In order for your roof to protect your home, it must be in good working order. If it needs repairs, it’s best to schedule them promptly so a small issue doesn’t turn into a large, costly one. But how do you know if your roof needs repairs? There are simple things to look for, and once you gain knowledge of them, you’ll be well equipped to spot the need for roof repairs.
Signs You Need Roof Repairs
1. Water Leaks Indoors When It Rains
Water leaks are a sure sign your roof needs repairing. If you run for nearby buckets to place under various spots in your home that leak water every time it rains, you’re in urgent need of roof repairs. If you don’t address the situation, your home becomes at risk of structural damage.
2. You Have Stains on Interior Ceilings
You may not have water visibly dripping inside each time it rains, but if you have discoloration on your interior ceiling on your highest floor, you have roof leaks that need repairing. Contact a roofer promptly to stop the problem in its tracks.
3. Your Roof Is Sagging
If your current roof sags, that’s a huge sign you are in need of immediate roof repairs and possibly a roof replacement. A sagging roof indicates there is water confined in your roofing system, and it’s dangerous to leave this situation unaddressed because your home’s structure is compromised. If you procrastinate contacting a roofer, your roof could cave in.
4. You Have Missing or Damaged Shingles
If you step away from your home and look up at your shingles with a pair of binoculars, you can inspect your roof shingles without taking the risk of climbing on the roof. If roof shingles are missing, or if they are curled up on the ends, cracked, or damaged, you’re in need of roof repair. Avoid further damage by contacting a reputable contractor.
5. Asphalt Granules Missing
The granules on your asphalt shingles safeguard your home from the elements and shield it from UV damage. If your downspout spits out a bunch of granules after a storm, you’re losing granules off your roof and its effectiveness is decreasing. When you clean your gutters, if you find excessive amounts of granules in them, you need to contact a reputable roofer and have them inspect your roof for needed repairs. Meanwhile, minimize walking on your roofing, as it can intensify the problem.
6. Roof Flashing Damage
Flashing is a thin material, usually made of steel, that directs water away from vulnerable points on your roof—wherever the roof meets a vertical surface like a dormer, vent, chimney, or skylight. It’s one of the most vital roofing components, as it helps prevent moisture from entering your roofing and home. If roof flashing becomes compromised, water will seep into your home and cause rot, mold, and other damage. If flashing is damaged, contact a roofing company for an inspection.
7. Daylight in Your Attic
Another way to discover if you need roof repairs or not is to go into your attic in the middle of the day and look up. If you see sunlight peeking through into your attic, then you need roof repairs promptly. If sunshine comes in during the day when it’s nice out, then rain comes in those same locations when it precipitates. Avoid the problems that can arise when your roof is compromised (like water damage and critters in your home) by contacting a roofing contractor.
8. Critters in Your Attic
If you go into your attic with a flashlight and look around carefully, you can easily tell if there are animals in your attic. They often make a nest in your insulation and leave droppings around your attic, indicating they have made your home theirs. Mice, squirrels, or chipmunks who make their way into your attic are a costly nuisance and should be evacuated promptly. Hire an exterminator to get rid of them, and have a roofing contractor inspect your roof and repair the places where the animals made their way into your home.
9. Dark Streaks on Your Roof Shingles
When your asphalt shingles look dark and dismal, hindering the curb appeal of your home, there is moss or mold growth on them that needs to be addressed. Moss and algae can grow on your roof in damp, shaded areas. They create damage to your roof when left for long periods of time as they hold water against your roof’s surface, opening the door to rot and deterioration. Contact a roofer to remove the moss. Next, to prevent this problem from occurring in the future, have your trees trimmed so they don’t shade your roof or brush up against it.
10. Skyrocketing Utility Bills
Have your energy bills increased significantly? Your roof could be the culprit. A damaged roof lets your heating seep out each winter, and your air conditioning leak each summer. This dramatically increases your energy usage and causes your HVAC system to overwork, making it wear out faster. If your utilities bills have suddenly increased, have your roof inspected for needed repairs.
Get the Repairs You Need Promptly and Preserve Your Roof
By keeping your roof well maintained and staying current with repair needs, you prolong the lifespan of your current roof. Your roof can deliver the high performance it was designed to when you take good care of it, so investing in needed repairs can actually save you in the long run.
At Refined Exteriors, we are a local company with your best interest at heart. We offer reliable roof repairs to extend the life of your current roof. Take a moment to look at our roof repair services, and reach out with any questions you have.
