Sajjad Ahmad
When functioning correctly, your roof is one of the most essential parts of your house, protecting the rest of the house from water damage and exposure to different damaging elements.
While a quality roof should last for many years, over time, it will need maintenance and repairs.
While most homeowners often neglect these signs of wear and tear, they take the roof for granted until it causes a significant problem like rot or water intrusion. It is particularly true if you live in a continental climate like Pittsburgh, with relatively frequent thunderstorms.
However, one way to avoid the risk of property damage or injury and minimize the repair cost is to be proactive and regularly look for early signs a roof needs repair.
To help you with that, in this article, we will discuss the seven signs that indicate the right time to replace your roof and stay protected at all times. So, without further ado, let’s find out.
1. Water Damage
One of the biggest signs your roof needs repair is the visibility of water damage in the upper rooms of your house. Damp spots or watermarks may often indicate a damp or leaky window; however, avoid assuming it immediately. In fact, when you find signs of water seeping in, your best bet is to get your roof checked by certified professionals from Resnick Roofing.
In the meantime, especially when it rains, you can look for the signs by heading into the loft and spotting the signs of water getting in. You may also check the roof from the outside, and if you find water not draining or pooling on the roof, consider it a problem.
While the issue often leads to dampness or sagging, you must address such problems at the earliest to minimize the repair cost.
2. Light Shining into the Attic
Another sign of a damaged roof is the sunlight in the attic. Thus, if you go into your attic and notice that the sun is coming through the cracks in the ceiling, it must be repaired. To confirm, simply turn off all the lights in the attic and go up there during the daytime. In case you notice small beams of light, there are holes in the roof.
When your roof is damaged or has holes in it, it allows water from snow, rain, and critters to get in, causing your house to suffer from severe water damage.
Also, one of the common reasons for this issue is the missing shingle, exposing these cracked areas. However, you can fix the issue by getting a couple of new shingles or starting a roof-repairing project.
3. Damaged Roof Vents
If you think your roof is damaged and needs repair, it is a good idea to check your roof for broken seams on metal ones and possibly cracked housing on plastic roof vents.
One of the most common issues with roof vents is that it gets clogged with debris, get weather damage, or often the screws come loose over time. However, one way you can avoid the issue until your roof is replaced is by using a good sealant for a quick fix.
Remember, sealant is only temporary and will not last very long. Moreover, it will likely lead to further damage to your roof in the long run. Thus, make sure to fully replace the damaged vent, a job best handled only by professionals.
4. Fungi or Moss on the Roof
In case you have been noticing even a case of mold or a lot of moss hanging onto your roof, it is another clear sign that your roof is in need of repair. The issue commonly arises when excess moisture enters the roof and gets trapped.
It’s time to get up there and clean the exterior as much as possible by using a stiff brush to avoid further damage to the roof. However, if the issue persists even after brushing and cleaning, your best bet is to call the assistance of professionals.
5. The Roof Sags
When you notice sagging in your roof, it often indicates that the boards underneath have rotted due to trapped moisture. A sagging roof requires immediate repair or replacement to prevent further damage to your home.
To confirm this issue, inspect the roof surface for signs of rotting boards, trapped moisture, or sagging spots, particularly at the roof’s lowest points.
Another method to assess this issue is to stand back from your house or even across the street and examine the roof from various angles. A well-maintained roof should have straight lines with no visible slumping or sagging. Any deviations from this are easily noticeable and should be addressed promptly.
6. Missing Shingles
It goes without saying that if you notice your roof is missing shingles, you need to act immediately. While many homeowners may overlook this, missing shingles often indicate more severe underlying damage. Initially, missing shingles may seem like just an aesthetic problem, but they can lead to long-term damage to your roof.
Therefore, it’s advisable to contact roofing professionals to replace the missing shingles and assess any additional signs of roof damage. Always invest in high-quality tiles or shingles that are not only durable but also energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
This will increase both the value and the overall appearance of your property.
7. Granules in the Gutters
Roofs with asphalt or composite shingles feature a top layer of granules that wear off and shed over time. While it’s normal for a few granules to come off, finding piles should serve as a red flag. To inspect for this issue, check your gutters for accumulated granules after a rainstorm.
These granules commonly appear as black sand. Finding an excessive amount usually indicates that your roof needs repair. In most cases, missing granules result from aging shingles or damage caused by a hailstorm.
Final Words
Whether it’s moss, leaks, damaged shingles, or sunlight penetrating through the attic, always be vigilant for these signs. They are indicative of an immediate need for roof repair. Remember, a damaged roof is not only a threat to you and your loved ones but can also impact your home’s resale value.
More importantly, ignoring these issues could result in severe structural damage to your property.
