replacements is always recommended.

At Blackstone Construction, we offer the best and most comprehensive residential and commercial

construction solutions, including remodeling, new builds, and roof replacements.

If you want to learn more about roof replacements, our comprehensive construction solutions in Kansas

City and St. Joseph, Missouri, or if you want a free quote for your new roof, please visit our website

today!