The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the outside world.
Your roof may show signs of wear over time after receiving the brunt of the damage from harsh weather conditions. Minor issues such as missing or damaged shingles over time can develop into major problems for your home such as leaks, water damage, drainage issues and insect infestations.
To be proactive about your roof’s health look for these signs that your roof may need to be replaced or repaired.
1. Creased or missing shingles
Shingles can sometimes fly off or become loose due to strong winds or rain exposure. Missing shingles can typically be visible from your yard, but if you wanted to be thorough you could grab a ladder and take a trip up to your roof and check the shingles.
2. Curling at the end of shingles
This is another common and easily visible sign that your roof may need to be replaced. When the shingles start to curl at the ends it can become rigid and will eventually break off.
3. Shingle granules in the gutters
When shingles become rigid and brittle, wind and rain can blow away some of the debris that has separated from the shingle into the gutters. This buildup can also weigh down your gutters, causing damage that may lead to replacement.
4. Mold or excess moisture
If you’ve noticed mold or moisture on the inside of your home, this is a good indication that water is getting into the home through the roof. When the shingles of your home break off or deteriorate, rain can then leak into your home. As the humidity and the moisture buildup, it can cause mold in places such as the attic, the ceiling or walls.
5. Water stains
Take a look at your ceiling. Do you notice any discoloration or darkened areas? These may be water stains that can occur when water starts to pool on the other side of the ceiling, also indicating leaks originating from the roof.
6. Rotted wood in the attic
The attic is going to be the first area to feel the effects of roof failure. If you take a look at your attic and notice that the wood is rotted, this is a major red flag that your roof needs to be replaced. If the wood is weakened or deteriorated there is a major risk of insect infestation or roof collapse.
You may also want to check your garage for signs of deterioration like the ones mentioned here. The roof of your garage faces the same environmental factors and may also need to be replaced if damage progresses.
The best way to know with certainty the condition of your roof is to have a professional inspection. Climbing onto your roof may not be the most convenient task for everyone. Luckily, there are roofing professionals who have the equipment and knowledge necessary to properly inspect your roof.
Cobra Roofing and Construction offers free home and property inspections that include roofs, gutters, siding and windows. Just give us a call today and we’d be happy to assist you in your home inspection.