There are endless home improvement projects for avid DIY enthusiasts, but some things are better left to the professionals. As a rule, anything including your roof should be managed by an experienced roofing contractor. Not only is the roof the first line of defense in your home, but it tends to be one of the more dangerous home maintenance tasks to tackle.
Here are six telling signs that it’s time to call a professional roofer.
You’re Doing Preventative Maintenance
Never underestimate the value of preventative maintenance to extend your roof’s lifespan and protect your investment. According to the experts at Four Seasons Kanga Roof, scheduling preventive maintenance is the best thing you can do to protect the investment on your residential or commercial property.
During a maintenance visit, your trusted roofing contractor will remove any debris and look for signs of damage. They’ll make minor repairs as needed, clean the gutters, and sometimes apply a sealant to help protect the shingles from seasonal wear and tear.
Hiring a professional roofer to conduct annual inspections and maintenance helps correct small problems before they become big, expensive problems. This service can also help you get a longer lifespan out of your existing roof, putting off a replacement for as long as possible.
You Notice Moss Growth
It’s not uncommon for roofs to grow moss and algae, especially in wet climates and rural areas. While the moss may add a sense of country cottage charm, it can damage your shingles over time. Moss will trap moisture underneath, which could permeate and cause wood rot— an expensive and time-consuming problem to correct. The same effect will also cause degradation in your shingles, risking the integrity of your roof and shortening the lifespan.
While DIY moss removal solutions are available, this service is better left to the experts who have the right tools, safety equipment, and know-how to get the job done.
You Notice Leaks Inside
If you notice water spots on your ceiling, you could have a roof leak. If possible, take a look in the attic to determine if you can find the source. Depending on the structure of your home and plumbing, it’s unlikely that water spots on the upstairs ceiling are caused by leaky pipes.
If you notice signs of a leak, call a roofing contractor as soon as possible. A leak could lead to extensive water damage and mold, which can be costly and stressful.
Your Attic has Mold or Excess Moisture
Your attic is designed to be a pretty dry place. If you notice mold developing or just signs of excess moisture, it indicates that something is wrong with the roof, flashing, or vents. A skilled roofer will tell you the source of the problem and how to go about fixing it. Additionally, they may put temporary measures in place to stop the issue from progressing.
You’ve Lost Shingles
In the grand scheme of things, losing shingles isn’t a huge deal. This problem often takes place after storms and is easy and affordable to fix. However, if you leave the issue unaddressed, it can become a huge problem.
Missing shingles leaves gaps for moisture to seep through to the wood underneath and vulnerable spots for punctures. Collect your lost shingles and call a roofing expert to deal with the issue as soon as possible.
You Notice Sagging or Dipping
If you notice your roof looks uneven or saggy, call a roofer for an emergency inspection. A sagging roof could be caused by several things, such as heavy snow, wood rot, water damage, age, and structural damage. This issue is dangerous and could put your home and family at risk.
Take some time to find a reliable local roofer to keep on file for when an issue arises. Roof maintenance can help detect potential issues before they become a major problem, extending the lifespan of your investment and improving the value of your home.