5 Signs your roof may need attention
You’re relaxing on your couch, watching your favorite show. A thunderstorm with pouring rain is washing over outside, the kind of storm that makes you thrilled to be plopped right on your couch. Then suddenly, you hear it.
Drip……Drip……Drip.
At first, you think it’s part of your show. Then you hear it again. You look up, and you notice a stain that once felt insignificant is growing right before your very eyes, and water slowly drips out. Just like that, your peaceful night in has turned into a scramble for towels, buckets, and answers.
The frustrating part is that roof leaks rarely, if ever, come about overnight. Most homeowners just don’t know what the cry for help from a roof looks like, and so small issues become much bigger than they ought to be. The great news is that your roof is very good at showing you early signs that it is in need of help. Let’s go over 5 warning signs that you should look out for when it comes to your roof.
Warning sign #1: Missing or damaged shingles.
Stand at ground level from every side of your home and take a look up at the roof field. Do you notice any missing shingles anywhere? The missing ones may feel obvious to spot. What is more challenging to spot is damaged shingles, be it from hail, wind, et cetera. Even a few damaged or missing shingles can create a point of entry for water. Water is going to take the path of least resistance every single time. If there’s an opening in your roof field, water will find it and create problems.
Warning sign #2: Granules in the gutters.
If you have an asphalt shingle roof, check the gutters for excessive granule buildup. Those granules are on the shingles to help protect the shingles from the sun’s UV rays. As roofs grow older, there will naturally be some granular loss. A small amount of buildup in the gutter is not anything to write home about. However, a large amount of buildup may mean it’s time for a closer evaluation.
Warning sign #3: Stains on ceilings, walls, or in attics.
Brown stains in any of these areas are signs that water is finding its way into the home. While the source of the stain is not always directly above the stain, damage somewhere in the roof field is almost always going to be the cause. Ignoring these signs can lead to mold growth, wood rot, damaged insulation, and more.
Warning sign #4: Moss, algae, or vegetation growth.
While a little discoloration may seem harmless, excessive moss or vegetation can trap moisture against the shingles and cause issues. Over time, this can cause premature deterioration of the shingles themselves. Regular maintenance and seasonal roof cleaning can help take care of these issues.
Warning sign #5: Flashing that is damaged or pulling away.
Flashing is a metal material that sits around penetrations and transitions in the roof. Its job is to provide water a path to continue down the roof, into the gutters, into the downspouts, and away from the home. When flashing is installed improperly, missing, or damaged, water may be allowed to get into those openings and wreak havoc. Flashing failues are one of the leading causes of roof leaks, and they should be addressed promptly.
Your roof works hard every day to keep your home safe to live in. Do it a favor by paying attention to these warning signs. You may very well just extend the life of your roof by doing so. If it’s been a while since your roof has been evaluated, it may be worth having a qualified professional take a look at it.
