10 Signs Your Roof Needs Urgent Repair
Spotting the signs that your roof needs repairing can save you a great deal of money. A damaged roof can cause mold and lead to interior damage in the home. Keeping your roof in good repair will extend its life. A full roof replacement is costly and time-consuming. But if you repair minor damage to your roof as soon as it becomes apparent, it will help to prevent you from needing an early roof replacement.
It is not a good idea to go up and inspect your roof yourself. It would be better to have a professional roofer regularly inspect your roof. However, some telltale signs will warn you when it is time to call a roofer. Here are ten warning signs that indicate it is time to get the roof of your home inspected.
1. Sagging Roof
There are several possible causes of a sagging roof. If an old roof is sagging, then it might be time for a roof replacement. If a new roof sags, then it is likely that the roof has likely not been installed correctly. A sagging roof could also mean that the rafters have become damp, which has weakened the wood. If that is the case, a speedy roof repair or replacement will be in order.
2. Missing or Loose Shingles
High winds and heavy rain can loosen or dislodge shingles. Missing or loose shingles can lead to more severe damage if they are left unrepaired. Fixing loose or missing shingles is a relatively inexpensive element of roof maintenance that could save you a lot of money in the long-term. In some cases, though, missing shingles might be a sign that your roof needs replacing. So as soon as you see any missing or loose shingles, it would be advisable to get a roofing contractor to carry out a roof inspection.
3. Higher Energy Bills
If your roof is damaged, it can cause your heating and air conditioning to need to work harder to maintain the internal temperature in your home. If you have noticed that your energy bills are higher than usual, it could be a sign that there is a problem with your roof. Keeping your roof well-maintained will help to avoid more expensive roofing repairs later, and it could save you money on your energy bills.
4. Shingle Granules in Gutters
If you have asphalt or composite shingles, then it is not unusual to see some shingle granules in the gutters. However, if there are a lot of granules coming from your roof, then this could be a sign the shingles need replacing. The granules that you need to be looking for look like coarse, black sand.
5. Curled or Cracking Shingles
Shingles have a limited lifespan. When shingles are nearing the end of their useful lifespan, they may become deformed, cracked, or curled. If you spot one or two deformed shingles, replacing them may extend the life of your roof. If you can see lots of deformed shingles, though, you may need a full roof replacement.
6. Internal Water Damage
If you see any water damage to internal walls in your home, then it would be a good idea to get a roof inspection. The same will apply if you come across mold or signs of water damage in the attic. Water damage could be a sign that the roof is leaking. Mold and mildew could be being caused by poor roof ventilation or a damaged roof or underlayment.
7. Daylight Shining Through the Roof
If you go up into your attic and you see daylight shining through the roof, then you have a roofing problem. If light can get through the shingles, then so too can rain, wind and damp. Daylight shining through the roof could be a sign that some shingles need replacing, or it could be your roof has reached the end of its useful life.
8. Discoloration of The Roof
Discoloration of shingles might indicate that the shingles are damp or have been damaged. If dark patches have begun to appear on your roof, it could be a sign that you have mold growing on the shingles. If you have noticed any discoloration of your roof, a quick roof inspection will discover the cause of the problem. Appropriate roof repairs can then be made.
9. Damage Around Roof Fixtures
It is advisable to check the areas around your roof as well as looking at the roof itself. Damage to the areas around roof fixtures, like pipes, chimneys, and vents, for example, can usually be repaired before further damage to the roof is done.
10. Storm Damage
If you have recently experienced a storm and you suspect that the roof may have been damaged, it would be best to arrange for a roof inspection. The apparent signs of storm damage are broken or missing shingles and, of course, signs of water leaking into the attic after a storm. With most roofing problems, early repairs of damage will usually save you money in the long-term.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, it is not recommended that you climb up onto the roof of your home to inspect the roof yourself. However, the above signs that your roof needs repairing are visible from the ground or inside the house. The takeaway is that, when it comes to roofs, safe is always better than sorry. So if you suspect that your roof has been damaged, give us a call or send us an email!