Don’t want a huge roof repair bill?
Roofs don’t come equipped with blinking lights and alarms that go off when something is wrong. They are very easy to ignore. One minute, you think everything is okay up there. Then, the next minute, you wake up and see water stains on your ceiling.
Here’s the deal:
Most problems that occur to your roof are completely preventable. The key is finding them before significant damage takes place.
Roof repair costs and replacements totaled right at $30.88 billion dollars last year, according to Verisk. That’s an increase of nearly 30% since 2022.
Needless to say, those numbers aren’t going down anytime soon.
The good news?
Knowing what to look for can save you thousands of dollars. Below we cover every sign your roof may need some extra attention. Including the actions you should take right away.
You’ll learn:
- 6 Signs You Need To Have Your Roof Worked On
- How Ignoring The Issue Could Cost You
- When To Seek Professional Help
- Ways To Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan
6 Signs You Need To Have Your Roof Worked On
These are things every homeowner should watch out for. Miss one of these and what could have been a simple repair turns into a full-blown roof replacement. Getting on yearly maintenance plans with reputable roofing contractors helps prevent larger issues from occurring. Trust me…these roofing contractor services are well worth it.
Keep reading to learn all the signs…
You’re Missing Or Damaged Shingles
This should be pretty self explanatory.
Take a walk around your house. Look up. Do you see any missing or damaged shingles? No? Good! You’re done with this article.
If not, then you could be in trouble.
Wind and severe storms can rip your shingles right off your roof. Once they’re gone, that part of your roof is susceptible to leaks.
Things to look for: Curling shingles, cracked pieces, bare spots where shingles used to lay.
Oh, and don’t forget about the granules in your gutters. Shingles are designed with these small granules to protect your roof from harmful UV rays. When you start to see them in your gutters, your roof is starting to deteriorate.
Notice Water Stains on Your Ceiling
This is never a good sign.
You may think those brown rings or water spots are just cosmetic. They’re not!
If you can see water stains on your ceiling or walls, you already have a leak. Whether it be damaged flashing, sealant around a vent, or worn out roofing shingles.
The problem is…
By the time you can see water damage on the interior of your home. The actual damage has been happening for quite some time. You could have mold growing in your attic right now! Or maybe rotted wood? Don’t wait for the damages to get worse.
Areas of Your Roof Are Sagging
Stop what you’re doing and call a professional.
Sagging is never a good sign when it comes to the structure of your roof. There is a high chance that water has been collecting and saturating the wood underneath.
Possibility of roof decking (area under the shingles) rotting?
If you notice any dips or sagging in your roof. Call a roofing professional immediately.
You Can See Daylight Coming Through Your Attic
Time for a flashlight.
Grab a flashlight and head on up to your attic. Turn off the lights and look for any sunlight peaking through.
Similar to missing shingles. Any daylight you see coming through means water can too. Not to mention bugs and pests.
Bonus points…
If you had to really think about whether you saw sunlight or not. Then chances are your attic has some weak spots.
Your Roof Has Moss Or Algae Growth
Yep. Gross
If you have moss or algae growth on your roof. It’s only a matter of time before you have some serious roof leaks.
Similar to moss, algae grows where there is excess moisture trapped. You don’t want to crawl around on your roof and disturb the area if you see either of these.
Both can cause serious damage to your roof as they grow. Call a professional and get it checked out.
How Ignoring the Issue Could Cost You
Let’s talk about money.
One small problem on your roof can turn into a very costly repair down the road. Something that may only cost you around $200 to repair, can turn into $500+ if you don’t take care of it right away.
Your ceiling doesn’t come with that warranty.
Here’s an example from a recent report:
Roofs that were in moderate to poor condition had loss costs that were 60% greater than roofs in good condition. To make matters worse, nearly 38% of roofs in the United States fall into that moderate-to-poor category.
If that’s not eye opening enough, consider this:
Roofs that are in moderate-to-poor condition are costing homeowners more money to repair due to neglect. Keep your roof in good condition and you could save yourself a bunch of money down the road.
Just something to think about.
When To Seek Professional Help
Annual inspections are always recommended.
A lot of roofers suggest getting your roof inspected at least once a year. Ideally you’d like to get them to inspect your roof twice a year if you live in an area with harsh winters and/or storms.
You should also hire a professional after:
- Major storms hit your area
- You notice any of the signs we mentioned above
- Your roof is older than 15 years
- Buying or selling a home
Remember…water damage can take weeks to appear.
Don’t wait until you see a leak. It could be too late.
What To Expect During An Inspection
Expect the roofer to cover every detail.
They should inspect your shingles, flashing, gutters, ventilation, roof structure. They’ll even take a look up at your attic to check for signs of moisture or inadequate ventilation. Lastly they should take a look at all chimneys and skylights.
You should receive a full report of what they find and what they recommend getting repaired. Not only will you know what needs to be fixed but you’ll know what you can wait on.
Ways To Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan
Help avoid these costly repairs with regular maintenance.
Follow these steps to help lengthen your roofs life.
- Schedule annual roof inspections
- Keep debris off your roof and in your gutters
- Trim back branches that overhang your roof
- Take care of small repairs as soon as possible
- Inspect your attic for any signs of moisture after big storms
Simple steps like these can add years to your roofs lifespan. Some people have even told me that regular maintenance can add 5-10 years onto your roof.
Wrap Up
Roof leaks don’t fix themselves.
Something that started out as a small problem can turn into thousands of dollars in repairs. Almost all these signs have something in common. They were ignored or happened slowly over time.
Let’s review…
- Missing shingles
- Water Stains on your ceilings
- Areas of your roof sagging
- You can see daylight in your attic
- Roof has moss or algae growth
Inspect your roof regularly and address any issues you may come across. Always be sure to partner with qualified professionals when repairing your roof.
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