As homeowners, you do what you can to keep your castle safe. From cleaning out the gutters to securing homeowners insurance, protecting your home is a priority. What many forget about is the roof over their head - quite literally! Roofs protect us from weather and safeguard the building, and it's important that they are kept on top form.
Don't wait until the roof is caving in to discover that it's time for a new one. Here's how to tell when a replacement is needed.
Start inside. If you think you might need a new roof, the first place to check isn't your home exterior - it's your attic! Look for beams of light coming through the top of the house and any signs of stains that could indicate the roof is leaking.
Check out the paper trail. Take the time to review your home improvement records to see how long ago the roof was replaced or reshingled. Average asphalt single roofs last 20 to 25 years, while a roof installed over an existing layer of shingles should be replaced after 20 years.
See if there are missing shingles. Check to see if all of your shingle œtabs are intact. During storms and high winds, many homes lose their fair share of shingles. These slates act as a layer of protection for your home, so you'll want to replace them as soon as possible.
Inspect the gutters. Are they loaded with shingle granules? If you see grains of shingles in your gutters, yard, and landscaping, it's a sign that the roof is getting old. Roofs lose more granules towards the end of the life cycle.
View your energy bills. A good roof acts as an insulator against the heat and cold coming into your home. If it's not doing its job, you'll notice an increase in utility bills, because your air conditioner or heater is having to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
A roof replacement is an expensive investment in your home, so make sure it's done right. Once your new and improved roof is up and running, you'll need to protect it! Visit the professionals at Jack Stone Insurance Agency to get started on your tailored home insurance in Antioch, Brentwood or neighboring cities in California.
