If you have had the same roof on your house for a couple of decades, you may be wondering whether it is still in good condition. While nothing overtly appears to be damaged or worn, you may still be concerned about hidden damage to the structure.
Even if you cannot see signs of deterioration, there may be some indicating the need for a new roof. Below are a couple of subtle signs that it may be time to have a new roof installed on your house by a roofing professional.
1. You Notice That the Bricks Around the Bottom of Your Home's Chimney Have Started to Crack or Separate
One subtle sign that you need to seriously consider having a new roof installed on your house can be found by looking at the masonry around the bottom of your chimney. As a roof gets older, the decking and support structures can shift, which can cause the chimney's bricks to crack and separate.
As the shifting of the roofing structures continues, the damage to the chimney will become worse. However, since this could also be a sign that the chimney itself is damaged, you should have a roofing professional inspect your roof to determine whether a new roof is needed.
2. You Find That the Surface of the Roof Feels Soft and Spongy When You Try to Walk Across
Another sign that your roof is deteriorating and a new one needs to be installed can be ascertained by walking on it. You should only attempt to do this on a flat area of the roof on a dry day, and only if you are comfortable doing so.
If you walk across the surface of the roof, it should feel solid under your feet. However, if you find that it feels soft and spongy, the decking is most likely deteriorating, indicating that a professional should be called to see if you need to have a new roof installed.
Even if you do not see any obvious signs of damage and deterioration on your home's roof, there may be hidden signs that you need to have a new one installed. You may notice that the bricks around the bottom of your chimney are cracking and separating, indicating a shift in the overall structure of the roof. You may also find that the roof itself feels soft and spongy when you walk on it. If you suspect that you need a new roof, contact a business that offers roof installation services to schedule an appointment for an inspection.
For more information on a roof installation, contact a professional near you.