Did you know that the average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is around 20 years? While the lifespan of your roof will depend on the type of roof you have, you can prolong the lifespan by taking good care of your roof. Below, we will review common signs that you need roof repair or replacement.
If you take care of your roof, you won’t have to replace it as often, you can save money on your electric bill, and it will make your home look nicer. The best way to take care of your roof is to schedule regular maintenance.
Keep reading to learn when it is time to hire a roof repair company.
1. Water Leaks
One of the biggest signs that you need to hire a roof repair company is water leaks. Water leaks can happen anytime there is a hole in your roof, your roof seams are failing, or your roof flashing has damage.
Water leaks are dangerous for your house because they can lead to further damage. If not taken care of, your roof can rot, the structure of your home can rot, and mold can grow.
This will lead to expensive repairs because you will need a roof replacement, structural work, and you will have to hire mold remediation services.
Don’t procrastinate when it comes to fixing water leaks because it can be costly and dangerous for your family.
2. Sagging Roof
Is your roof sagging? If so, that is another sign that you need roof repairs. Roof sagging happens when there is moisture trapped inside the roof.
Moisture in your roof can lead to rotting, so it is important to have your roof looked at by professionals as soon as you notice it sagging. Over time, sagging can cause holes in your roof, water damage, and structural damage.
While professionals may be able to fix your roof, sagging is a sign that you need a roof replacement.
3. Moss Growing on the Roof
If there is moss growing on your roof, you should hire a roofing company to remove it. While a little bit of moss is nothing to worry about, large amounts are a sign that your roof is retaining moisture.
Moss likes to grow in cool, moist areas, which can lead to problems for your roof. If you let moss stay on your roof for too long, it will start to rot.
When cleaning moss off your roof, check to see if your roof is rotting, If it is, it could be time to get a new roof. Make sure your roof gets plenty of sunlight to prevent moss from growing in the future.
4. Missing or Damaged Shingles
One of the most common signs of roof damage is missing or broken shingles. If the shingles on your roof have seen better days, it is time to call professionals.
A few broken shingles are nothing to worry about, but you should have them repaired. If your roof has hundreds of missing or broken shingles, you will need to get a new roof.
5. Damaged Roof Flashing
Roof flashing is the material that connects your roof to your chimney, vents, and anything else you have on your roof. Its job is to redirect water so that it does not get into your house or your roof.
Without flashing, your roof is more likely to rot, and water would get inside your home. If your roof has damaged flashing, you will need to get a roof repair. If you don’t, you may need more expensive repairs in the future.
6. Light Shining Into the Attic
One easy way to tell if you have roof damage is to go into your attic and check for light. To do this, turn off all the lights in your attic and go up there during the day.
If you see small beams of light, that is a sign that there are holes in your roof. Having holes in your roof can allow critters to get in, and your house could suffer from water damage.
Fixing the holes in your roof could be as simple as getting a couple of new shingles, or you could need a brand new roof.
7. Granules in the Gutters
When you clean out your gutters, you may notice leaves and twigs. There should not be roof granules in your gutters.
While having small amounts of granules in the gutters after severe weather is nothing to worry about, large amounts signify a problem.
Roof granules are important to protect your roof from weather and sun exposure, which over time will wear your roof down. As your roof ages, you may notice a decrease in roof granules.
When your roof granules wear down, you will need to invest in a new roof. Be sure to always check your roof granules after a big storm and minimize how often you walk on the roof.
8. Animals in Your Attic
If you have noticed critters in your attic, it is time to hire a roof repair company. While mice, squirrels, and chipmunks are cute, they can be bad news for your house.
If these animals get inside your attic, they will create a nest using materials from outside and inside your home. One of their favorite materials to use is insulation, meaning you will need insulation repairs.
They also may take food and other small objects to put in their nest. To get rid of these animals, you will need to hire an exterminator and find the animal’s entry points.
Most of the time, animals sneak in through holes in the roof. If you don’t want the animals to come back, have a roofing company fix the holes for you.
Is It Time for You to Schedule a Roof Repair?
Having a good roof on your home is important to protect against the weather, keep out critters, and improve the value of your home. If your roof has any of these signs, be sure to schedule a roof repair appointment.
Do you need help repairing or replacing your roof? If so, contact us today for a free inspection.
