Signs It’s Time to Fix Your Roof 

Roof inspection

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to conduct your inspection. Experts recommend inspecting your roof on a clear, sunny day—not only for safety reasons, but also to better see any potential damage.

Here are a few other signs of potential or existing damage to keep an eye out for during your roof inspection:

• Damaged flashers: Roof flashing closes the joints between the roof and the roof features, such as chimneys and roof valleys. If these are damaged—or worse, missing—water can potentially leak into your home’s interior structure, contributing to mold or rot throughout the roof and down into the walls.
• Piles of leaves, algae or moss: These piles trap moisture, which then seeps into the sheathing below your shingles, and can impact the structural elements of the roof itself.
• Attic damage: Consider this an internal roof inspection. If your home has an attic, look for any signs of sunlight coming through, water damage, moisture, mold and rot.

Not comfortable inspecting your roof yourself? You can always enlist a professional. Roof inspections range from free to a few hundred dollars.

Account for age

Your roof is in a state of constant use, which is why professionals agree that after 20 years it’s probably time to consider roof replacement. Even if your roof appears to be in good shape to the naked eye, it may have deeper signs of structural damage or weakening. Older roofs were often created with materials that experts today may no longer consider useful or durable. Consider hiring a professional to weigh in on the possibility of a complete roof replacement.

Remember your roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so it’s important to protect it. Understanding what types of roof damage exist and knowing your roof’s age and condition from season to season is critical. Take action immediately if you notice any signs of damage.

Having a home insurance company that understands your home, its coverage and the importance of proactivity is key. Hippo connects homeowners to tailored insurance services, helping protect your home.

This article is for informational purposes only. The content reflects general homeowner considerations and is not professional advice. It also includes certain additional information compiled from sources not affiliated with Hippo. While we believe this information to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. For any insurance-related decision, please consult your licensed insurance producer.