How Do You Know When Your Roof Needs To Be Serviced?
The roof is one of the parts of the house that is easily ignored by plenty of homeowners. If you are not the type who undertakes routine maintenance, you’ll probably have no idea what’s happening on your rooftop. It’s recommended that you undertake regular roof inspections at least twice a year. If this is something you can’t do by yourself, you need to get in touch with your local roofing contractor.
During the bi-annual inspection, a contractor can address minor issues before they turn out problematic. Check out some of the telltale signs it’s time to service your roof on this guide.
Granular Loss
The loss of the protective grain on shingle roofs is referred to as granular loss. The granules on the surface of the roof are effective in directing water off your roof. When your shingles begin to age, your roof’s granules will loosen and start to wear off. So, whenever you notice granules pooling beneath your downspout or up in your eaves, it’s a sign that they are aging and won’t give you the protection you deserve.
It’s also important to remember that granule loss doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to replace your roof. Depending on the age of your roof and the level of granule loss, a professional roofing contractor can only replace the damaged shingles.
Leaky Roof
If you have a leaky roof, it may end up causing you great damage if not handled in time. When it seeps underneath your roof shingles, it can easily penetrate your home and cause serious damage. If you notice any signs of moisture in your home, including mold, peeling paint, and brown spots on the ceiling, you should consider replacing your roof than attempting to repair or patch it.
A Leak can happen for different reasons, such as rain damage. Old age and mislaid shingles are also other factors that may lead to a leaky roof.
A Bowing Roof
Whenever you see a sag on your roof, it is highly likely that you have a structural issue. Sagging could indicate decking in the structure offering support in the foundation, or it could happen in the attic. A roof can also sag if it has excess weight on the surface. This can happen due to excess build-up of water.
In some instances, the weight of many layers of shingles or multiple repairs can make your roof bow. If you notice any sag in your roof, make sure that you immediately get in touch with a roofing contractor.
Signs Of Discoloration
Discoloration on your roof could be a result of different factors. If your roof has a black or dark greenish streak, it is a sign that you have an algae problem. This algae problem is common on the north-facing side of your roof because the damp and humid conditions provide a perfect environment for them to thrive.
This side of the roof is also hardly exposed to direct sunlight, and water from humid conditions and precipitation gets trapped in the different parts causing black or green streaks. Given that algae feed on limestone popularly used in asphalt shingles, leaving it untouched can ultimately lead to water damage. Take note that if your roofing shingles reach the end of life, you’re bound to notice the formation of black streaks on your roof.
Whenever there’s extreme weather, the black asphalt rises to the surface, a process referred to as asphalt-bleed-through. You must contact a roofing contractor when you notice a black streak to ascertain whether you may need a replacement.
Wrapping Up
Most homeowners think that there is too much work involved when inspecting a roof, but it can be worthwhile in the long run if it is done routinely. Timely repair and replacements by qualified roofing experts will ensure that your roof is protected from bad weather, water damage and that it lasts longer.
