Your roof and exterior walls work hard to keep you and your family warm and dry, so it makes a lot of sense to stay on top of any maintenance. Small spots of wear and tear can be quickly dealt with and should never be allowed to build up, as this can lead to lots of damage and more expensive—and expensive—repairs.
Always make time to inspect your roof for signs of damage or staining, then act quickly to stop them from spreading. We have put together a list of five signs that your roof needs repairing and what you should do if you spot them.
Visible Damage
Sometimes it is easy to spot areas of roofing that need TLC, as the shingles may be cracked, damaged, or missing. Throughout the year, your roof is exposed to the elements, and if you are in an area of extremes, your roof has to work extra hard. This means that over time, the shingles will lose their strength and slip out of place.
If you notice any isolated spots, you should replace them ASAP. However, if there is widespread damage or it is becoming a regular occurrence, it may be time for a new roof.
Sagging Roof Deck
Even if your inspection doesn’t reveal any damage to shingles, you may notice that your roof lines look a little bit off. A sagging roof can be a sign that water has gotten under the surface of the shingles. If you notice this, you need to get a professional in straight away to check the extent of the damage. Immediate action needs to be taken because if the supporting structures become rotten and weakened, it could lead to a roof collapse.
Clogged Gutters
You should always make sure that your gutters are free of debris so that they can perform effectively. Leaves and ice water commonly accumulate in gutters, causing backups and potentially damaging external surfaces.
There are times when you may notice granules or pieces of shingles in the gutters. If you do spot these, it shows that some or all of your shingles are deteriorating and will need to be replaced in the near future.
Stains on the Roof
If you notice any dark stains or spots on your roof shingles, then you are suffering from algae growth. Regular inspections and maintenance can keep the algae from becoming more of a problem than simply being unattractive. However, if the algae are allowed to grow and expand across the roof, it can start to damage the shingles.
Always make sure you check the roof for signs of algae growth and deal with it as soon as is possible. There are many home remedies to counter its spread, or you could hire a professional to do a thorough clean.
Moisture Inside the House
You may not even have to look at the roof to know that there is a problem. If you notice any moisture or water damage in the interior, you can be sure that there is a problem somewhere in the roof or in the external walls.
Always take the time to inspect your attics and any crawl spaces to make sure they remain dry and that there are no signs of any damage. Also, if you notice any stains on the ceilings and walls, you will need to carry out a closer inspection to see if there is any damage that needs to be dealt with.
