8 Signs Your Roof Is in Need of Roofing Services

If there was one area of the home that takes a real beating over the years, it has to be the roof. And the ironic thing is, it’s easy to neglect this area of the home because…out of sight, out of mind, right?

It’s only when issues begin to crop up and the bills roll in that most homeowners realize that they should have taken better care of their roof. Don’t you just love hindsight?

So, when should you consider roofing services before roofing replacement becomes necessary? Here are the tell-tale signs to keep an eye on.

  1. Suspicious Patches of Moisture 

Most of the time, roof leaks are not actually that obvious. That’s why it’s so easy to overlook them. But even the smallest leak in your roof can lead to devastating effects down the line.

Even if it’s a small dribble of water that’s seeping into your attic, this moisture becomes trapped in your insulation and becomes a breeding ground for bigger issues, such as mold and mildew.

Mold and mildew lead to wood rot, which can eat away at the entire structure of your roof over time. Make sure to regularly check your roof and attic for any areas of standing water or suspicious patches of moisture that should not be there.

Another obvious sign of moisture buildup is peeling or blistering paint on your home’s exterior walls, or even interior walls. This is when you want to ask yourself the question, ”where can I find roofing repair near me?”.

  1. Stains and Discoloring on Your Ceiling/Walls

You’ll start to notice this sign of roof damage if you have ongoing leaks that you have neglected for quite some time. As the moisture from your roof begins to accumulate, it will slowly seep down into your home and leave stains or discoloring on your ceiling boards.

These stains are generally brown, grey, or yellow in color due to dirt and dust accumulation which can discolor the paint of your ceiling boards or walls. The stains may appear as circles on your ceiling boards or streaks running down your walls.

All in all, this is a sign of advanced water damage and serious roof repairs might be necessary.

  1. Roof/Ceiling Sagging

This is yet another obvious sign of roof damage and water accumulation throughout your home. If areas of your roof or ceiling appear to be sagging, this means that large pools of water are weighing down these areas. The result is a visible warping of the roof or ceiling.

The truth is, you are most likely facing advanced roof and water damage and you need to call in the expertise of a roofing contractor right away.

  1. Obvious Signs of Poor Installation

Often there are simple signs you can look out for that indicate that your roof was not properly installed in the first place. Initially, it might not seem as obvious. But an improperly installed roof will weather far quicker than any other roof.

What this means is that your roof might not reach its warranty of 20-years and you’ll begin to notice issues with your roof far earlier than you’d expect. This includes regular problems with roof leaking, uneven or awkwardly placed shingles, roof shrinkage, poor quality materials that blow off during storms, etc.

If you suspect your roof was poorly installed, call in a professional for a thorough assessment and improvement recommendations.

  1. An Unexplained Increase in Energy Bills

If your energy bill is steadily on the increase, but nothing has changed in terms of the power you’re using at home, this is another sign your roof could be letting you down.

Light and water are not the only elements that can seep through a compromised roof. The same goes for air and heat, which can have a massive impact on the heating and cooling of your home.

If your energy bill increases month after month, roof damage is most likely compromising your home’s ability to regulate heat and airflow. Make sure to call in a professional for a thorough assessment of your roof.

  1. Obvious Roof Damage

There are also obvious signs of damage you need to look out for, especially after heavy winds, storms, and snowfall. At the change of each season, you should do a reconnaissance of your roof and lookout for these signs of damage:

  • Missing, damaged, or loose roof shingles or tiles
  • Signs of rot and decay on the outer layers of your roof, often caused by excessive mold and mildew buildup
  • Damaged flashing around your chimney — this is a fast track way for water to get into your roof and could even cause your chimney to collapse

Make sure to periodically clean your roof of debris and dirt after major changes in weather. The accumulation of debris and dirt on your roof and in your gutters can lead to major issues with water accumulation and leaks.

  1. Shrinkage of Your Roof

Most roofs nowadays come with a specific coating to form a protective membrane over roofing materials. But over time, this membrane can shrink and shorten, i.e. roof shrinkage.

The purpose of the membrane is to protect your roof from harsh elements such as sunshine, snow, and strong winds. Without this membrane, your roofing material becomes exposed and vulnerable, leading to roof issues.

If you notice that your roofing membrane has shrunk, call in a professional for replacement.

  1. Your Roof is 15-20 Years Old

It goes without saying that most roofs come with a warranty, but they just don’t last forever, unfortunately. However, if your roof is installed correctly, with high-quality materials, it should not last anything less than 15-20 years.

If your roof is reaching its warranty ”sell-by” date, i.e. it’s 15-20 years old, or older, it’s time to think about serious roof repair, partial replacement, or full replacement.

Wondering What To Expect From Roofing Services?

At the end of the day, owning a home is all about being proactive when it comes to maintenance. This is the best way to avoid huge costs that you might not have prepared for. And when it comes to your roof, prevention is always better than cure!

If you’re wondering what to expect from roofing services, the costs, and how long repairs could last, explore the rest of this blog for more. We offer a range of articles on all things home, DIY, roofing, and more.