Out of sight, out of mind, is how the old saying goes; however, when it comes to the roof over a home, roofing companies emphasize the importance of looking up once in a while.
Observation can tell homeowners a great deal about their roofs, including when it is time to call a roofing contractor to address existing or developing problems.
These are some common signs that roofing services are needed to protect a home before more damage can occur!
1. Sagging
An obvious sign that a call to a roofing company is in order is a roof that is sagging.
Every home is constructed with durable trusses and rafters that hold up the roof and stabilize the entire building.
Sagging suggests damage to those critical support components, whether from warping or due to the presence of wood rot.
In either case, a roofer should inspect the roof immediately, as putting off repairs for sagging could lead to a cave-in or total collapse under certain conditions.
2. Leaking
Leaks noticed in and around the house are another red flag that there is a problem with the roof.
Whether a homeowner notices moisture in their attic or see staining on their interior ceilings or walls, this is a definite sign that roofing services are required to repair a leak somewhere.
By the time staining and damp spots inside the attic or home are noticed, leaks are fairly substantial, meaning extensive damage like rot might be present.
3. Damaged Roofing Components
Another obvious sign that the attention of a roofing contractor is needed is seeing damaged shingles, metal panels, flashings, gutters, or any other component on the roof.
Every roofing installation, no matter what style or type, is designed to work as a cohesive system to protect the home below it.
When parts become damaged, even as minimal as a few shingles blowing off, leaks can start and eventually the integrity of the entire system can be affected.
4. Growth On The Roof
Organic growth on the roofing materials such as mold, mildew, algae, and moss can cause severe damage if not quickly removed by drying out certain materials and make them brittle or rust others.
A roofing company can go up and wash the roof using a preparation that will prevent it from coming back.
If growth has been present for a while, homeowners may find their roofs to be more susceptible to local climate conditions, making them vulnerable to additional damage like breakage and leaking.
5. Visible Light Through the Roof
Homeowners should periodically go into their attics to inspect the underside of their roofs.
An easy sign that there are problems that a roofing contractor should repair is the sight of daylight coming through any part of the structure.
The top of the roof is designed to be a fully sealed component which should not allow any light to shine through.
Get pinholes and other openings repaired quickly to prevent further damage.
6. Granules In The Gutters
The granule coating painted onto asphalt shingles plays a critical, protective role in preventing UV damage and keeping them resilient.
Homeowners noticing large amounts of granules collecting in their gutters or around the perimeter of the house should call a roofing service to inspect their shingles.
Granule loss due to hail damage, poor quality materials, or other reasons can be the start of other more serious damage.
Those shingles should be recoated if possible or replaced if not.
7. Increasing Energy Bills
A less obvious sign that a roof needs help is unexplained increases in monthly energy bills.
Usually, this happens when the attic is poorly insulated and ventilated.
Though this does not directly suggest a problem with an asphalt shingle installation, roofing companies know that poor ventilation can destroy a roof in a relatively short time by allowing the shingles to blister and curl due to overheating.
Call A Local Roofing Service When Noticing These Signs
To protect their roofs from needing extensive repairs, homeowners should contact a roofing service as soon as they notice any of these signs.
Prompt attention from an experienced local roofing contractor is the best way to minimize damage and get things back to the way they should be as affordably as possible.
All a homeowner needs to do is look up - and pay attention to the condition of their roof!
