Your roof is the protective outer layer of your home and is constantly exposed to harsh elements. Because of this, it is crucial to keep a close eye on how it is holding up. However, it is easy to overlook due to its location and inaccessibility. Damage on your roof is something you don’t want to take lightly, as it can have severe consequences on the structure and integrity of your home. To avoid this damage, you must regularly check your roof.
In light of that, we’ve gathered a list of 5 signs that indicate potential roof issues. If you notice any of the following, contact a local roof contractor:
1. The roof has visible damage, cracks, or stains
There are a variety of circumstances that can cause damage to shingles. Storms, winds, wear and tear, pests, squirrels, birds, or insects can cause minor damage to your roof and shingles that may eventually lead to leaks. Minor repairs can be addressed without needing a full roof replacement; however, small cracks in a shingle that are left untreated can cause a shingle to tear or blow away, leading to greater concern. It is critical to note that if you have an older home, older shingles that are more worn tend to be prone to this type of damage.
2. There are water marks or stains on your ceilings
If you see water stains on your ceiling or walls, there is sitting water leaking through your roof, and immediate action needs to take place to avoid further costly exterior and interior damage. Leaks are typically found where flashing is installed and can cause significant damage to the entire workings of your home if not spotted and corrected early enough.
3. The roof is older than 20 years
Although it may seem that everything is fine and there is no need for repairs, even a roof can have an expiration date. How long your roof will last depends on various factors such as construction, location, maintenance, weather conditions, and materials. On average, a roof lasts about 20 years. However, that doesn't mean you need to wait this long to have it looked at. It isn’t worth the risk of putting it off. Having a roofer out to inspect and help you understand the overall health of your roof on occasion is always a good idea.
4. There were recent storms that could have caused damage
The obvious damage would be if a tree fell on your roof, but a less than obvious occurrence is a smaller branch that can still cause substantial damage after a storm. Another possibility is hail damage or damage from high winds. If a recent storm has hit your area, it is a safe call to have a roofer come out and inspect your roof for damage as a precaution to avoid any further bigger damage.
5. Open seams or leaks around chimneys or vents
If you have had large winds recently, flashing can shift and cause a leak making your home vulnerable to water or moisture. Although it may not seem like a big deal, the longer a leak or open seam goes unfixed, the more susceptible your home becomes to further and more extensive damage.
A regular inspection of your roof is the best way to keep a small roofing problem from turning into a large one. The longevity of your roof will depend on regular maintenance and care. A roofer can give your roof a thorough exam and help you identify how to keep it up-to-date, maintained, and healthy so it will last as long as possible.
No roof issue is unfixable if you react to it on time. The longer you wait, the more repairs you’ll have to do on the house. And obviously, the more you need to repair, the more you’ll need to pay. It’s as simple as that. To avoid such spending, contact Alliance Roofing today at 281-485-8755 or visit our website as soon as you notice something