A home is essentially a roof over your head. Today, replacing an entire roof can be very costly and time consuming. Damaged roofs can also cause interior house damage to walls, attics and can cause extensive mold damage, to name a few of the dangers caused by leaking roofs (read seven unexpected problems caused by a leaky roof).
It goes without saying that knowing and staying alert to signs of roof damage and catching it early can prevent costly roof repairs and complete roof replacements.
In this article you will find 10 common signs that your roof needs repair or replacement.
Important notice: If you suspect that you have a damaged roof, do not attempt to climb on the roof to inspect it yourself. No. 1 Home Roofing offers free onsite roofing inspections. Contact us to avoid any potential accidents.
1) LOOSE OR MISSING SHINGLES
In Florida, with frequent rains and storms, it’s not uncommon to have shingles become loose or go missing. In most cases, this is a roofing problem that can be handled easily and at low cost. However, loose or missing shingles could also be a sign that your roof is getting old. Additionally, leaving it un-repaired for a period of time opens your roof to further and potentially more costly roof damage requiring expensive repairs. A roofing professional should be called the moment you notice loose or missing shingles. A quick inspection will tell you if the repair is minor or not. In most cases it is.
2) DEFORMED SHINGLES
Sometimes the shingles on your roof are not loose and are not missing but could be curling, cracking or deforming from their original shape. Bent, cracked or deformed shingles is usually a sign that the shingles have reached the end of their life span. Depending on the age and state of your roof, this problem could be a sign that you need a roof replacement.
Another sign to look out for is blistering shingles. A blister in a shingle means that the asphalt that the shingles are made of is falling apart in a specific spot. While blistered shingles definitely need replacement, they are also a sign of extreme heat and poor roof ventilation.
3) THE ROOF IS SAGGING
A sagging roof could be caused by several reasons. For example, a weak roof or an old roof that is starting to fall apart. While not applicable to Florida, in some cases it could be a sign that the roof is bearing too much weight such as snow. If your roof is relatively new, a sagging roof is a sign that it’s been imporperly installed. No matter what the cause may be, if your roof is sagging, don’t let a lot of time pass before calling a roofing professional. Sagging roofs have the possibility of caving in and not only causing further damage to your home but also to you or your family.
4) DARK SPOTS ON THE ROOF
Dark , dirty or off-colored spots on your roof can start to occur when shingles become damp or when they start to fall apart. Dark patches can also be a sign of mold growth under the shingles or on top of your roof. In either case, if you start to see dark or dirty spots on your roof, call for a roofing inspection as soon as possible.
5) YOU FIND SAND-LIKE GRANULES IN YOUR GUTTER OR AT THE BOTTOM OF DRAIN PIPES
Shingles are made of small granules of asphalt or other material and as time passes and due to weather, they start to lose more and more granules and become less and less effective. If you start to see granules in your gutter or accumulating at the bottom of your drain pipe after it has rained, this is a sign that the shingles are in need of replacement.
6) EXPOSED OR LOOSE NAILS
While loose nails in your roof can be repaired, they may also be a sign that your roof has potential water damage. If a nail came loose or came out of place, the hole that the nail was once in could potentially be a way for water to get into your roof; causing the need for a roof replacement. If caught early, loose or exposed nails can be repaired.
7) WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR HOME OR IN THE ATTIC
If you notice water damage to your walls, it is always safe to conduct a roof inspection to ensure the roof is not leaking. Water damage or mold in your attic is also a very possible sign of a leaky roof. If the water damage inside your home was caused by a roof, this usually means that the underlayment is old or was inadequate. Mold and mildew can also result from insufficient roof venitlation.
8) DAMAGED ROOF FLASHING
Roof flashing is a thin material, usually steel, that is used on your roof to direct water away from critical areas of the roof. For example, wherever your roof meets a vertical surface like a wall, vent, chimney and skylight.
If the seal between the flashing and the structure or the roof becomes damaged, it can expose your roof to water and result in damage.
9) CELEBRATING YOUR ROOF’S 20TH BIRTHDAY
Whether your roof is showing signs or damage or not, if you have a shingle roof that is more than 20 years old, it may be time to get it replaced. Shingle roofs generally last 20 years and at most 25 years. Sometimes shingle roofs are installed on top of each other (shingles on top of shingles) in which cases they may last less time. If your roof is more than 20 years old, call a professional roofer to see if it needs to be replaced or not.
10) INCREASED ENERGY BILLS
While there are many factors that could be behind increasing energy bills, your roof is definitely one of them. Poor roof ventilation can keep in bad air and damaged roofs can create airflow that causes your heating or air conditioning to be overworked.
If your roof is showing any one of these signs or if you suspect that your roof needs a repair or replacement for any other reason, call No 1 Home Roofing at (727) 777-7131 or send us an email at sales@no1homeroofing.com. Our roof inspections are not only completely free, but can generally be done the same day you call, helping you catch damage as early as possible and avoiding the need for expensive roof repairs or roof replacements.