Usually, there are clear signs you might need a professional roofing company to check your roof’s condition and confirm it’s time for a roof replacement. If you’re looking for experienced, reliable roofing contractors for your roof replacement or new roof installation, Davis Roofing can help.
Ten Signs of Roof Damage That Mean Roof Repair or Roof Replacement Is Necessary
Roof damage, such as missing or damaged shingles or a leak, can often be noticeable, but sometimes, it can be harder to see.
Ten things to look for that might indicate your roof needs to be repaired or replaced are:
1. Your Roof Has Damaged or Missing Shingles
Noticeable missing or damaged shingles indicate needing a roof replacement or repair. Hail, high winds, extreme heat, and shingle age are common causes of damaged or missing shingles. Roof shingles that are curling or buckling up may have completed their lifespan and can indicate a roof replacement is needed. Shingles can be replaced in some cases, but ignoring problems with shingles can lead to more costly damages and repairs.
2. Your Roof Is Drooping or Sagging
Excess moisture from hail, ice, or moisture seepage can weaken your roof and cause it to sag or droop. Any trapped water can further damage your roof and lead to rotting boards, contributing to the sagging or drooping of a roof. A sagging or drooping roof or a roof that looks like sinking is unsafe and is one of the more obvious signs that a roof replacement is necessary.
3. Your Roof Has Leaks
Any roof leaks caused by broken shingles or other roof damage should be repaired immediately. If roof leaks aren’t taken care of, the moisture can seep through the roof and cause further damage to your home’s interior walls and insulation. Leaks can also cause various other issues, such as rotting wood, damp insulation, and mold and bacteria growth, leading to costly repairs and additional expenses. Any roof leaks must be fixed as soon as they are identified to minimize the extent of the damage and protect your home from further damage.
4. Shingle Granules Have Been Found in Your Gutters
Shingle granules in your gutters typically indicate shingle deterioration, which can be caused by aging, hail damage, wind damage, and UV exposure over time. The presence of large amounts of granules can be a sign that even more granules have been lost and left on top of the roof instead of being washed into the gutter when it rains heavily.
5. You Can See Daylight Through Your Home’s Attic Vents or Gable Ends
Sunlight that comes into your attic space and is visible outside the house can signal that something is blocking proper ventilation. This is commonly caused by faulty flashing around vent openings and missing shingles. Inspecting this immediately is essential because blocked airflow vents are potential fire hazards.
6. In Colder Weather, Ice Dams Are Forming on the Edges of Your Home’s Roof
When temperatures are below freezing for extended periods, melting snow can freeze along your roof’s edges, creating ice dams. Ice dams can be hazardous and occur when melting snow refreezes along roof edges. The weight of ice dams can pull down the edges of your roof, and the ice buildup can cause cracks that increase the chance of leaks.
7. Moss Is Growing on Your Roof
Moss on your roof can lead to increased and faster decay over time. Moss holds moisture, absorbs UV radiation, and reduces the lifespan of shingles and roofing materials. Mold growing on your roof can hide signs of roof damage, so it’s a good idea to have a roof inspection at least once a year to know what condition everything underneath the mold is in.
8. The Flashing Around Your Home’s Chimneys and Skylights Has Cracks
When there are cracks in the flashing around chimneys and skylights, water may have already made its way through them, which can cause severe structural damage if not addressed soon enough.
9. Blistered Paint or Staining on Your Home’s Exterior Walls
Blistered paint on your home’s exterior walls can indicate trapped moisture beneath the paint layer. Staining on your exterior walls indicates water seepage from improperly installed downspouts, gutters, or damaged flashings. When not addressed quickly, trapped moisture and water seepage increase the possibility of mold growth and structural damage.
10. The Walls and Ceilings in Your Home Are Discolored
If your home’s walls or ceilings are stained or discolored, it can indicate an issue with water seepage through your roof’s underlayment. Water seepage can be caused by missing or broken shingles, broken or cracked flashing, or improper installation of roofing materials. The increased humidity from the water seepage can also cause mold growth, leading to health issues like respiratory illnesses. If you notice a musty smell and stains on your walls or ceiling, you must have your roof inspected as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Replacement
What Is the Typical Roofing Materials Lifespan?
Typically, a roof lasts about 20 to 25 years if installed correctly, adequately ventilated, and made of suitable materials. If your roof was installed over an old roof, it may need replacing sooner than 20 years.
How Often Do I Need to Inspect My Roof for Damage?
It would help to have your roof inspected for damage at least twice a year. The inspection should include checking for any signs of wear and tear, like cracks in your roof’s surface, broken or missing shingles, or uneven roof portions. After significant weather events, you should also inspect your roof for damage that high winds, hailstorms, and other severe weather conditions can cause.
Suppose you notice any signs of roof damage or suspect damage. In that case, it’s essential to contact a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible to inspect your roof and repair any damage before it worsens.
Should I hire a professional roof inspector if my roof needs to be replaced?
If you think your roof needs to be replaced, hiring a professional roof inspector is a good idea since most inspections are free. Additionally, roof inspections can be dangerous for the average homeowner or leave them guessing the proper steps when roof damage is found.
Why You Should Choose Davis Roofing For Roof Replacement or New Roof
Davis Roofing is the #1 roofing, siding, and gutter contractor in Powell, Ohio, and nearby areas, including Lewis Center and Dublin. We are licensed, bonded, and fully insured and provide premier service at an affordable cost.
Contact us today for a free estimate and no-obligation roof inspection that includes complete reports with photos, accurate estimates, and a list of options for any necessary repairs.
