It’s not always easy to spot problems with your roof. Unfortunately, just because you don’t see them, it doesn’t mean they aren’t there. While nothing will be as thorough as an inspection by a roofing contractor, if you look closely, you may see indications of looming issues. Catching them early can save you money and prevent additional damage and difficulties. Check out these signs of roof damage so you can address problems before they grow.
Leaks and Stains Inside
This is the most obvious sign that your roof has significant issues. If there are signs of moisture intrusion in your home, it’s time to call a roofing company ASAP. Whether it is actively dripping water or showing up as water stains on your walls, ceiling, or floors, if water is getting in, then your roof is no longer doing its job. The sooner you address the problem, the less interior damage you will have. This is one sign you want to address immediately.
Mold
As with indoor stains, mold signifies your roof isn’t functioning properly. Because mold can create health problems, this is another issue you will want to address without delay. Visible mold in your attic or near the roof line strongly suggests a roofing issue.
Keep in mind that sometimes you won’t see the mold because it is inside the walls, floor, or attic, but you may be able to smell it. If your nose is telling you something is wrong, investigate further to see if you may have a mold issue caused by roof problems allowing water to enter your home.
Gutter Problems
Gutter issues may indicate the need for thorough cleaning but could also signal a roof problem. If you notice water overflowing the gutters, there’s probably an issue. Over time, overflows can damage your lawn or allow water to work its way behind your protective siding. It can cause mold, fungal growth, wood rot, or pest problems. It can also cause additional damage to the gutters themselves.
Gutter problems are a sign of a potential problem as well as a source of potential damage, so it is especially important that they not be ignored.
When cleaning your gutters or having them cleaned by professionals, look for roofing materials that have come loose and washed into the gutters. This could be nails or even entire shingles, but most commonly, it will be the granules that make up the surface of your shingles. A small amount of shingle material breaking away is normal, but sun, rain, snow, and wind can cause excessive wear over time. When it does, pieces from your degraded roof materials will wash into your gutters. If there is a significant amount of shingle material in your gutters, it’s probably time for a professional roof inspection to rule out roof problems.
Light
During bright daylight, go to your attic and turn off the lights. Do you see pin spots of bright sunlight streaming in through cracks, gaps, or holes? If light can get in, rain, snow, and even pests can get in, too. Going into your dark attic may feel slightly unnerving, but roof problems are even scarier than a creepy attic. It’s worth doing it if it helps you find roof issues before they lead to more significant problems.
Missing Shingles
Your roof is subjected to beating sunlight, raging winds, heavy ice, and snow. It takes a beating from the elements. Over time, that can lead to damage. If you notice bare spots where shingles have fallen off, that’s a clear sign that your roof needs some attention. Gaps in that protective layer leave your home vulnerable to further damage, with various threats from mold to water leaks. If your shelter is shedding shingles, address the problem before it worsens.
Visual Irregularities
Missing shingles are easy to spot, but there may be more subtle visual cues that your roof has suffered damage. Shiny spots, ripples across the roofing surface, or any signs of unevenness are worth investigating in case they are early signs of roofing issues. If you catch them early, you can prevent further damage and address the problems with a minor fix instead of a major repair or replacement.
Ice Dams
Ice dams form when heavy snow melts during the day and then refreezes at night as dense ice on your roof’s edge. They are a sign your roof may not be draining properly. In addition to indicating possible roof or gutter issues, ice dams can cause extensive damage to your roof and gutter systems. They can also create dangerous falling snow and ice hazards, so it is best to address ice dam issues quickly before the weight they put on your roof and its supporting structures cause even more damage.
If you notice any of these signs, it is critical that you act quickly. While some of these may seem fairly innocuous, if left unchecked, they can lead to larger, more expensive issues or even health problems for you and your family. To prevent that, contact a trusted shingle roofing company at the first sign of potential problems. They can help diagnose the issue and recommend the most effective solution.
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It’s not always simple to identify roof issues. Sadly, just because you cannot see something does not imply it does not exist. Early detection can help you save money and limit further damage and problems. Examine these indications of roof damage so you can take steps before the issues worsen.
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