One of the most important parts of your home is your roof. If it is correctly functioning, the rest of your home will remain protected from water damage and exposure to other elements. However, within time, your roof may begin to show signs of wear and tear. While it is easy to ignore, a major problem may occur that may require immediate attention. There are many signs you can stay on the lookout for that signal it’s time to replace your roof.
Water Damage in Attic or Upstairs
Too much moisture can result in yellow, grey, or brown stains or marks. It can also cause paint to peel on the walls or ceilings, which may also signal a leaking, damaged roof. You can also try looking in your attic if you have one since leaks there can signal roof damage. Know what your limitations are and call in a roofing professional for an inspection. This should also be done once a year, and not just when you have an emergency. You could save yourself hundreds and even thousands of dollars in repair costs just by noticing minor damage. You can prevent these minor issues from turning into major problems.
Sagging Roof
A roof that sags is a sign that there is moisture trapped that has resulted in rotted-away boards underneath the roof. If you notice your roof is sagging or droopy, you need to make sure you call in a professional to have it replaced to avoid further damage. You can also check the surface of your roof for noticeable signs of rotting boards, sagging spots, and trapped moisture. These signs may be even more noticeable at the lowest points in the roof.
An excellent way to notice a sagging roof is by standing back from your home, maybe across the street, and looking at it from a variety of angles. A roof in good shape will appear straight along its lines. This makes slumping and sagging roofs more noticeable.
Missing Granules or Shingles
For those who live in southern states such as Florida, strong hurricanes and thunderstorms can cause a lot of strain on your roof. Very high winds can result in shingles lifting or even flying off of your roof. There may be times when you have to replace a couple of shingles. However, the need for repair may depend on the location of the missing shingles as well as the condition of the ones surrounding them.
An Inspection Determined Otherwise
If you have had a roofing inspection and the professional determined that repairs are not good enough, it is time to replace your roof. Sometimes damage to your roof can be minor and easily fixed. However, systemic problems may occur, and the most cost-effective strategy may be to just replace your roof entirely. Repeated repairs will cost you more in the long run.