Our House
Brought to you by: Community Partner Hinkle Roofing, www.HinkleRoofing.com 
Most people don’t expect their roof to spring a leak until it’s too late. Don’t wait until water pours through the ceiling and the rest of your home. Hinkle Roofing, your trusted roofing company, suggests a roof inspection twice a year. What are the various warnings that may pop up if your roof is already compromised?
Look for these signs that signify it is time for a new roof.
1. Leaks in the attic. The first place to check when looking for roof leaks is your attic. Armed with a flashlight, climb up under the eaves. Then, look for beams of light coming through the top of the house or stains and streaks. Check around vent openings and wherever the roof line changes slope or direction.
2. The age of your roof. Check your records to see when you last had a roof or shingles replacement. Knowing when your roof was first installed and what materials it’s made of will tell how much life it has left. A typical asphalt shingle roofing system lasts 20 to 25 years.
3. Damaged roof shingles. Always check your roof shingles after heavy storms. Be sure that they still lie flat against the roof. If you find patches of shingles that are quite cracked, damaged, or buckling, then repairs are in order. At the same time, check for shingle granules in the gutters and downspouts. Losing a lot of granules signals the end of the roof’s service life.
4. Loose flashing. The flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys seals the roof from water. Examine them for cracks or breaks, which might lead to leaks. Older homes have flashing made of roof cement or tar, which can deteriorate. Upgrade to a metal flashing system for greater durability.
Check with your expert roofing contractor, Hinkle Roofing. Hinkle Roofing provides full-service home improvement. We serve homeowners and businesses in Tuscaloosa and Hoover, AL. Call us at 205-352-1940 for a consultation and a free estimate.
–Bob Baker 
Owner/President, Hinkle Roofing
205-324-8545
