The roof is perhaps the most important part of your home. Yet, it receives the least attention. In most cases, only when it starts leaking do most people spring into action. That is when most think about contacting a roofing contractor.
However, before your house starts leaking, there many signs that your roof is not as healthy as it ought to be. Rather than wait for it to start leaking, how about contacting your contractor immediately you see the following signs.
1. Curled Shingles
Curling shingles are a sure sign you will soon have a leaking roof. If the shingles are curling upwards or coming apart in the middle, it means you will have roof trouble very soon. Get in touch with your roofing professional fast.
2. Your Roof Is More Than 20 Years Old
Age is not just a number if you are talking about the longevity of your roof. While it might look as good as new, if it is 20 years and above, it’s perhaps not as good as it looks. Everything in life has an expiry date, so does your roof. Irrespective of the quality of your shingles, after 30 years, you really shouldn’t have a debate about replacing them. It’s always a good thing to address potential roof problems before they become leaking emergencies.
3. Missing Shingles
It is common for shingles to come off. Of course, the only remedy is to replace them as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the rains come to replace them. While it might be tempting to do it yourself, only a roofing professional is properly trained to handle such situations. They also have the necessary gear such as a fall arrest system to prevent falls among other potential hazards associated with working at heights.
4. Mounds of Grit in the Gutters
If your gutters have accumulated excessive amounts of asphalt granules or grit, this could be an indication your shingles are shedding off their asphalt. As a result, your roof is bare and exposed to the elements. With time, the shingles deteriorate and compromise their ability to keep leaks out of your home.
5. High Energy Costs
If your home cooling and heating costs have suddenly become too high, it’s likely you could be having leaks and other roof problems. Get a roofing contractor to inspect the roof and fix it before the rains come. It can be a nightmare trying to fix your room during a rainstorm. To be on the safe side, have it inspected before winter rolls in.
6. Sagging Roof
A sagging roof is evidence of structural problems. A roof could sag for a number of reasons: from weak support or a damaged beam. A severe winter can exert excess strain on your roof and cause it to sag. However, a professional roofing contractor can get your roof back into tip-top shape within no time.
7. Loose Nails
If you spot exposed or loose nails on your roof, it means your shingles can come off quite easily. When shingles are loose, chances of them being damaged during winter are very high. The space left behind by a missing nail becomes a pathway for water to seep into your attic and roof.
8. Mildew, Blistering, and Paint Stains
Signs of roof trouble do not only manifest on the roof. A walk around the perimeter of your home could reveal your paint is peeling or blistering in particular areas. This is a sign your roof is not ventilating properly. You should also look for mildew signs if your house has vinyl siding.
As long as you are paying attention to your roof, you cannot miss noticing signs of roof trouble. Once you spot them, it is a good idea to contact your roofing contractor as soon as possible.
