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If your roof is nearing the 20-year mark in age, you probably should start worrying about the roof’s longevity. If you don’t know the age, it may be time to figure out who installed your roof, so you can estimate the age accurately. You then can make plans to pay for the upcoming roof replacement. You also can learn how to inspect a roof yourself to look for signs of damage that may indicate a need for a replacement.

The most obvious and severe sign of a roof leak is the presence of wet spots on your ceilings, specifically on the top floor of your home. You can also identify a roof leak from your attic if you see sagging insulation or if you notice mold growth or water stains on the rafters or the underside of the roof deck. From the street, look for cracked or missing shingles, moss growth, and shingles that are curling upward, all of which can suggest a leak.

The proper specifications for furring strips can vary, so you should always consult the roofing manufacturer's guidelines or your roofer. However, general recommendations are as follows:

• Thickness: Furring strips are typically 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick, meaning standard 1-by or 2-by lumber works well. In areas with extreme winds, a thinner strip may be preferred to limit how much air can get under the roof and cause uplift. A thicker strip can add slightly more insulation but will also increase installation costs.

• Spacing: The recommended spacing for furring strips is between 12 and 24 inches apart on center. Proper spacing is crucial for ensuring good airflow, adequate drainage, noise reduction, and better energy efficiency. The ideal spacing can depend on the roof's pitch and the specific type of metal roofing being installed.

Roof underlayment usually lasts as long as the roofing material that covers it, as it’s not directly exposed to the elements. In most cases, roofing companies will replace the underlayment each time they install a new roof. In some cases, particularly with slate, clay, or certain metal roofs that can last 50 to 100 years, your underlayment may require replacement within that timeframe, especially if you start to notice roof leaks.