When you look at your roof, what do you see? Think you have an issue? We’re going to give you some tips on how to spot the real problems that can signify needing a replacement, and what might just need repairing.
Here’s what to look for:
- Shingles in any kind of bad shape. They should lie flat and be quite uniform.
- Look around the various pipes and chimneys to be sure there isn’t anything loose around them.
- Look for depressions that might encourage water to pool and not let it run off.
- Check for overall sagging of the roof.
- Inside, look for dark staining that might indicate a leak.
- Also check to see if you can see outside through your roof.
Now that you’ve taken a look at your roof, what did you find? Here are some of the common issues, and what you should do about them:
Shingle Problems
- Curling shingles–There are a couple of ways that shingles can curl, but none of them are good news. Once this starts, you’re on your way to leakage.
- Missing shingles–Indicates a real problem that should be taken care of right away.
- Cracked shingles–Often a result of winds.
Basically, if the problem is fairly limited, you may be able to get away with a repair job and it could buy you a couple of years until replacement. If the issue is more wide-spread across the roof, it is probably safer and, in the long run, more cost effective to just replace it soon.
Gutter Granules
- Gutter Granules–If you notice granules in your gutter, and your roof isn’t brand new, your roof’s time is limited.
But not that limited. The granules help keep the shingles from baking in the sun, and when you start losing granules, they lose that protection. Think of it as telling you that your roof’s life span is half over. Start planning now so it won’t be a shock when you get there.
Moss
- Moss-covered shingles–Time to panic?
No, it’s actually fine. The only problem with moss is aesthetic; it doesn’t actually pose a problem to the roof at all. Some people try to clean it off which is fine as long as you use a half-bleach solution and not a power washer. Using a power washer could strip off your granules or worse!
Your Roof is How Old?
- Age–If it’s been 30 years and your shingles were rated for 20, you could have a problem.
Even if you can’t see it, there’s wear that takes place, and you should at least have your roof inspected as it gets older.
Structural
- Sunlight shines in your attic, and it’s not through a window–You know this isn’t a good sign at all.
- Sagging
Pretty sure you know that these aren’t good signs. These are usually replacement jobs unless, in the case of a hole, it was caused by a particular event like a tree limb during a recent storm. Even so, a hole means more water damage and weathering has gotten in and under the shingles and roof. A sagging roof means that there are structural issues within, and probably means a more intensive repair with replacement.
When in doubt about what your roofing needs, feel free to contact us. We’ll be glad to meet with you and do a full inspection of your roof to determine what state it’s in and what needs to be done. You don’t always need a complete replacement for a roof, you just need to know what to look for. We can easily determine what can be repaired versus what is a serious issue that needs to be replaced right away. Keep the roof over your head in the shape it needs to be in.