Depending on the material, a roof should last anywhere from 20 to 30 years.
If you don’t take care of it, smaller issues can quickly lead to bigger ones. If you notice any problems with your roof, don’t hesitate to call a roofing professional.
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Are you wondering what signs to look for indicating common roof issues?
Keep reading to learn 9 telltale signs that it’s time to call a professional roofing service.
1. Damaged Shingles
One of the most common signs that you need roof repair is damaged shingles. If you notice that any of your roof’s shingles are cracked, curled up, or missing, don’t wait to get them fixed.
When shingles are in the early stage of damage, they’re easy to replace. However, waiting will only lead to more significant issues and more money down the road.
2. Moisture, Leakage, or Stains
Moisture, stains, and leakage are some of the most common roof issues homeowners face. Unfortunately, sometimes people don’t notice a leak until the damage is severe.
Check your attic or top floor regularly while the sun is out and the weather is dry. If you notice any water stains on your walls or ceiling, it’s a sure sign that you have roof troubles. Stains and leaking could mean there’s a hole or a breach in the integrity of your roof’s structure.
It could also indicate that the roof’s underlayment isn’t doing its job and is letting water into the structure.
Look for mildew and mold, too.
3. Peeling or Blistering Paint
Also, peeling or blistering paint is another indicator that your home has a moisture problem, potentially due to your roof.
In addition to stains and dark spots, blistering or bubbling paint reflects leakage within the walls. Don’t call a painter to alleviate these stains or peeling paint as it’s a sure sign there’s a greater moisture problem.
4. Increased Energy Costs
Most homeowners and business owners have an idea of their heating and cooling costs for each season, especially when they’ve spent several summers and winter seasons in a particular building.
If all of a sudden your bills skyrocket, it could be that your roof needs some maintenance.
For example, if air leaks through a breach in your home’s roof, it’ll inevitably make interior temperature uneven. As a result, your HVAC system must work harder to keep everyone comfortable. Your HVAC unit having to work harder leads to higher utility costs.
5. Granules in the Gutters
Roofs that have asphalt or composite shingles have granules on the top layer of the shingles. Over time, these shed and wear off. A few shedding here and there is typical, but piles of them indicate a problem.
After a rainstorm, check your gutters. Is there an accumulation of granules? Typically, they look like black sand but bigger. If you notice a lot of them, you must call a professional roofing service to come and assess the situation.
6. Flashing and Chimney Issues
Flashing is what keeps a building’s chimney from leaking. It connects the chimney to a home or business. When flashing becomes loose or cracked, you must get it fixed as soon as possible.
As soon as the flashing becomes compromised, it’ll start bringing moisture into the chimney. This issue can quickly lead to severe damage to the chimney, the roof, and, eventually, the entire home.
7. Critters Living in Your Attic
If wild animals make a place to live in your home, they’ll eventually wreak havoc by tearing up insulation, chewing on wires, and causing other damage.
However, if wild animals live in your attic, it’s not just their damage you should worry about. It could also mean that you need roof repairs. If animals are inside your home, it means they got in, probably through a damaged part of your roofing.
Critters in your home are one of the most significant reasons to hire a roofing service to assess your roof.
8. Green Spots on Your Roof
Fungi and moss can accumulate on your roof when there’s enough moisture for them to thrive and grow. Typically, this happens when moisture sits on the top of the roof, especially on shaded areas. What it means is that not enough moisture is evaporating.
A little moss here and there is normal, so don’t panic. However, big patches or large areas could indicate rot. If you brush the mossy patches gently and see rotting underneath, don’t wait to call a professional roofing service.
9. Light in Your Attic
If you notice light beaming through your attic, it’s an obvious sign you need fast roof repair. If light is getting in, that means water can get in too.
The issue could be rotting plywood, or it could be that only a few shingles need replacing.
When Should I Repair My Roof?
If there are any issues with your roof, minor or major, don’t hesitate to make the necessary repairs. The last thing any building owner wants is for damage to become so serious that a roof replacement is imminent.
If you call a reputable roofing professional and they recommend a repair, they’ll be able to provide an estimate and best and worst-case scenarios so that you can easily determine the best action to take.
Are you unsure of how to choose an excellent roofing company? This article provides 15 tips for choosing the best roofing company.
Hire a Roofing Professional Before You Need Roof Repairs
As a home or business owner, it’s a good idea to have a roofing professional on hand before you notice any common roof issues. Take the time to find an excellent roofing company for all your roof maintenance needs so that when the time comes for a repair, you have peace of mind knowing you’ve got the right professionals on speed dial.
Would you like to learn more about all types of home repairs and maintenance? Check back daily for more tips and tricks on keeping your home in excellent shape!
