Your roof is a vital part of the structure of your home. In fact, it’s often the first line of defense for you and your family against the elements. Therefore, it’s important that you carry out regular checks and maintenance, if necessary.
But how do you know if it’s time to repair or replace your old roof?
In most cases, there are visible clues. However, roof damage can often develop under the radar and manifest with very little warning.
Here are 5 things you should look out for on your roof when carrying out an inspection.
Sometimes you don’t even have to get onto your roof to spot obvious signs of roof damage.
From the ground, you should look out for cracked, damaged or curled shingles, loose or missing shingles, if moss or algae is growing, damage or discoloration in the area around vents, missing granules, and any damage around chimneys or skylights.
It’s also possible to spot shingle damage when you clear out your gutters. If you find shingle debris, this can be a sign that your shingles are beginning to disintegrate and therefore reaching the end of their lifespan.
If you see any signs of damage to your shingles, this may be a sign that it’s time for a roof replacement. A roofing professional can help you determine the extent of the damage and the best way to fix it.
One of the most common problems that can affect a roof is a leak.
Roof leaks can happen for many reasons, and oftentimes their cause is not immediately apparent.
Besides storm damage, worn-out materials from normal wear and tear is the main cause of roof leaks. As the roofing materials weaken, water can enter through the shingles, leading to water intrusion and, sometimes, visible puddles inside your property.
Small leaks can sometimes be patched. However, in most cases, small leaks are left undetected until they become much larger and require a bigger, more costly fix.
If you have a persistent roof leak, or there are multiple leaks throughout the roof, it’s time to consider replacing your roof. The best way to find out the extent of the damage is to have it inspected by a professional roofing company.
Finding a drip isn’t the only way to identify a roof leak. In fact, a leaky roof frequently manifests in the form of water damage inside your property.
If you find streaks, stains or water spots in your attic or on the ceilings or walls of your home, this is often the sign that you have a roof leak.
Of course, water damage could also be caused by a leaky pipe or a broken faucet. But, if it appears in these locations, particularly near the tops of your walls, a leaky roof is the most likely cause.
In this case, it’s important to find the source of the leak. Using professional tools and know-how, a roofing contractor can easily determine the cause of the water damage and advise on the best course of action.
Another sign that your roof needs repair is when your roofline is no longer straight and strong.
If you notice that your roofline is dipping or curving, or if there’s visible sagging, you must investigate the cause as a matter of urgency.
In the best-case scenario, this could be caused by a framing issue. However, if accompanied by shingle damage, leaks or water damage, you could be facing a partial or complete cave-in.
If you have a water-saturated roof deck, you may need a new roof.
If a violent storm came through your area recently, you should definitely inspect your roof to check if any damage has been caused.
Storm damage is one of the leading causes of roof replacements, regardless of the condition they were in before the storm. In Madison & St Clair County, wind, hail, snow and ice tend to cause the most damage.
High-speed wind can lift, crack or remove shingles completely, opening your roof up to leaks and other water damage caused by rain or snow.
If you can see signs of damage to your roof or it has recently been hit by a heavy storm, you must act fast if you suspect there’s a problem!
If it’s caught early, roof damage can be repaired. However, if allowed to progress, this could result in a potentially costly roof replacement.
Scheduling an inspection with a professional roofing company is the best way to determine the extent of the damage and the best course of action.
Lagunas Roofing is a full-service roof repair, roof replacement, siding and gutter repair service, catering to customers' needs throughout the Metro St. Louis area: Fairview Heights, O'Fallon, Maryville, Troy, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon and Collinsville.
If you’re worried about damage to your roof, don’t hesitate to call on (618) 802-1213.
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Lagunas Roofing has over 14 years experience as a roofing contractor in the Metro St. Louis Region. Trust your home to a local expert in roofing.