As the New Year rings in and the holidays are finally slowing down, balance will soon be restored so we can all return to our day-to-day schedules. But while many are wrapped up in their New Year's resolutions, putting savings back in the bank, and returning to the work clock routine roof maintenance or damage can easily become overlooked.
Major storms consisting of snow, ice, hail, and high winds can all lead to roof damage but if you’re unsure what to look for, fixing your roof can quickly become a difficult process. In this article, we’ll go over the five major signs your roof needs to either be repaired or replaced.
Storm damage can be a major determining factor when it comes to replacing your roof and depending on where your home is located your roof could be taking in more damage than others.
Hail storms, ice, heavy snow, high winds, heavy rain, and temperature fluctuations have all been culprits of roof damage. It's always important to be aware of the weather that typically sweeps across your state. High winds followed by heavy rains or snow can tear shingles or lift them causing them to break or crack leaving your roof exposed to possible leaks and/or sunlight damage. If you can see signs of wear on your roof, have recently experienced a heavy storm, or are just generally concerned that your roof has damage it is important to act fast. Minor roof repairs will typically be quick and painless but if left unnoticed roof damage can escalate quickly leading to substantial issues that will force you to replace your roof whether you want to or not.
Water damage is a roof's kryptonite, and while you may not see signs of water damage right away after a major storm, it can always show up days or even months later, especially if the materials are already seasoned. If moisture gets trapped inside of your roofing membrane it can lead to water damage or a significant leak. To avoid this from happening always check your roof following a storm. Evidence of water damage can show up as moisture spots, discolored stains, or paint chipping on walls or ceilings. A damp attic with wet rafters could also be indicating signs of water damage. Understand that looking for signs of water damage can be tricky and while you may be the one living under your roof chances are you probably aren’t the best line of defense when it comes to spotting damage. To stay ahead of the curve you should contact a roofing company to routinely inspect your roof at least once a year. Not only do professional roofers have the skills and know-how in recognizing the warning signs of roof damage but they also have the necessary equipment to get up on your roof and do a full inspection. A yearly routine inspection could be the difference between spending hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars in roof repair costs. Professional roofing contractors typically offer free inspections as well and can work with your insurance company to replace your roof if your area has experienced a damaging storm.
Another sign of roof damage and probably the easiest to spot is a sagging roofline. Uneven areas, drooping, waviness, or unparalleled lines can all be indicators of damage. While this could be traced back to a framing issue when the house was built it is more than likely your roof has experienced some type of structural damage from a water leak or storm. It is important to act fast when noticing any of these signs because your roof may need repairs or a full replacement.
Signs of grassy-looking vegetation, slimy or fuzzy-looking raised textures, or a white powdery substance are all warning signs that moss, mold, fungi, or mildew have taken over your roof and possibly trapped moisture. If you notice any of these signs you can use a stiff brush to remove the infected area. However, if the mold persists then it’s probably best to contact a roofing professional for an inspection.
Shingle granules are the exterior coating on asphalt roofing that offers extra protection against the sun, precipitation, and other outside elements. Roofing granules usually consist of crushed stone and other minerals that sit on top of the shingles and can be designed with virtually any color, size, and shape. When the life of your roofing shingles starts to reach its end, the granules will become loose and fall off leaving a mess in your gutters. This is a major sign that it’s probably time to replace your roof. However, it is important to note that loose granules are also evident when a new roof is installed, so a good rule of thumb is that if you see falling or loose granules after a decade of use you’ll want to have a professional inspection done.
Knowing whether or not you need to replace your roof can be a guessing game of its own, so take the guessing game away from your family home and leave it to us to ensure your roof reaches its full lifespan. We can assist with regular inspections and maintenance, complete installations, repairs, and more. We’ll even go to bat for you when it comes to dealing with your insurance company. We’ve helped lots of people get their roofs replaced from storm damage by only paying their deductible! Sound too good to be true? Give us a call today so we can prove to you that nothing is impossible with the right help and attitude.
we are veteran owned & operated
