Common Signs of Roof Damage to Look Out For!

If you're being honest with yourself, when was the last time you actually thought about the condition of your roof? Sure, you see it everyday when you come home, but even if you do notice the roof it's usually just a quick glance followed by a sigh of relief for making it through another long day. The truth is, many of us don't think about our roof until a bad storm comes along and you notice a leak. However, your roof can show multiple signs of damage over the course of it's life and it's important to spot these signs. Spotting the signs early could cause for a repair, but it could save you from a leak or two until your next replacement. Some damage is bad enough that it requires a full replacement, but it's better to get this home improvement job done on your own time and not in emergency settings. Here are a few common signs to look out for.

1. Missing Shingles

Some issues with your roof may be obvious such as missing shingles or blow offs. Over time shingles wear down and lose their resistance to high winds, storms and other elements. Missing shingles can directly lead to leaks in your roof. Whether it's one shingle or a grouping of shingles, you should have an expert inspect your roof immediately. It could just need a simple repair. However, depending on the age of the roof it could require an entire replacement to avoid further damage or leaks. 

2. Granule Loss

 

Granules protect your shingles from the sun, and when enough granule loss happens your shingles become exposed. Granule loss happens over time due to wind, hail, falling debris, age and other elements. Shingles with an excessive amount of granule loss are susceptible to leaks, mold and other unwanted problems. If you notice dark spots on your roof, it could be due to granule loss and should be inspected immediately.

3. Damaged Flashing

Flashing is a component that helps keep the most vulnerable parts of your roof secure. When flashing is damaged it allows for water to leak through to the roof seams. If flashing has suffered enough damage a leak is almost guaranteed to follow. An inspection, repair or replacement is recommended as soon as possible.

4. Ventilation Problems

If you're noticing problems with your ventilation this is a sure sign there is an issue occurring with your roof. If you're noticing higher energy bills than usual, it could be because of poor ventilation. If the ventilation is not up to standards in your attic it will cause your HVAC systems to work harder. Furthermore, if you're noticing whistling sounds through the attic or house this is most likely because too much wind is getting through the trim of your house from one of numerous spots. If you're noticing ventilation issues or whistling sounds you should have a professional inspect immediately, as locating the source of these issues can be difficult.

5. Moss Buildup

Some parts of your roof aren't exposed to direct sunlight very often, if ever. These spots on your roof can be susceptible to moss buildup. It may seem like cosmetic damage to your roof, but too much moss buildup can cause problems with your underlayment and shingles. These problems can lead to missing shingles and leaks. If you notice moss buildup just beginning it is possible to scrub it off, regardless you should have a professional inspect it immediately before trying to do any moss removal yourself.

How is your roof looking?

If you notice any of these issues with your roof, or any other issues that you believe are cause of concern contact your local roofing experts immediately. The result could be a repair, a replacement or your roofing expert could simply tell you that you still have a few more years on your roof. Regardless, it's important to have any issue with your roof checked ASAP to avoid any serious damage resulting in emergency services being needed. 

For a free estimate on your roofing needs contact Shingle and Metal Roofs at (419)-469-8994 or www.shingleandmetalroofs.com