Since roofs can generally last anywhere between 15 to 50 years, you might not have given yours much thought lately. But there are a number of factors that can indicate your roof is in need of being replaced sooner than later. It’s important to know when your roof needs replacing to prevent further damage from happening to your home. You can search online to learn which signs might show that your roof is in need of replacing.

Getting your roof done is a serious but doable task. If you’re in need of a new roof, you need to search online to find affordable and quality roofing companies to hire in your area.

Here are a few signs your roof may need replacing.

Signs Your Roof Needs Replacing

If it’s been a while since your roof was done, it’s time to search for signs it needs replacing. There’s a general checklist of things you should look for when determining the status of your roof.

Some signs might be more obvious than others. For instance, you might be experiencing leakage in your home and need a bucket to catch drops of water inside. A leaky roof could be happening without you even realizing it, especially if you have an attic. Point a flashlight into your attic and see if there are any visible stains or streaks related to water damage.

Next, go outside and take a look at the shingles on the roof. They should be laying flat and not have any visible signs of damage, like cracks or buckling. You might even find some loose shingles in your gutters or even flying around your yard. Make sure to analyze the flashing around vents, skylights and chimney seals to see if there are any issues that can lead to potential leaks.

A severe sign that your roof needs maintenance is if it’s sagging or droopy. This could be due to molding, trapped moisture or rotting points that could potentially fall through. Trapped moisture could also cause moss to grow and might mean your shingles are getting weaker.

You might be able to get away with simply replacing the shingles instead of a full roof replacement, but have a professional check it out to make sure the underlayment or decking isn’t also damaged. Hiring a roofing contractor each year is helpful to know the condition of your roof and whether it’s time for it to be replaced.

Choosing A Legit Roof Company

Before hiring the first roofing company you come across, it’s important to do your research and make sure it checks all the boxes as a legitimate company. This will prevent you from getting poor work done and losing money in the process.

Check for the company’s manufacturer designations. This is given to contractors who meet certain minimum requirements and be deemed factory certified. Contractors need to retain satisfactory ratings with Better Business Bureau to be certified, so check out their score on the website. Roofing companies should also have proper licensing, insurance and safety training for all employees and subcontractors.

Pay your deductible and be wary of contactors that say they can handle your insurance claim. Don’t let them act on your behalf when negotiating an insurance claim.

After going through the formalities and paperwork, see what the company has to offer you. Ask if they offer a warranty to ensure they will come and fix any damage that appears within a certain window of time after the restoration.

Companies with your best interest in mind will also offer plenty of different shingle options based on style and color to give your home good value. Hiring a roof company shouldn’t be a stressful experience. If the contractor is pressuring you to sign a contract or giving you a hard time, it’s best to move on with another company that’s more approachable.

How To Search For Affordable Options

The sooner you decide to take action and get a new roof, the less risk you have of the current roof potentially caving in or causing unnecessary damage to your home. It’s important to examine your roof periodically, such as between seasons or after severe weather, to see if it’s been negatively impacted by the elements.

If it seems you do need a new roof, finding a company to hire is easy. You can search for a website called Angie’s List that will match you with top-rated roof repair and replacement professional pros simply by entering your ZIP code. Home Advisor is another source that allows you to compare different roof repair service quotes in your area for free.

You can also search for incentives and rebates that may be available for new or replaced roofs. For example, you may qualify for a tax credit of either 10 percent or $500 if you make your roof more energy efficient. You can search for available savings like this through the IRS or your local government.

See if anyone you know can recommend roofing companies they’ve worked with in the past. Just make sure to look out for the signs of a legit company before hiring any workers. Searching online and comparing at least three to five companies will help you find the best quality service and price.