No homeowner wants to hear the news that their roof needs work. However, waiting too long to get a roof repair or a replacement for your roof can lead to a whole host of other problems that can be both time consuming and much more expensive to deal with later on. That’s why it is so important to watch for the signs that your roof is developing problems and to take care of them in a timely fashion – it sure will help you save money in the long run.

There are a lot of things that an experienced roofing expert will look at and check when performing a regular roof inspection. For the average homeowner, here is a shortlist of some of the more common signs that indicate that it’s probably time to call a roofing company:

Damaged Shingles

Have a close look at the shingles themselves: Can you spot any missing shingles or ones that are cracked, have curling corners or edges, or appear to be dented or have missing granules? These are common signs of roof failure that need to be addressed as soon as possible. If you just spot a few small issues, you can probably have those shingles replaced fairly cheaply without the need of a major roof repair. If you have an older roof and the the problems are more widespread, however, may indicate it’s time for a new roof.

Sagging Roof

While your roof may have many different degrees of pitch, it should appear fairly straight along its lines. If you notice areas that appear to be warped or sagging, there is probably a bigger issue with your roof system which needs to be addressed.
In many cases, it is impossible for a homeowner to inspect all areas of the roof’s exterior – so take a look in the attic, and look for areas where your roof deck may be settling or sagging. Remember that even if you do not notice anything from the outside, there is a chance that signs of rot and water damage translate into a sagging roof on the inside.

Clogged Gutters

Composite or asphalt shingles shed their granules when they start to wear out. These granules often find their way into your gutters. The granules look like coarse, black sand. So, if you notice what appears to be granules, sludge, and pieces of shingles inside your rain gutters when you’re cleaning them, this could be a sign that your roof is deteriorating.

Wear & tear around roof objects and openings

Chimneys, vents, pipes, and other objects that penetrate your roof are places where deterioration usually develops first. Often, these kinds of roof repairs are small fixes that can be confined to specific areas. Thus, it is vital to inspect these areas on a frequent basis to remedy possible issues before they turn into bigger and costlier problems.

Discoloration

Does your roof still have the same color as when it was first constructed? Or maybe you noticed dark spots and streaks, or signs of algae growth? These could be signs of moisture and is usually a good indication of necessary roof repair.

Moisture

You may have water leaking into your home, and not even realize it. Depending on how much insulation is in your attic and ceilings, you may not notice a leak until it’s caused some serious damage. Take a look in your attic and along crawl spaces to look for signs of moisture such as water staining, mold, mildew, or pooling water.
If water is getting into your attic, it might only need a quick repair like replacing some flashing. However, if there is porous underlayment, the problem is more complicated and you might need a roof replacement to fix the issue.

Exterior Light Showing Through

If you can see sunlight shining through your roof, it unfortunately is a clear that your roof is in trouble – even on a dry day!

Ventilation issues

Ventilation is an often overlooked issue. In fact, nine out of ten homes in the U.S. aren’t ventilated correctly – do not make the same mistake and keep your house breathing! Trapped heat or moisture in your attic has the potential to wreak havoc with your entire home and cause a variety of (expensive) issues.
If your attic is poorly ventilated, moisture or increased humidity can build up near the roofline — which can cause paint to peel or blister. This may also be an indication that your gutter system is failing. A sudden spike in your air conditioning and / or heating costs, can also be a sign that you have an insulation issue with cool or warm leaking through the roof.
A properly built and adjusted ventilation system will minimize or balance the temperature differential between the air outside and your attic, keeping the air inside cold and moisture-free in the winter and removing trapped heat.

Take Care of Your Roof!

Spotting and taking care of problems as soon as possible can help cut down on the amount of time and expense it will take to fix your roof. Often small roof repairs or partial replacements can be carried out if you catch the issue in time, saving you money. And even if the entire roof needs to be replaced, keep in mind that waiting too long could cause moisture, mold, and mildew and other interior issues that are even more costly to fix. Look for the signs of necessary roof repair on a regular basis to help keep your roof in good condition.
Call 888 HAIL PRO or fill out our online form for a free professional roof inspection!