Deborah TorresAs a homeowner, you may spend lots of time worrying about whether your refrigerator is running or wondering if your AC will continue keeping your family cool during the summer than thinking about your roof. However, the roof of any home is one of the most important structures responsible for keeping the property together. It is also much more expensive to replace than almost anything else in your home.
That is why it is essential to be aware of any signs that your roof may need to be repaired and to be prepared to call a Portland roofing contractor as soon as possible. Here are just some items to be on the lookout for.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
If you can easily spot shingles that are damaged or missing or some that are buckled or curled, your roof is vulnerable to leaks and water intrusion. Hail, wind, or simple wear and tear might be responsible for this situation, which calls for an immediate inspection by a professional roofer.
Leaks
Seeing water come in through the roof is one of the clearest indications that your roof needs urgent repair. You might have experienced severe weather in your area, the roof might have been installed poorly, or it may simply be a sign that your roof is getting on in years. Stains in the ceiling or dampness in the attic are surefire signs that there is water entering where it should not.
Uneven Roofline
If you see a sagging roofline when looking at your roof, contact a roofing company as soon as possible. This could be a sign that there is a structural issue in the home, or maybe that the roof is old or has experienced water damage. In any case, there is no time to waste. Call the professionals right away.
Loss of Granules
If you have a shingled roof and you can spot shingle granules all around the home and in your landscaping, this means that your shingles are losing some important protection. Leaving your shingles unprotected can lead to grave problems that are costly to fix. Do not wait until your shingles are allowing water into your home before calling a reliable roofer.
Worn or Damaged Flashing
The metal flashing on your roof serves an important purpose. The metal is meant to withstand the passage of time. The flashing is there to deflect water away from different parts of your roof such as chimneys, roof valleys, or walls. It is also meant to keep water from seeping into the home and can prevent the growth of mold.
If your roof is decades old, it is likely that the flashing has degraded to the point that it needs to be repaired or replaced. Call your roofer to have a look before the damage to your home is greater than it has to be.
Damaged Gutters
Many homeowners might not realize how important working gutters are for the structural integrity of their roofs. When gutters and downspouts begin to fail, they could impact the health of the entire roof and therefore the home as well. When water and debris are allowed to accumulate in clogged gutters, the water will seep into the edges of the roof and this damage can slowly extend upward before it gets noticed.
Also, downspouts that do not allow the water to flow freely will end up soaking your driveway, your deck, and your lawn in all the wrong places. Your roofer will be able to tell you whether it is just a matter of cleaning the gutter system or if it will need to be replaced.
Rotten Soffit or Fascia Board
Any roof overhang is a clear target for water damage. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or ice accumulation, you should be aware of the fact that a single ice dam is enough to cause disruption in the fascia board or soffit, which can then start to detach from the larger roofing structure.
You would be surprised to find out how fast rot will spread throughout your roof if you allow this situation to go unchecked. When parts of the roof rot away, they become the perfect target for birds and squirrels to make their nests, making the problem even greater.
Too Many Layers
You may have purchased your home with a roof already on it or you may have lived decades in your home; in any case, you may find that your roof has too many layers by now. In many cases, homeowners prefer that a roofer add another layer to the roof rather than going through a complete roof replacement. They may be under the impression that by doing this they are protecting the home and those who live within it since this would make the roof even stronger. However, the reality is the opposite.
Too many layers may risk the safety of the structure of the entire home by making it too heavy and impossible for that much extra weight to be sustained. If you know or suspect that your roof has too many layers, call your roofer right away to take a look at this possibly dangerous situation.
Increased Energy Bills
A roof that is aging or has poor insulation may allow air leaks, letting precious air-conditioned air escape and outside weather enter the home. Check your energy bills and understand whether there has been a big increase in what you have to pay. Your roof may be the culprit and it may be time to bring in a trusted roofer to conduct an inspection and let you know what is happening and what needs to be fixed.
Age
Depending on whether you built the home or bought it when the roof was already there, you may not have a clear idea as to the age of your roof. Call in a professional roofing company and let them figure out the situation. You may need a new roof.
Conclusion
Your roof, though often out of sight, should never be out of mind. Neglecting its maintenance can lead to a cascade of problems that extend far beyond a few missing shingles. As we’ve explored in this post, recognizing the signs of a roof in distress is the first step towards ensuring the longevity and resilience of your home. Whether it’s a minor repair or a more extensive overhaul, addressing roofing issues promptly is an investment in the well-being of your property.
