When Should I Call a Roofer?

So, you think your roof may need a little TLC? As a homeowner, repairing or replacing your roof can be very intimidating. With Oklahoma weather being so hard on our roofs, it is important to know what to look for to ensure that you are getting the most life out of your roof. How do you know it is time to call the professionals for an inspection? There are a few important things that you should know when you are looking at your roof.

Often you will notice that your neighbors will all start getting new roofs around the same time. This is one instance where it is a good idea to follow the crowd! Your neighbors’ roof experiences the same weather conditions as yours, so if their roof is damaged, there is a good chance that yours is damaged too. This is an excellent time to have your roof inspected.

Another good place to start would be your records. We all have that special place where we stow away important documents. Now is the time to pull out that abandoned file and to see when you last replaced your roof! In Oklahoma, the average life span of a roof is around eight years. If your roof is eight years or older, it is a good idea to begin to have it inspected on an annual basis. An older roof does not protect your home against damage like a newer one does. Sometimes what may seem like a small storm can lead to significant problems with an aging roof.

Now, it is time to do some detective work around your home. While inside, do you notice any brown spots on the ceiling? Brown spots are a sign of leaks. While this does not always mean that your roof needs to be replaced, it could indicate that some repairs are in order. Ignored roof damage can lead to severe destruction and unwelcome problems if not taken care of promptly. 

Next, head outside and look up at your roof.  If you are not certain about the age of your roof, there are some things that you can look for to determine if it is time to call the pros for a qualified inspection. Dark streaks of discoloration on your shingles could be algae that forms after 7-10 years. While algae growth is usually a cosmetic issue, it is a good indicator that you have an old roof on your hands. Next, take a good look at your shingles. When looking at your shingles, you want to ensure that you don’t see any exposed nails, shingle curling, missing shingles or holes. While one missing shingle may not seem like a big deal, you may be surprised. It is not uncommon for a singular missing shingle to be the source of a detrimental issue. Often a missing single can lead to a domino effect causing other shingles to fail or begin falling off. 

Additionally, you want to look at your gutters, vents, pipes and other metal roofing components. Check for any holes or dents; this is a good way to tell if your roof has experienced storm damage. While inspecting your gutters, you will also want to check your downspouts for granules. An old roof will begin to shed small granules after the asphalt from the shingles starts to wear down.

You should now have a good idea of what to look out for when you think it's time to have some work done on your roof. Just like a car, having regular checkups can help you catch issues that could turn into potentially more extensive problems. Don’t worry, we are here to help!

Inspections with Elliott Roofing are free with zero obligation. We hope to make it easy for you to schedule your free inspection with one of our professionals. You can give us a call, text us through our website or fill out the “free estimate” form on our website, and one of our representatives will call to schedule.