The state of your roof directly affects the value of your house and how habitable it is. Unfortunately, keeping tabs on your roof’s condition is not very easy. It’s not like your doors and floor, which you interact with every day. In fact, most people don’t realize that their roofs need improvements until they start seeing leaks.
How do you know it’s time to give your roof a repair? Here are six signs that will help you catch the problem early enough to make the necessary improvements.
- Loft Daylight and Moisture
This is one of the most easily noticeable signs that your roof needs either a replacement or repair. Check the loft for any sun rays shining through the structure. The rays are okay if they appear at the ridge vents and eaves. However, any beams coming directly through the roof are a serious red flag.
You should also scrutinize the place and look for any signs of moisture. A damaged roof usually allows the accumulation of moisture in parts like the eaves and the insulation area.
- Presence of Leaks
Roof leaks are very common, and they can easily fly under the radar until the problem is so big that you may need a complete reroof. As this website reports, roof leaks also pose safety hazards if not resolved in time. Therefore, never ignore even the minor signs of leakage. Water stains, mold, rotten wood, and missing shingles are some of the most common signs of a leaking roof.
- Shingles Issues
Shingles problems manifest in different ways. Cracks are pretty common and could signal the need to inspect the entire roof. This is particularly important if it’s a new roof. You can work with a reputable roofer to investigate the shingles and even send a few samples to the manufacturer for further tests. This may help your claim a warranty if indeed there is a problem with the roof.
Clawing and cupping of shingles is another clear sign that you need to contact a contractor. You should also watch out for misaligned and buckling shingles. Catching these signs early saves you from having to deal with leaks later on.
- Animal Infestation
While animals are capable of damaging the roof themselves, most of the time, they attack your roof once it’s already compromised. So, as you stop them from damaging your roof further, remember to also look for openings around your roof.
The growth of algae, mold, moss, and mildew is also a sign that your roof needs fixing. The worst part is they can run havoc on your roof and cause expensive damages if you don’t act fast. The above organisms usually thrive in a dump area.
- The Roof’s Age
It’s vital to maintain an accurate paper trail of all the home improvements you make, especially the major ones. Check this data and see how old it has been since the roof was installed or repaired. This is one of the best ways of confirming that the roof needs improvements. For instance, asphalt shingles roofs usually have a lifespan of between 15 to 40 years, depending on various factors. Use this data to compare the age of your roof and its state.
Note that sometimes the age and state of your roof may not match. For instance, the roof could have been installed only a few years back and still show several signs of damage. This usually happens when the installation was done poorly, or the materials used were of low quality. If there are clear signs that your roof has a problem, ignore the age and focus on getting a proper contractor.
The age of your roof may also help you make a better decision on whether you need to replace or repair it. The best way to fix a young roof with minor leaks is through repairs. On the other hand, an old roof may have similar issues but replacing it may be the best financial decision even though the initial cost may be higher than the overall expenses of repairs. That’s because an old roof will probably frequent issues which will be expensive in the long run.
- Sagging Roof
A sagging roof can be a sign of two things; there’s a problem with your attic construction or the house’s foundation. Since you don’t know which of the two is responsible for the issue, you must call a contractor right away because the latter could pose imminent danger.
Catching roof damages early can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. It may also help you take advantage of the manufacturer’s warranty while you’re still eligible. So don’t ignore any of the above signs.
