If you own a home that's getting on in years, you may be pondering the best timing for either repairing your roof or opting for an entirely new roofing installation.

In this article, all your answers will be covered in two main sections.

Part 1: Conducting an Interior Roof Check

Interior roof check is performed to evaluate the condition of the roof. Grab a bright flashlight and head up to your attic. You must use a flashlight with a bright beam of light to ensure you don’t miss out on any damage on your roof. While conducting this roof check, make sure you’ve taken the necessary safety measures to avoid injury or further damage to your roof.

If you notice one of the following signs, you should get a new roof.

Daylight Through the Roof Boards

Before you switch on your torch, observe the roof to see if any stream of lights is penetrating through the roof either through holes or cracks. If you notice any stream of light, make sure you replace or repair your roof. If the light can penetrate your roof, then water can also seep through your roof.

Sagging Area

In the same way that water makes cardboard weak and soggy, it will also make your roof structure start to sag. If you come across a sagging section in your roof, use a broom or your hand to prod light at the sagging part. If you notice the spots bends easily with a push of your hand, it is a sign that your roof has been damaged by moisture.

Presence of Dark Streaks on your Roof

While conducting the check, you might see dark stains on the underside of the room or on the parts of the wall just below the roof.

It is an indication that your roof is leaking and water is damaging your roof and the interior structures. Call a professional to check the damage and consider repairing or replacing your roof.

Leaks and Water damage

Apart from looking for sagging sections in your room, be sure to look for visible signs of leaking or rotting of the room from the inside. If you come across signs of moisture damage, contact an expert to inspect the extent of damage and advise you on what to do.

Be sure to act quickly when your roof is leaking to prevent damage and unnecessary costs.

Part 2: Performing an Exterior Roof Check

Exterior checks are usually termed as “money savers” because they will help recognize roof damages long before they cause a significant impact on your house. These checks are usually dangerous, and if you don’t have the right equipment or have physical challenges, consider calling an expert to do a roof inspection for you.

Presence of Algae and Moss

Algae growth and buildup are common in humid areas. The problem with these is that they allow moisture to be trapped under, leading to water damage on your roof.

You can easily remove algae by using a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide mixed with water. This solution will even eradicate the persistent algae, leaving your roof clean.

Decaying of Shingles

Rotting is common for asphalt and wooden roofs while decaying and cracking are common to roofs made of shingles. Look for sections with missing shingles as well as sections with cracking, buckling or even curling shingles.

Another way to see if your shingles are damaged is to look for particles or pieces of shingles in your gutter. If you come across parts of shingles in your drain, your roof could be at risk of decaying and water damage.

Roof Valley

Roof valley refers to the meeting spot for two parts of your roof (sloping down). This spot is vulnerable to damage as snow and rain flow through it into the gutters.  Be sure to look out for cracked caulk and rust spots in these areas.

Damaged Chimney and Roof Flashing

Roof flashing is used in sealing seams of your roof against extreme weather conditions. Make sure you examine chimneys, skylights, and vents and look for breaks and cracks, which may lead to leaking.

In most homes, flashing is mostly done by using cement or tar, but it is recommendable to use a metallic flashing system for durability.

Higher Energy Bills

You might realize a sudden increase in your air conditioning bills. The cold or warm air may be seeping through the cracks in your roof, leading to high bills.