While it’s designed to withstand the weather, a roof isn’t going to last forever. It can wear down with age or be damaged when there’s severe weather in the area. The concern many homeowners have is how to tell if the roof is damaged and whether they need to call in the pros for help.
Any damage to the roof should be addressed as quickly as possible. Even if it seems small, it’s not going to go away. It is going to get worse with time. Tackling the issue now can mean saving money and protecting the roof – and the home – from further damage.
Knowing the top five warning signs that a roof needs professional attention is crucial for homeowners, as it allows them to get help faster when there is an issue. Read below to learn more about what to watch out for and how to tell if professional help is needed for the roof.
Replacement Versus Repairs
Not all damage is going to mean the roof needs to be replaced. In many cases, professionals can repair the roof to restore its integrity and prevent further damage. However, there are times when a repair just isn’t going to be sufficient. What are the signs that a roof needs to be replaced?
It can be easy to worry that the damage is too severe and repairs aren’t going to be possible, but in many cases, homeowners won’t know for sure. Calling in the professionals can help homeowners determine whether repairs are going to be the right solution or if a replacement is necessary.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
Shingles can be damaged with age or due to severe weather. It may appear like they’re missing granules, starting to wrinkle, or starting to curl up instead of lying flat. Sometimes, entire shingles may be missing from the roof. The shingles themselves can become brittle and fall apart if touched. The damage to shingles can often be seen from the ground, depending on the severity of the damage. Look to see if the damage is localized or spreading across the roof. A closer inspection can help determine the extent of the damage.
Repair or Replace?
Missing or damaged shingles can typically be repaired, but it might not be worthwhile if the roof is reaching the end of its lifespan. If the roof is less than 15 years old and the damage is not extensive, repairs may be recommended. If the damage is extensive or the roof is more than 15 to 20 years old, replacing it will be the better option.
Water Stains on the Ceiling
Water stains inside the home can occur because of roofing damage, plumbing leaks, and more. If the stains are on the ceiling, however, it’s typically a sign that the roof is damaged and water is getting inside when it rains. This damage isn’t always easy to see from the outside, as it depends on how much of the roof is compromised and how it was damaged. Damaged flashings, for instance, may allow water in but may not be as easy to spot from the ground. An inspection is recommended to determine where the water is coming from and how much damage it has done to the roof.
Repair or Replace?
By the time there is water getting inside the house, it’s typically better to replace the roof. Water getting under the roof can cause significant damage, including rot and mold growth. If it is not fully repaired, the damage inside the home can continue, and it can be more expensive to deal with later.
Granules in the Gutters
Shingles are coated with granules that make them more durable and help protect the shingles from the elements. If these are spotted when cleaning out the gutters, it’s important to take action right away, as it means that the shingles may not be as protected or able to protect the home. This may not be easy to spot from the ground, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them when cleaning the gutters.
Repair or Replace?
If any granules are spotted in the gutters, it’s a good idea to contact a residential roofing company right away. If the roof is newer and there is only a small amount of damage, they may be able to replace the damaged shingles without replacing the roof. More commonly, this is a sign of the roof’s age, so it will likely be better to replace the roof.
Sagging Areas of the Roof
Sagging areas on the roof indicate structural damage, which is severe and can lead to parts of the roof collapsing if they aren’t fixed right away. If the roof is sagging, water can collect on it, which causes the roof to collapse because of the weight. This can often be spotted from the ground, but it is important to look carefully to detect any signs of sagging. If there is any concern that this is happening, it’s a good idea to call the pros for an inspection.
Repair or Replace?
If parts of the roof are sagging, there is structural damage, and it may not be possible to repair it. If the areas that are sagging are small enough, repairs can be done, but it’s often a better financial decision to go ahead and have the roof replaced so the framing and subroof can be fixed, too.
Age-Related Wear and Tear
Over time, the roof may start to seem more worn and faded. It may not have as bright a color as it used to, may start to have darker streaks that can indicate algae growth, or other signs of wear. If the roof is older and it’s starting to show signs of wear, it may be a good idea to start thinking about replacing it.
Repair or Replace?
When a roof starts to show its age, it’s time to think about a replacement. Repairs may be done to help extend the life a little bit to allow homeowners to secure financing, but at this point, it’s just a matter of time before it will need to be replaced. Replacing it when wear and tear initially appear can help prevent further damage below the roof.
How to Identify Issues Early
The key to preventing damage from getting worse and to being able to repair instead of replace in many situations is spotting the issues early. Homeowners often don’t think about their roof until there is major damage, so they may miss the early warning signs that something is wrong.
Instead, take a look at the roof regularly to be able to easily spot changes. This doesn’t mean climbing on the roof and doing a thorough inspection. When homeowners are outside, they can take a few moments to look at the roof to make sure it’s still in great shape. Inspections from the ground can also be done after severe weather to make sure the roof is still in good shape and doesn’t have any damage.
What to Do When Issues are Detected
When any issues with the roof are detected, it’s time to call in the professionals for help. If possible, it can be a good idea to take photos of the damage that has been detected. A professional will come out and do a thorough inspection to see the extent of the damage and determine what needs to be done to get the roof back in shape. When repairs are possible, they can fix the roof quickly. If a replacement is needed, they’ll give their recommendations to the homeowner and can schedule a time to get started.
It is important for homeowners to avoid walking on the roof on their own. Climbing a ladder for a closer look can be done, but it should be done with safety in mind to prevent injuries. Avoid climbing onto the roof itself, as it can be difficult to detect damage, and it could be possible to fall through the roof if there is hidden damage. Always leave the up-close inspections to the professionals.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs that your roof is damaged, don’t hesitate to call in the pros for help. No matter how minor they may seem right now, they can and will get worse over time. Calling today helps to minimize how much you’ll pay to have repairs done or enable the roof to be replaced faster to prevent damage inside the home.
Dean has extensive experience in the roofing and construction business with over 26 years under his belt. As a former insurance adjuster, Dean got into this industry knowing what is required for a good durable quality roof, founding JDCC Roofing in 1999. Over the years, creating roofs that are not only safe and dry but add beauty and style to a house led JDCC Roofing into the remodeling business.
Dean and his family proudly support “Bearcat Nation” in Aledo, TX. Dean also enjoys spending time outdoors and playing golf in his spare time.
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