Your roof’s protective function is the most important thing about it—a durable, highly reflective roof serves as a stable covering over your heads, a dependable protection for you and your family against the weather and the elements outside. However, like any part of your house, your roof is also subject to wear and tear that in time, a patch here and there or the dutiful annual maintenance is no longer enough. How will you know when it’s time to replace your roof?

New Roof

Andrea Davis, in her article on Improvenet.com, enumerates some of the telltale signs of irreversible damage:

One of the biggest signs that you need to replace a roof is water damage or spots that are clearly leaking. It is also important to keep an eye on your roof as if it begins to sag, that may be a sign that it needs to be replaced. Outside light shining through the roof into the home is also a sign that a roof may need to be replaced. It is suggested that a roof inspection be performed at least twice a year as the inspection can help to identify problem areas that need to be fixed and may help you avoid completely replacing the roof of your residence.

Besides regular inspection on your roofing for leaks, damage, and rotting, Davis recommends that to extend the lifespan of the roof, you also need to clean your gutter once a year to prevent the hampering of rainwater flow and congestion or the pileup of environmental debris, which eventually, could cause all sorts of water damage on the roofing system.

The most popular choice of roofing material is metal, which can last beyond 50 years, but slate tiles (made of concrete) can last a lifetime, and is easier to repair. Slate tiles are not recommended for warm climates, though, because of their dark color. Consult with your local roofing company, such as Shelton Roof, that offers professional roof replacement in Palo Alto, and have the company recommend the right roofing material for replacement.

However, you’ll have to determine whether your roof, indeed needs full-blown replacement, or can simply be repaired. When roof replacement is advised, the first thing to consider is the new material you’d like for your new roof. Contact local roofing contractors in Palo Alto, CA for recommendations on the proper roofing material for your home. For advice, remember, don’t limit yourself to one roof contractor; get more than one opinion when it comes to one of the most important structures of your home.

(Source: Do You Need A New Roof?, Improvenet, Andrea Davis, June 18, 2014)