The roof is one of the most neglected parts of a home. What most homeowners don’t realize is that because it is constantly exposed to harsh weather changes and other external factors, it sustains damage and can deteriorate, too. Everything from snow, rain, intense heat, and even debris from nearby trees can take its toll on the state of a roof.
With that in mind, homeowners should start doing regular roof maintenance checks to see if there are any areas that require immediate attention. The best way to proceed is to hire a trusted roofing expert in Chicago to do the initial assessment and then begin making repairs and reconstruction as needed.
Aside from simply relying on roof repair companies, homeowners can also take the initiative to check the roof personally. Here are the serious warning signs that a roof needs immediate repairs:
Sign #1: The Roof is More Than 20 Years Old
The longevity of a roof depends mostly on the material used. As a general rule of thumb major repairs start to happen after 20 years. Typically during the first 10 years of a roof’s life some roofing companies, like Muller Exteriors, offer labor warranty which includes any minor repairs and some roof maintenance. It is best to make use of this free labor to keep the roof in its best shape for longer. The sooner the repairs are done, the more it extends the life of the roof overall.
Keep in mind that asphalt shingles generally last just between 20 – 30 years, depending on the weather in the area. Wood shingles that are well maintained and repaired regularly last about 30 – 50, but the most durable type of roofing materials are the slate and metal shingles that can withstand constant exposure up to 80 years. Homeowners who do not know what material their roof is made of and the age of the roof, should contact a roofing contractor for a full assessment immediately.
Sign #2: Shingles Begin to Buck and Curl
One of the clearest and easiest to spot signs that a roof requires professional repairs is the curling and buckling of the shingles. The clear sign of damage on the shingles indicates that their time is almost up and they need replacing as soon as possible, which contractors are better equipped to do.
The reason why this problem should be addressed as soon as possible is the likelihood of water damage. Curling, bucking, and broken shingles expose the roof and allows for water to pass through the first and main level of protection. Damage on singles contained within a small area can easily be patched up using leftover shingles from the initial installation. However, when the bucking and curling has spread to cover a wider area, the pros should be called in to do the repairs because the difference can be astonishing and worth every penny.
Sign #3: Leaks and Other Signs of Water Damage
There is no doubt that a leaky roof needs repairing right away. The leak might even indicate that the entire roof needs to be replaced because the damage has spread far and wide. As soon as watermarks develop on the ceiling or when water starts to drip inside the house, the roofing contractors must assess the damage immediately.
Leaving the leak unaddressed for a while results in more damage, such as rotting and mold growth. Repairing a leak is understandably costly, but the sooner it is fixed, the lesser the cost of damage and repair.
Sign #4: Shingle Pieces in Gutters
It is part of any responsible homeowner’s routine to regularly clear the gutters. Leaving debris to turn into mulch inside the gutters is another problem. Aside from preventing gutters from deteriorating early, a good reason to check the gutters is to see if there are any shingle piece that have washed away from the roof.
This is a common occurrence with asphalt and composite shingles because the materials tend to wear out faster. The shingles crumble into fine pieces and will look like black sand when they go down the gutters. The biggest concern will be when bigger shingle pieces start washing down the gutters. This is a clear sign that there are broken shingles in areas that cannot be seen from the ground. A roof repairing company should be hired to check the entire roof for any shingle damage.
Sign #5: Streams of Light Entering the Attic
There is more to do in the attic than just store old clothes and boxes of children’s toys. The attic is the part of the house that is directly connected to the roof. When beams of light pass through from the roof there is something very wrong with the shingles. Even the smallest of cracks is enough room for water to seep through during a harsh storm. Get the shingles fixed by a roofing company immediately before there is change in weather to ensure no water enters the interior of the home.
Sign #6: Sagging Roof Deck
While inspecting the attic, it is also worth looking up to see the state of the rafters or decking. If the deck no longer sits straight but instead sags in certain areas, this could indicate a pool of water has gathered on the roof or the material could have retained moisture from a leak.
If the sagging only occurs within a localized area, this can still be repaired by a roofing contractor. However, when the damage has spread further, the roof might need a full replacement instead.
Sign #7: Dark and Water-Logged Shingles
There are instances where the shingles start to darken in color in a short span of time. This is a sign that water or moisture is trapped underneath the shingle. Shingles that retain water are not doing their job properly and can cause more costly damage because the water damage can seep into the internal parts of a home.
While checking the shingle colors, it is important to keep note that not all dark shingles have water beneath them because water runs freely. Some of the water may have traveled to other shingles but are not yet showing any visible signs of damage. It is best to get a professional to do the inspection as they are more knowledgeable and experienced in determining the condition of the roof. A thorough and early inspection is a must in this instance to avoid roof replacement.
Importance of Regular Roof Inspection, Care, and Maintenance
The key to avoiding any serious and expensive roof repair in the future is to schedule regular roof inspections with a trusted roofing company. The experts will do a full assessment on all corners of the roof to see what repairs are considered urgent. Small or big repair jobs should be fixed as soon as possible. It is never a good idea to wait until the last minute to get simple repairs done because the longer the damage sits, the bigger the problem becomes.
The cost of roof repairs isn’t necessarily considered affordable, but it will help extend the lifespan of any roof material. The longer the roof stays in excellent condition, the more money homeowners get to save because in the end, repairs are cheaper than a complete roof replacement.
