As a homeowner you want your house to be in tip top shape, including the roof. Not every homeowner knows when it is time to repair or replace their roofs, or what the signs to be aware of. In a lot of instances some signs are easily visible, but sometimes damage to your roof can come out of nowhere with little warning. If you think your roof has been damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced, it is important to act quickly and call a professional roofing company. The following are five signs that you need a new roof that you should not ignore.
Signs That Your Roof Needs Replaced
Visible Leaks
One of the most common signs that a roof needs to be replaced is an obvious leak. Roof leaks can occur for a variety of reasons, including worn-out materials and storm damage. Weakened roofing materials allow water to seep through the shingles and into the house. As a result, water intrusion occurs along with visible puddles during rainstorms. If the leaks are small, they can sometimes be patched or repaired by a professional roofer. However, in most cases, small leaks are overlooked until they become larger and require a bigger fix.
Interior Water Damage
Many times, a leaky roof will turn into the form of interior water damage. This can present itself as streaks, stains, or water spots in the attic, ceiling, or wall of your home. Water damage can also be caused by other factors such as a burst pipe, leaking appliance, or damaged faucet. If you notice water damage on the ceiling, in the attic, or near the top of the walls, it is most likely caused by a leaky roof.
Curling, Missing, or Mossy Shingles
Sometimes you can notice roof damage from the ground. Shingles are the entryway to the roofing system; therefore, if you notice missing, curling, or cracked shingles, it is probably time to replace your roof. Some common forms of visible shingle damage are:
- Cracked shingles
- Damaged or curled shingles
- Loose or missing shingles
- Missing granules
- Moss or algae growth
- Damage around chimneys or skylights
You should also check your gutters for shingle debris, which can be an indication that the shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan and starting to deteriorate.
Sagging Roofline
Your roofline should be straight and strong, so if you notice dipping, curving, or obvious sagging, it is important to determine the cause. A sagging roofline can be a result of a framing issue, but it can also be caused by a water-saturated roof deck. If this is the case, a new roof may be needed to fix the issue. If you notice shingle damage, leaks, or water damage along with a sagging roof, it is crucial to act fast to get the issue resolved before it gets worse.
Storm Damage
One of the main causes of roof replacements is damage caused by storms. This is due to the destruction heavy storms can have on roofs, no matter what condition they are in prior to the storm. Storm damage is a particular threat to homes in areas prone to tornadoes. The strong winds from these storms can tear off shingles completely or lift them causing cracks. As a result, the roof is subject to leaks and UV damage. If windstorms are preceded by rain or snow, moisture can leak into the roofing system and result in water damage. The wind can also blow debris into your roof and puncture the shingles.
Whether you see signs of damage, your roof is getting close to the end of its lifespan, or it has recently been exposed to a heavy storm, it is crucial to act quickly if you suspect a problem. Roof damage can be repaired if it is caught early, but if it is ignored, the damage can progress fast. Scheduling an appointment with a professional roofing company to have your roof inspected is the best way to know what your next steps should be. Tesson Roofing & Exteriors, LLC are experts in roofing repairs and replacements. We can help determine what kind of shape your roof is in by conducting a free consultation. Call us today at (314) 932-1042 if you think your roof has been damaged or needs inspected.