A new roof might not be on your wish list of ways to spend your money this summer, but our team at Tom Madsen, LLC wants you to remember how important it is to take good care of your New Jersey home. Many homeowners don’t even think about their roofs until they start to leak. We know that maintaining your home can be a tedious process, but you can trust our general contractors to repair or replace your roof before you have to break out the buckets. Read on for some telltale signs that it’s time to replace your home’s roof.

1. Start from the Top

This might surprise you but, if you think your roof needs work, it’s best to start by checking out the attic, not your home’s exterior. Grab a flashlight and a ladder and look for beams of light coming through the top of the house. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for any stains or streaks that would signal leaks in your roof.

2. Check Your Records

Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or you’re the new owner, you should have a record of all improvements made on your home. This will tell you how long it’s been since your roof has been reshingled or replaced. Knowing when a roof was installed (and what it’s made of) offers insight into how much life it has left. For instance, a typical asphalt shingle roof lasts 20 to 25 years, while a roof installed over an existing layer of shingles should be replaced after 20 years.

3. Head Outside

After you’ve gotten to know your roof from the inside, it’s time to check the shingles outside. It’s especially important to check on your roof after heavy storms and winds. Shingles should lie flat against the roof; if you find patches that are cracked, damaged, or buckling, then repairs are in order. While you’re at it, check the gutters and downspouts for shingle granules—a roof that is losing a lot of granules may be at the end of its useful life.

Call in the Pros

Don’t cross your fingers and hope your roofing problems will go away. Contact us at Tom Madsen LLC to schedule a free consultation and estimate with one of our roofers. That way, you will know what the problem is and what it’s going to take to fix it. And don’t panic if you have a few damaged shingles or a bit of a leak, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need an entire new roof. If your roof has been properly installed and is younger than 15 or 20 years old, it may get by with repairs rather than a full replacement. To schedule a roofing consultation, call Tom Madsen LLC today at (973) 875-9716.