Did you know that the average roof is supposed to last for 30 years?
However, not all roofs last that long. Most homeowners don’t realize that being regularly exposed to extreme weather, sun damage, and other external factors where is on the strength of the roof. Over time, roofs quickly sustained damage and began to deteriorate. Rain, hail, snow, windstorms, and even the debris that nearby trees drop on your roof can quickly cut the lifespan of your roof and path.
By completing regular maintenance checks, you’ll be able to keep a close eye on how well your roof is holding up. If you haven’t been completing regular checks, there are warning signs you should look out for that require a roof repair immediately.
Today, we created a complete guide with the signs that you should look out for when your roof needs repairs. Keep reading to learn more!
Granules in Your Gutters
Your roof shingles have granules, which serve many benefits to protecting your roof. Not only do they want to make your roof more aesthetically pleasing by adding color, but they help to keep your room fire-resistant and reflect the harm of UV rays of the sun.
However, over time, these granules start a chip off of your roof due to exposure to high temperatures and other harsh weather. If your roof doesn’t have granules, it won’t be able to withstand the outside elements to keep your home protected.
If you’ve decided to clean out your gutters for the season, check to make sure that there aren’t any single granules in your gutters. While if your granules in the gutters aren’t a sign that your roof needs to be repaired, a large amount should be a reason for you to call a roofing contractor.
Roof Leaks
A leaky roof is another telltale sign that your roof will show when it needs immediate repair. Even if there are only a few small leaks in the roof, these can easily double in size over a short timeframe. Growth in the leaks can be caused by a combination of heat and moisture in your roof.
While it can be challenging to identify a leak in your roof, look around your home for any puddles on the floor or water stains in your ceiling. Having an in-depth inspection of your roof will help you to identify any leaks that could be hidden.
Plant Growth
If there are plants growing on top of your roof, you should immediately contact a roofing contractor to have your roof repaired. While some people find plants growing on the roof to be aesthetically pleasing, this vegetation can wreak havoc on your roof.
Plants hold onto moisture and interrupt the water drainage that your roof has. This cannot only cause discoloration, but it can cause unwanted strain on your roof. Reaching out to a qualified roofing contractor can help to prevent the presence of algae and other types of vegetation on your roof to prevent severe damage.
Sagging Roof
When you take a look at your roof, the lines on it should be straight. If you’ve noticed that the lines are starting to sag, it’s a sign that your roof may be collapsing. As we talked about earlier, roofs do have a lifespan.
Sagging lines mean that your roof has reached the end of its life span, so you should immediately contact a qualified roofing contractor.
Another common cause of a sagging roof is rotten sheathing. Sheathings can rot due to an accumulation of ice and snow on the roof, left on managed for several months.
A qualified roofing contractor could also be able to identify that the rafters and the joints of your roof weren’t properly designed, causing the roof to sag.
Spike in Your Energy Bills
Your roof plays a huge part in the energy consumption your home has. By returning the temperature inside your home, roofs can reflect heat from the sun, causing a reduction in your need for air-conditioning.
If you’ve noticed an increase in what you usually spend on your energy bills for heating or cooling, it may be a sign that your roof needs to be looked at. This is a sign of damaged roof coating, in particular, that was protecting your roof from extreme weather conditions.
Damaged Flashing
The material that’s placed around your chimney and skylights is referred to as flashing. Flashing is usually made of galvanized steel or another type of metal. The purpose of flashing is to prevent water from entering your home from any direct openings.
However, exposure to harsh weather and temperatures can cause damage to the flashing on your roof. This could be a cause of leaks and possibly sunlight exposure from entering your home.
Flashings can be completely torn off of your roof, cracked, and even bent. When the flashing is damaged on your roof, it’s a sign that your roof will need to be repaired soon.
However, you don’t have to purchase a brand-new roof just to have the flashings fixed. A qualified roofing contractor should be able to replace your flashings for less than the cost of a new roof!
Knowing When to Repair Your Roof
By understanding the warning signs when you need roof repair immediately will help you to save thousands of dollars in potential damage. How do you sing routine maintenance and checks on your roof will help you to avoid a premature roof replacement?
