Taking care of your roof can be a daunting prospect - but knowing what to be on the lookout for can be a big help. Not only will you be able to easily spot when your roof is in less-than perfect shape, but you may even be able to prevent a few issues before they become major. Below are three signs to look out for that it's time for a roof repair.
A leaky roof is probably the most obvious sign on this list - if your roof is leaking you're going to want it fixed asap! However, leaks in the roof are not only a nuisance, but they can cause major damage. When a sealant fails between shingles or where two different materials meet, such as around chimneys, pipes, and flashings, water is able to make its way into the interior of your home. When water gains entry to your home, it can then cause serious damage by ruining insulation and drywall as well as fostering mold growth.
Leaks also weaken your roof's structure; over time this can cause underlying wood or other materials to rot and further damage your home's structural integrity. To protect yourself from this kind of destruction, it's important to identify roof leaks early and have them repaired by a qualified professional as soon as possible.
Don't wait until its too late — pay attention to leaks and be proactive about getting your roof repaired so you can avoid more costly repairs down the line.
Another big indication that it's time for roof repairs is missing, broken, or damaged shingles. Shingle damage can result from a variety of factors such as wind, rain, hail and extreme heat. In some cases, damaged shingles may simply be an indication that the granules protecting them have worn off due to age; however, if there are any holes or depressions in the roofing material itself, these can quickly lead to water penetration which can irreparably damage your roof over time.
Damaged shingles are usually a symptom of an underlying issue, so it's especially important if you notice missing or broken shingles that you get a qualified roofing contractor to come out and perform a thorough inspection so you can know what you're dealing with.
Noticing patches of moss and algae on your roof is a good sign that your roof is in need of repairs. When roofs aren't properly maintained, they can become more reliant on the elements to keep them cool in the hot summer months. Thus, any flat surfaces on your roof become prime areas for moss and algae to take root.
Once this growth begins to occur, it can be difficult to prevent it from continuing to spread across the surface of your roof. Not only does this green-colored growth make surfaces slippery and less attractive, but it traps moisture against the roofing material which leads to rot and further damage.
If you begin to notice moss or algae on your roof, it's important to inspect the area and have it repaired as soon as possible so the damage can be minimized. However, with proper upkeep and regular maintenance, these types of issues can typically be avoided.
If you notice any of these signs on your own roof, or if you think you may be in need of roof repairs, don't delay! Ignoring the problem will only lead to further damage. The best thing you can do for your roof is call in a professional to fix the problem before large scale damage is done. This will not only prolong the life of your roof, but save you money in the long run! At Colony Roofers, we offer free 30 minute inspections, and have a friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to answer any questions you may have - call us today!