While spotting missing shingles is relatively easy, you may not even need to grab a ladder but do you know the other common warning signs of roof trouble for homeowners? Here are some of the signs you want to look for before they become serious and expensive problems.
Missing and Damaged Shingles
The shingles do more than add aesthetic appeal to a property. The overlapping shingles keep the weather and wildlife out of your home. Missing, broken, and curling shingles are common signs of roof damage.
All types of shingles can degrade over time. Your roof has a life expectancy that can range anywhere from 30 to 50 years and more. However, even if your roof has a lifespan stretching several decades, shingles can still be damaged.
Strong winds can tear shingles off of roofs and over time this can create leaks. Since you probably don’t want rainwater leaking into your attic, it’s a good idea to immediately replace any missing or broken shingles.
Tree Branches
Trees are an asset in almost any yard. They provide shade helping to reduce cooling costs in the summer. Not to mention the environmental benefits you get from having trees on your property.
While you probably don’t want to grab a chainsaw and chop the trees down, they can damage your roof. This can be especially true after a strong wind or rainstorm. Twigs and branches are often blown down landing on your roof.
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Small tree branches probably aren’t going to damage your roof but you don’t want to leave the limbs lying around. Grab a ladder and remove all tree branches, twigs, and leaves from your roof. Check for any signs of broken, loose, or missing shingles. If the shingles are damaged, it’s time to call the roofing professionals.
You may also want to contact professional tree trimmers to remove any large branches growing too close or over your roof.
Water Stains
Okay, you can’t check for signs of water stains after a rainstorm. Your roof is going to be wet. However, if you start noticing water stains on the ceiling or paint bubbling on the upper portion of the walls, it may be a sign of a leaking roof. This is an issue you want to immediately address. Once water starts getting inside your home, you may be dealing with everything from mold and mildew to eventual structural damage.
Thankfully, you don’t need to wait until a water spot forms on your ceiling to tell if your roof leaks. Check the nails in your attic for signs of frosting. You can also look for cracked caulking around the windows.
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Inadequate Ventilation
Roofs need to breathe, and this isn’t a suggestion. Roofs with inadequate ventilation can lead to some serious problems that may even adversely affect your health. Humidity can build up in your attic without roof ventilation. The warm, moist air is an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow.
The lack of ventilation can also lead to higher energy bills and this is something every homeowner wants to avoid. Warm air is trapped in the attic during the summer. In the winter, cold air stays in your house. How do you know if your roof is ventilated? You can check for vents along the roofline. You can also call a roofing specialist to inspect your roof.
Wildlife is Moving In
You may love all types of animals. You may even be a passionate supporter of animal rights. This doesn’t mean you want critters moving into your attic and eventually making their way downstairs. After all, who wants to wander into the kitchen only to find a raccoon or squirrel making themselves at home?
If you suspect you have unwanted house guests, you may want to lay out a few humane traps. You also want to check your roof for any entry points. If you find an entry point, even a tiny hole from a missing shingle, make a note of the location. This will make it easier for the roofing professionals to find and resolve the problem.
Regular Roof Inspections
Taking time to regularly inspect your roof, even if it’s just from ground level, can save you from unexpected repairs. Consider scheduling a professional inspection at least once a year, especially if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Professional roofers can catch signs of wear and tear that may not be visible to the untrained eye. They'll assess areas like flashing around chimneys and skylights, which can weaken over time and cause leaks.
While you can do minor visual checks, a roofing professional has the tools and expertise to perform a thorough inspection safely. They can look for early signs of deterioration in the underlayment and ensure the structural integrity of your roof. This routine maintenance can help extend the roof's life, especially if minor repairs are handled promptly.
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Don’t overlook your roof until there’s an obvious problem. Preventive inspections and maintenance can keep your roof in top shape and ensure it withstands extreme weather, from intense sun and heat to snow, hail, and storms. In the long run, this small commitment to roof care can save on costs and avoid larger, more expensive repairs.
Keeping Your Roof Ready for Anything
Your roof has a lifespan but this doesn’t mean you should forget about it until it’s time for a replacement. Checking your roof after storms and periodically throughout the year is the best way to prevent any potential issues. If a problem pops up, call a roofing specialist.
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