We tend to forget about checking our house’s roof because it’s a hard-to-reach place, and we don’t see it properly from the ground. But the fact is that a roof has to weather against the harshest conditions and will wear down over time.
Various signs can suggest the need for a roof replacement. Whether there’s a leak or growing mold, external factors chip away at a roof’s lifespan and reduce its quality.
We’ve compiled the signs of a damaged, worn roof that needs replacing so that you can prevent bigger expenses. Hire a professional roofing contractor to check your roof’s condition and make any necessary repairs.
Water Damage
Areas with high exposure to heavy rain and snow are at risk for roof damage. An improper roof inspection can miss signs of water pooling in depressed spots, leading to leakage.
You can also spot water damage inside the house. After a rainstorm, you can find stains and dark streaks on the ceiling, which suggests moisture from a leak.
If the leak remains, the dark stains will continue to grow and transition to the walls. Over time, the ceiling will soften and sag due to the increased moisture from the roof.
A sagging ceiling is a clear sign of roof repairs and requires delicate care. You can touch with a hand or a broomstick, but too much touching can break a hole through the ceiling.
Moss Growth
Moss can sometimes grow on roof surfaces with shade that doesn’t get any sunlight exposure. These climate types can pose both cosmetic and protection issues for your roof.
Not only can moss spread and clog the space between your shingles but also retain moisture and become a source of water leakage. During the winter, any remaining moss can cause damage to the roof’s granules.
Brushing moss off the roof won’t solve the problem. It has to be taken care of through an appropriate procedure. Chemical solutions can destroy the moss by its roots and prevent future issues.
Old Shingles
These flat textiles protect the roof against nature and its elements. As the first line of defense, shingles will undoubtfully get worn and damaged over time.
Roofs made of wood or asphalt are prone to rotting. Other types of shingles lose their durability and become brittle and easily cracked. Without a proper replacement, you are putting your house at risk of holes.
Make sure to check your roof before the winter season and make any necessary maintenance. The cold weather affects the shingles and makes them more brittle and cracking. Over time, the shingles become loose enough to fall off the roof or into the gutter.
Missing Granules
Most people wouldn’t think twice about the granules on a roof’s shingles, but they are necessary for maintaining their quality.
These asphalt granules give the roof its long-lasting color and provide reflective protection against the sun. The inclusion of copper can also prevent moss growth.
The combination of weather and time breaks down the granules to degrade in quality. If you start finding them on the ground or in the gutter, that indicates a needed shingles replacement.
Curling
If your roof looks misshapen and uneven, you have a curling problem. This issue is common among roofs living in hot and humid areas.
The edges of the shingles curl upwards and make the central part look like it’s sinking. The exposure to moisture and heat ruins the material and makes it wear down faster.
Curling can also point to improper roof installation. The installer can fail to use enough nails to keep the shingles down or misalign the tar lines between the covers.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing around your roof can prevent water from seeping into your home or through your chimneys. Professionals rely on strong metals and plastic to direct water away from the seams and joints.
Depending on the roof type, flashing can exist on chimneys, open vents, valleys, and skylights. You should check these areas for damage or improper installation from a roofing contractor.
When a roof meets a sidewall, proper kick-out flashing is necessary. Without it, water and other runoff items drip down and seep into the walls. Fix the problem before the increasing rot damages the sheathing and framing of the house.
Abandoned Drill Holes
If at one point you had a satellite dish or antenna on your roof, some holes can remain and pose a problem for your roof over time.
When you remove items from the roof, fill up empty holes and completely pull away loose nails. External weather damage can take advantage of and fill these holes with water, moss, and other infestations.
Outside Feedback
No one can provide honest feedback better than people passing by. Visiting friends or neighbors might bring up your roof through conversation or suggestions.
If you live in a residential community, a representative of the homeowner association might send you a notice about a possible roof replacement.
Conclusion
Now you have a better understanding of what could constitute a sign of roof problems. The best course of action is to regularly get in touch with a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof. They will be able to advise you properly and detect problems early before they become difficult and expensive to solve.
Author Bio for Louis Hanley
Louis Hanley
Community Manager
Baltic Roofing
Louis is a community manager for Baltic Roofing where they help the greater Chicago community with everything from high-quality roof replacements to skylight repairs. He is an expert on all things roofing and home improvement. Outside of work, he’s a huge Cubs fan and enjoys spending time with his dog, Roscoe.
