Our roofs serve as the mighty shield that protects us from sunlight, severe weather, wildlife, and natural disasters. But as the years go by and the seasons change, our roof’s lifespan and foundation deteriorates.
Since the roof covers the upper part of the house, we hardly notice its exterior condition. We should inspect our roofs at least once a year. But how can we tell if our roof already need fixing or repairs?
You actually don’t need to be an expert to be able to determine if your roof is about to windup. Here, we listed the most common and important things you need to foresee before it’s too late:
MISSING, BROKEN, OR CURLED SHINGLES
Missing, broken, or curled shingles can happen due to improper installation, inadequate attic ventilation, high winds or heavy rains. Curling happens on the corners of shingles where they bend upward or underneath themselves. All of these are signs to schedule a roofing inspection before it causes leaks or damages any other parts of your home.
Missing, broken, or curled shingles can’t act as an effective barrier against severe weather and natural elements and the roof should most likely be repaired.
Additional Tip: In order to increase the lifespan of asphalt shingles, these are coated with granules. Serving as additional barrier against natural disasters. Granules may begin to accumulate in your gutters over time.
WATER LEAKS
Water damages or leaks will surely cause severe problems to your house’s foundation and structure in a short period of time. Not to mention the chance of encountering a short-circuit by having the water leak into your electrical wirings, ceiling lights, or junction box. It is very important to check even the smallest water leaks of your roof. It is possible to fix a leak without having to replace the entire roof.
CEILING STAINS
Ceiling stains might be one of the most obvious internal signs of having a damaged roof. The brown spots or patches on your walls or ceiling can tell that you need to get your roof looked at as soon as possible. Water stains on your ceiling indicate either a leaky roof or a condensation problem in your home. Ceiling stain causes can include shoddy underlayment or poor ventilation. Looking for the accurate spot of the leak might be tricky, so you may need to call your contractor or an expert right away.
VISIBLE DAYLIGHT
The presence of this factor is also a warning sign that your roof is already damaged, and that you should get it repaired as soon as possible. If daylight comes in, then rain will surely follow.
MOSS OR ALGAE GROWTH
If your roof or a side or your roof resides under a tree, it is most likely that it has already developed algae, moss, or mould over months. These things usually grow on the side of your roof that is rarely exposed to sunlight. Plus, such microorganisms could be unhealthy for the whole family.
In order for your roof to maximize its true life expectancy, it’s important to address the moss or algae before it becomes widespread.
To eradicate your roof of moss or algae growth, make sure to have your roof cleaned by a professional. (Since algae is slippery and power washing can cause granule loss).
DAMAGED ROOF VALLEYS
Roof valleys are formed by the intersection of two roof slopes. This platform is especially designed to allow the rain to flow down properly. The method of installing valleys is critical, since a poorly installed valley poses a serious leak risk. Roof valleys can last for up to 20 years, but if your roof resides under a tree, it might get corroded shorter than its lifespan. We recommend getting your roof valleys inspected after the rainy seasons.
BLISTERING EXTERIOR PAINTS
Roof paint adds a protective layer over the base material of your roof. UV rays, moisture, and debris cannot directly damage your roofing material because of it. But what if it gets blistered or peeled unexpectedly? High humidity, excessive temperatures, and inadequate attic ventilation can all contribute to this problem. Blistering or peeling exterior paints can be considered a factor to have your roof checked to prevent serious damages.
HIGH ELECTRIC BILLS
Noticing a sudden spike to your energy or electrical bills is also a sign that your roof might be damaged. If your roof is old, damaged, or the wrong type of material, all of the cold air during the summer could be leaking out through the top of your home.
We usually disregard the maintenance of our roofs. But just like the other parts of the house, our roof needs to be taken care of as well. In order to maintain your roof’s good condition, you should have it inspected by a professional, who can identify any weak spots and fix them. Contact us today or call us for a free quote: 844.784.7663
