As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s especially true when it comes to your roof. Keeping an eye out for smaller, more affordable fixes now can save you a fortune by preventing more extensive and costly damage later.
If you want to stay ahead of expensive repairs, here are 5 signs that your roof needs work.
1. Deteriorating Shingles
Your roof’s shingles are your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and as a result, they take the most wear over time. The most obvious signs that your shingles need replacing is if they’re cracked, split, or absent, but there are other warnings to watch for. If your shingles are beginning to curl at the corners, that can be a sign of poor ventilation, improper installation, or just old age. If some shingles are darker than the others, that may be a sign of moisture getting trapped underneath, or even that algae has begun to grow in them. And if you start finding a lot of grit in your gutters, that may indicate your shingles are losing asphalt granules. Once shingles reach the end of their lifespan, the only fix is to have them replaced. Leaving shingles in disrepair can lead to damage deeper inside your roof.
2. Wear on the Openings and Rooftop Objects
While your shingles protect most of your roof, there are openings where deterioration can occur. The flashing around chimneys and vents is important to keep moisture from seeping in, so it’s important to get them repaired at the first sign of damage. Likewise, it’s necessary to occasionally repair and replace the gutter guards, fascia, and any other supporting structures. If it’s caught early, the repairs can be limited to that specific area, preventing damage from penetrating further into the house.
3. Trouble in the Attic
If water has gotten through to the roof, you’ll often find signs of it in the attic. If you notice peeling or blistering paint, or brown or yellow stains, it’s likely that you’ve sustained water damage. Visible light shining in from the outside is a sure sign of cracks or holes in the roof. Discolored wood in the rafters and roof decking can indicate mildew and mold are building up.
4. A Sagging Structure
The most obvious and troubling sign that your roof needs to be repaired is if it begins to sag and slump in various places. This usually means extensive damage has caused the wood underneath to rot and give way, which can result in a costly and even dangerous collapse if it isn’t addressed. More often than not this calls for a complete replacement of the entire roof, but catching any sagging early can save you thousands by limiting the damage to only the section in question.
5. Behind the Times
Even if there are no obvious tell-tale signs of deterioration, there’s simply no holding back the hands of time. Generally speaking, most roofs with asphalt shingles have a lifespan of about 25 years, so if you own an older home, it may be a good idea to check your records and plan for a replacement. Homes in subdivisions are usually built around the same time as each other, which means the materials will begin to degrade at the same time. If you notice your neighbors are getting their roofs replaced, it may be time for you to do the same.
What to Do Next
If your home’s roof is showing signs of wear and tear, it’s important to have it inspected to see if it’s just superficial wear or signs of a deeper issue. Getting a professional inspection and consultation by a trusted expert can give you a better picture of the state of your roof, and how much you can expect to pay for repairs. This can save you time and money in the long run and keep your home and your loved ones safe.
If you think your roof is getting worn out, contact Homesafe today for a free roof inspection and quote.