6 SIGNS THAT YOUR ROOF NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED
While most roofs are designed to last a decade or longer, frequent exposure to extreme weather, falling trees, and other external factors can cause premature wear and tear. Failure to repair or replace your roof when this happens will inevitably compromise the structural integrity of your house and potentially lead to more severe problems later. For this reason, it is absolutely crucial to identify early signs of roofing damage and act accordingly to mitigate them. Here are some tell-tale signs that your roof requires urgent repair or replacement.
LEAKS IN YOUR ROOFING
A leaky roof is usually indicative of punctures and holes in the roof that need to be repaired. While some cracks in your roof may be too small to notice, they can let in a lot of water when it rains and potentially cause water damage to your home. Fortunately, recognizing signs of a leaky roof early enough and taking the steps to fix them can save you hundreds of dollars down the line. Some of the common signs of a leaking roof include water stains on the floor and walls, stagnant pools of water, and mold growth.
OLD AND WORN OUT ROOFING
The life expectancy of a roof generally depends on the material it is made from. While asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of between 20 to 50 years, clay and metal roofs can last up to 100 years. If your roof is nearly clocking its expected lifespan or has surpassed it, you might want to hire a roofing company to replace it for you.
DAMAGED SHINGLES
Strong winds, storms, and heavy downpours can cause roof shingles to loosen or fall off, and if you ignore missing or loose shingles, they can cause more serious damage later on. Repairing loose or missing shingles is a low-cost roof maintenance measure that can save you a lot of cash over the long term.
With that being said, missing shingles may also be indicative of a seriously defective roof that has to be replaced. Therefore, you should hire a roofing specialist to inspect your roof and recommend the right course of action as soon as you notice any loose or missing shingles.
SUNLIGHT SEEPING THROUGH THE ROOFING
If you visit your attic and notice rays of sunshine passing through your roof shingles, this is a clear sign that you have a roofing problem. Usually, when rays of sun seeping through your roof, it means you have cracks or holes in your shingles or your roof has reached the end of its life and needs to be overhauled. Consult a roofing company to receive an estimate.
DISCOLORATION OF SHINGLES
Shingle discoloration is usually indicative of excess moisture or damage to the roof shingles. If you notice black areas on your roof, it might be a sign that mold is forming on the roofing panels. Enlisting a roofing expert to inspect your roof will reveal the underlying problem after which appropriate repairs can be conducted.
RISING ENERGY BILLS
If your roof is worn out or damaged, your heating systems and air conditioning will have to work more to keep your house at a comfortable temperature. If you’ve observed that your energy expenses are greater than normal, it might indicate that you have a roof problem. Keeping your roof in good condition will not only save you more expensive repair costs down the line but also help you cut down on your energy spending.
WRAPPING UP
Detecting signs of roof damage early enough can help you mitigate them before they can wreak havoc on your home and wallet later on. If you’ve noticed that your roofing system has been compromised, speak to a roofing expert to find out whether you need to have it repaired or have a new one installed.
