Having a solid roof over your head is crucial, especially when protecting your family and your home. For that reason, it is important to take the necessary precautions when faced with roof damage. Here are four tips to help you decide when to start considering a roof replacement.
Check the Shingles
Shingles should always lie flat against your roof. If you notice that the shingles on your roof are cracked, curled, or buckled in any way, then this is a clear sign that your roof is aging. Opting to replace the damaged shingles may not be a problem. However, it’s always a good idea to make sure there aren’t any potential underlying issues. Also, remember to check the gutter for shingle granules. If shingles can no longer stay flat or the roof is losing many granules, a bigger problem needs to be addressed. Roof replacement is the only solution.
Sagging Roof
Replace sagging and droopy roofs before further damage arises. Check the surface of the roof for signs of trapped moisture or wood rotting. In the case of wood rotting, take the time to assess the severity of the rot. Remember, a sagging roof is usually a warning sign that the roof should be replaced before it collapses.
Algae, Moss, and Dark Stains
Algae, moss, and dark spots or stains are a sign of trapped moisture within the roof that can lead to roof damage if the problem is not dealt with in advance. Opt for a stiff brush to remove roof moss. However, this is just a temporary solution. You should contact a residential roofing contractor to get to the root cause of the problem and fix any potential issues. Major moisture problems indicate that the roof should be replaced as soon as possible.
Leaks or Sunlight Penetrating Through the Roof
Be on the lookout for rays of light coming through any area of the roof. Also, check for water stains or spots on the ceiling. These signs, more often than not, indicate a leaking roof. Therefore, the longer you wait to fix this problem, the more severe the leak damage will be. Remember, if light can come in, so can all the other elements.
If you realize that your roof is suffering from any of the above problems, contact your residential roofing contractor to ensure your roofing system remains functional for a long time.