Apart from protecting you from harsh elements, a roof that’s in great condition can help increase your property’s cost, aesthetic value, and energy efficiency. Inversely, a failing roof can be a source of problems that would threaten your building’s structural integrity.
Regularly checking your roof for signs of damage is critical to keeping you and your family safe. But what are the warning signs you need to watch for? Read on to find out.
Deformed Or Missing Shingles
Curled shingles are one of the most telling signs that your roof needs to be replaced. There are many reasons for this, but wear and tear is most likely to blame. Shingles can last for about 20 years depending on the materials used, the manner of installation, and the weather in your area.
If they’re fairly new, you need to contact your roofer for warranty and correction as improper installation may be the cause. Choose a reputable roofing service provider near you to resolve the issue. For instance, if you live in the United Kingdom’s capital city, you can turn to a company offering roofing repair London residents trust for all the solutions you need.
Deformed shingles are often the result of too much moisture in the attic, forcing nails to push up out of the roof. This is a problem that exposes you to harsh weather conditions. Left unattended, it can cause your roof to be blown away by strong winds and violent storms.
Damaged Roof Valley
A roof valley refers to the sections of your roof where two angles meet. If the damaged shingles are concentrated within such areas, it could mean that water is seeping through the valley, exposing your home to moisture.
If you’re selling your home, make sure to check your roof, too, as a damaged one can significantly reduce the property’s value. In fact, roof problems are one of the most common structural problems found during inspections.
Water Stains And Mold Formation On Your Ceiling
Sometimes, you don’t need to go outside to check on the physical damage on your roof. If you see water stains or discoloration on your ceiling, it means that moisture has invaded the inside of your home, leading to mold and mildew formation.
These problems can either be caused by a leaking roof or a problematic plumbing system. Check for both to make sure you’re able to address the issue properly. However, if there are no pipes over your ceiling or beneath your walls, your roof could likely be the culprit.
You can block further structural damage in your home by performing proper roof maintenance and periodic roof inspections.
Shingle Granules On Your Gutters
This may not be obvious right away, especially if the affected part is at the topmost section of the roof. But you can check for this sign of danger by looking at your gutters. Shingles tend to deteriorate once they’re past their prime, so you’d likely see huge amounts of granules trapped in your gutters.
You can check for gutter granule buildup by looking at the splash pan in front of your downspout, too. Small amounts of granules are common, but if you notice heavy buildup in your gutters, consider calling a roofing contractor to fix the issue.
Exposed Nail Heads
If you’re performing a roof inspection and notice a few nail heads becoming exposed, it means there are available spaces in between your shingles where water can seep through and possibly threaten your property’s interior structure.
Nail heads can get slightly uprooted by strong winds. While there are multiple shingle layers capable of protecting your interior, water can always enter your home though the small gaps in between those sheets.
Has Your Roof Been Around For Over 20 Years?
Like any other fixture in your home, your roof is subject to wear and tear. Thus, it may not be able to last a lifetime.
Estimates vary wildly, but experts recommend that if your roof has been around for more than 20 years, it’s best to invest in roof replacement instead of cutting costs and opting for roof repairs.
Check the average life span of different types of roofing materials below:
- Asphalt shingles – 25 years
- Fiber cement shingles – up to 45 years
- Clay tiles – up to 150 years
- Concrete tiles – up to 100 years
- Metal (aluminum) – up to 80 years
- Metal (copper) – up to 150 years
- Metal (steel) – up to 60 years
- PVC membrane – up to 40 years
- Slate (hard) – up to 200 years
- Wood shakes – up to 50 years
- Wood shingles – up to 40 years
These life span estimates are applicable for materials that have been manufactured in the recent years using advanced technology. Understandably, they last longer than those that’ve been created more than a decade ago.
Final Thoughts
Your roof is one of the most important structures in your home, so care should be exercised in ensuring that it remains in good condition.
Periodic roof inspections can help you spot potential problems, some of which have been discussed in this article. Ensuring that your roof is in tip-top shape can help protect you and your family from harsh weather and damage triggered by a failing roof structure. It also prevents major problems from happening, giving you peace of mind.
