Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements along with its exterior siding. It protects you and your belongings from the rain, offers shade to shelter you from the sun, and insulates you from extreme heat and cold.
How much do you know about your roof though? While there’s nothing about being a homeowner that says you have to be a roofing expert, there are a few things that everyone should know about their roofs.
What Material It’s Made Of
Do you know what your roof is made of? In most cases, a simple glance should be enough to give you a pretty good idea. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material, though metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular.
Roofs made from ceramic tiles, slate shingles, and wood shake shingles are also among the most popular roofing materials. Most roofing materials have a pretty distinctive appearance, so it should be easy to identify the basic type of roof you have. Knowing what your roof is made of provides valuable insight into what sort of maintenance it needs and how long you can expect it to last.
When It’s Time to Replace It
How old is your roof? Even the best roofs don’t last forever. Depending on the material, roofs can last between 15 and 50 years. Knowing the age of your roof gives you an idea of when you should expect to replace it.
This knowledge makes it possible to start saving early enough that a roof replacement doesn’t become a massive financial burden. If you aren’t sure how old your roof is, ask the previous owners or get an estimate from a roofing company.
How to Spot Trouble
Your roof won’t go from just fine to needing to be replaced overnight. As it ages, there will be signs that indicate the need for repairs. Knowing the signs helps you keep up on repairs and maintenance that extend the life of your roof. Look for things like cracked or bald shingles, loose nails, and wear around the chimney and the boots around the ventilation tubes. Watch out for ice dams forming in the winter as well. Those could indicate problems with your roof’s insulation.
While you don’t have to be a roofing expert, there are a few general things that you should know about your roof. Having even a basic surface-level understanding of your roof offers valuable information that will help you keep your roof in good condition for as long as possible. Remember, if you ever need professional help maintaining, repairing, or replacing your roof, we’re here to help!
Did you enjoy reading this article? Here’s more to read. How to Keep Your Roof in Top Shape