SIGNS YOUR ROOF NEEDS ATTENTION AND REPAIR – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

SIGNS YOUR ROOF NEEDS ATTENTION AND REPAIR

It is vital to know the warning signs of a roof that it is in need of repair or replacement. If you experience any of the following issues, it’s more than likely that your roof needs major repairs or a total replacement.  Homeowners should perform a regular roof inspection twice a year. While you work to remove debris from rooftops, drains, gutters and downspouts, take some time to check for signs of storm, wind, hail or water damage.

The longevity of your roof depends on proper inspection and upkeep.  A roof without regular maintenance is more likely to have costly leaks and cause damage to the inside of your home.  If left unattended, heavy rain and seasonal precipitation can result in mold problems and drywall discoloration.

SIGNS OF ROOF DAMAGE

CURLED & BUCKLED SHINGLES

Visibly distorted shingles are a clear signal that your roof has some age under its belt.  Buckled shingles happen due to moisture in the attic space below that forces nails to push upwards and out of the roof’s exterior.  This situation can leave your home exposed to the elements as well as making the shingles more susceptible to blowing off during strong winds.

GRANULES MISSING

Absent granules are a sign that your roof is quickly losing its weatherproofing capabilities.  To check to see if you are missing granules, look to your gutters for granule accumulation when you clean them out.  You can also check the area around your downspout for granules.

MOISTURE & MOLD

If your attic is not properly ventilated warm moist air from your home will rise and get trapped in the attic. This moisture condenses, gathering on the underside of the roof, and causing nails to rust and mold to form.  If left long enough, this will lead the plywood to rot out and you’ll have to replace the entire roof.

The Roof Is Leaking

If you notice water coming into your home, it’s time to call a professional to see if you need a roof replacement or repair.  To help minimize the risk of long-term water damage, it’s important to regularly check your attic for leaks — especially after a big rainstorm.  Likewise, water stains on your ceiling or walls could indicate a leak coming from your roof.  Make sure you locate the cause of the leak before you repair the ceiling or wall.  If the originating issue isn’t repaired first, the staining will continue to occur.

There Are Damaged or Missing Shingles

Loose or missing shingles or damage to the materials will often lead to moisture seeping into your attic or ceiling crawlspace.  If left untreated, these could lead to wood rot and mold, and require expensive repairs.  What are your roof’s shingles telling you? Here are the tell-tale signs it might be time to repair or replace your roof:

  • Loose shingles

  • Curled shingle edges

  • Cracked shingles

  • Dark streaks

  • Missing shingles

  • Bald spots from missing granules

Dislodged shingles provide an open path for water, cold air, and pests to enter into your home.

You Can See Daylight

A little natural light coming into your home is good…right?  Well, only if it’s coming through your windows.  Look for any spots in the attic where daylight is coming through the roof boards. Daylight coming through your attic is a clear warning sign that you need a new roof.

The Roof Is Old

How long has it been since your home’s roof was replaced?  How long a roof lasts depends on what materials were used.  For instance, asphalt shingles typically last 20 years, but a metal roof can last much longer.  You may need a new roof even if you think your current one doesn’t look aged or worn.  Review your home improvement records to see how old the roof is.  Knowing when a roof was installed offers insight into how much life it has left.

Algae Is Growing on the Roof

Inspect your roof for algae and fungi.  Algae growth on the roof could be an indication of excessive moisture, which means the roof may need to be repaired or replaced.  Catching small issues before they become bigger problems is important when it comes to the health of your home.  Regular inspections and maintenance by a professional can help you prolong the life of your roof.  When it comes time to make repairs or replace your roof, be sure to do your research on home professionals.

Your Roof’s Flashing Is Made of Cement or Tar

The flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys seals the seams of the roof from rain and weather.  Cracks and breaks in the flashing can lead to leaks and should be repaired right away.  If you have an older home with flashing made of roof cement or tar, you may want to consider upgrading to the more durable metal flashing systems used today.

The Roof Is Sagging

A droopy roof is a sign of roof damage and needs to be remedied right away to avoid further structural damage to your home.  Keep larger issues at bay by regularly checking the roof’s surface for signs of trapped moisture and rotting boards, especially near the roof’s lowest points.

Not all signs that your roof needs repair will be obvious.  Some may be subtle and easily missed until the problem gets larger and water begins to infiltrate your home in larger amounts leading to issues and damage.  It’s important to take a look at your roof both from the ground and from within the attic when possible, twice yearly.  If you notice any signs that your roof may be damaged, contact your roofer immediately to help prevent further damage from occurring.