The roof is the most significant structural component of your home. Proper upkeep will increase resale value and protect your home from the elements. Leaks are a clear sign that your roof is not doing its job. It could be from ice dams, damaged shingles, or old flashing. Keep an eye out for moss or other vegetation. These are signs that the underlying materials may need to be replaced.
Damaged Flashing
During roof construction, flashing—a thin layer of protective material—joins the seams around specific installations, such as vents, skylights, and chimneys. It also helps eliminate the possibility of leaks in these areas. If flashing is damaged or corrupted, a roof leak can quickly develop, affecting many parts of the house and costing thousands in repairs. Look for signs that flashing needs replacement, including If you spot any of these problems on your roof, it’s time to call the Roofing company for a professional inspection and estimate. Replacing your old roof with a new one will save you money and add value to your house in the future.
Damaged Shingles
Even a single damaged shingle can lead to severe problems. Water seeks the lowest point and can seep under that shingle and into your home. Replacing a small area of shingles can help prevent this, but if a large section is already damaged, you may need a total roof replacement. You can replace a few damaged shingles by loosening the adhesive underneath them with a pry bar. You’ll want to start with the shingle layer directly above the damage and work progressively closer with the proper roof installation.
Loose Shingles
During a windy storm, a shingle might come loose from the nails holding it. It is a bad sign and means the roof is getting old. A missing shingle can leave the structure vulnerable to water infiltration, mainly if it covers a seam between two others. Additionally, if the lost shingle protected a vent, flashing, chimney, or other rooftop accessories, those should be replaced immediately. Another easy way to tell that your shingles are getting old is by looking for granules in the gutters or on the ground. If you’re seeing a lot of granules, it’s time for a new roof.
Leaking Shingles
The shingles on your roof protect the roof from water infiltration. If you see holes in the top that would allow water to flow through, that’s a sign the shingles are nearing their end of life. Leaks often result from a missing shingle, damaged shingle, or broken flashing. Water leaks into the home through these openings, causing water damage, drywall damage, framing and insulation damage, and mold. A leaking roof is a serious problem that must be addressed immediately. It includes locating the leak and removing the shingles in the area to find and fix the source of the leak.
Sagging Shingles
Among the most straightforward indicators that your roof needs to be replaced is a sagging roof. It often results from inadequate attic ventilation and can worsen water leak damage. A roof’s rafters support the shingles and should be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of snow and rain. However, if they need to be correctly installed or are overloaded for long periods, the sagging roof can cave in and cause significant damage to your home. Other signs of sagging shingles include cupping or curling and clawing.
Ice Dams
An ice dam forms when roof snow melts during the day but refreezes along the eaves. The majority of ice dams are found in colder climates. The resulting ice and water build up and back under the shingles, where it can cause leaks into the house. You can avoid ice dams by increasing the ventilation and insulation in your attic. Also, properly insulate and ventilate any penetrations through the ceiling, like light fixtures and outlets. Don’t try to chip away ice dams yourself; this is dangerous and could damage your shingles. Instead, hire a weatherization contractor to deal with the heat transfer problem that creates them.
Mold
Nothing protects your home more than your roof. It keeps the elements outside and prevents water from damaging your interior, so knowing when to replace your roof is essential. Moisture in your attic and mold or mildew in your house are signs it’s time for a new roof. Also, a sagging roof may indicate that the wood decking needs to be replaced. Look at the flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys for cracks and breaks. Damaged flashing can lead to a leaky roof
