Audrey
If you have had excessive leaks that spike up in at a different place than the one fixed before, you might need the installation of a new roof.
Signs Of A Falling Roof
But before we get into the installation of a new roof, it must be inspected for a few factors that clearly indicate a weak roof. Here are six most common and evident signs of severe roof damage; if you notice to have any of these on your roof, you should probably contact the nearest roof leak repair and installation company in Fayetteville, NC because you need a new roof!
1. The Age Of Your Roof
The very first thing that we should take into account is the age of your roof. Most shingle roofs will last at an average of about 20 years, so if your roof age goes back further than 20 years, you might need a new roof installation pretty soon.
Some roofing repair professionals advise the installation of only a single layer of shingles over an existing old. This means that your base layer is the same installation that dates back much longer than its lifespan, and you need a replacement.
2. Curled Shingles
Checking the most exposed area to the direct sunlight on your roof is another good place to inspect the strength or weakness of it. Shingles tend to buckle when they are past their life expectancy and curl in areas that receive the most sunlight.
During the inspection of your if you notice that buckling or curling of shingles at multiple spots, it is the most evident sign that your roof is defective. Call out a roof inspection professional to make sure whether you qualify for a roof replacement or not.
3. Compromised Valleys
The valley on your roof is the slightly lower part that is at an angle to attract the water or snow and have it on its way to gutters to drain out properly. Damage in this part of the roof is crucial and puts you at many risks to the structure.
Inspect the valley of your roof, and if you find loose shingles, or completely missing in this area, it is again a very prominent call for a roof replacement. The valley is where all the water is accumulated before draining, if you neglect a compromised valley for long enough, you will probably see quite a lot of roof leaks.
4. Cracked And Missing Tabs
On roofs where you have a base layer of asphalt shingles installed, and on the top, you have a pattern of tabs installed; inspection can be quite easy.
You can run an eye over the roof and check if all the tabs are intact in their places, if you notice any cracked or missing tops from the top of your roof, then it is another indication that your roof is falling apart slowly.
5. Worn Out Layer
When a roof reaches the end of its lifespan as is left unattended to work past it, it starts to crumble the topmost layers of shingles, as mentioned earlier above. Inspecting for the early signs of shingles falling apart is not an easy thing to do without knowledge.
However, you can run a few inspection checks on your own that can ensure this. Inspect the area where the gutters drain the water, and if you see shingle granules, it is an evident sign that your roof is falling apart. Also, if you see faint or prominent patches of black on your roof, it is an indication of a worn-out layer.
6. A Weakened Deck
The inspection for a weakened deck is not a chore to be pulled out on your without knowledge of the experience of it since it is a much skill-requiring thing. But the easiest of these inspection tests that you can do might suggest a possibility it.
Take a walk on your roof, and if you notice it be bouncy instead firm and intact, there is a possibility that your deck has been worn out. Another very prominent signs to look for is in your attic, see if there is any peeking rays of light coming through, or excessive moisture, if it is present then you definitely are in need of a new roof.
7. Your Attic is Wet
The attic ensures your home is adequately ventilated and insulated while providing access to your roof. As such, the attic is a great place to check for signs of a troublesome roof.
Wet patches or watermarks on the walls may signify leaks, which means that water from the outside is making its way to the attic. If not rectified sooner, the issue may cause wood rot, mold growth, and other expensive problems.
A wet attic could signify other problems, such as poor insulation, clogged gutters, blocked ventilation, or skylights. Therefore, don’t automatically assume that the roof is to blame, and let a professional roofer make the diagnosis.
8. Stains on the Ceiling
Brown patches on the walls and ceilings are surefire signs of roofing problems. The patches may mean that the roof is compromised and is allowing moisture to seep into the home, thereby staining the ceilings and walls.
The water stain patches may take various shades and shapes – from brown circles to streaks or orange spots. And if you aren’t keen, you may mistake the stains for dirt.
Water patches on the ceiling and walls may also emanate from a failing plumbing component or a damaged heating appliance. So, don’t take chances with your property’s integrity, and let a professional roofer inspect your home for any hidden moisture. During the inspection, the expert will check for signs of a sagging roof and missing shingles to determine if the roof is the culprit.
9. Peeled or Cracked Paint
If you notice peeled-off paint on the wall near your roof or cracked paint on the roofline and gutters, that could signal problems with your roof. When moisture seeps into a home through a damaged roof, the water may ruin the paint job and cause it to peel off and crack due to temperature changes.
In the same way, if you find bubbles on the walls, that is an indication of water seeping in from somewhere. But since paint peels can result from age, or a poorly done paint job, the best way to tell for sure is to hire a roofing expert who will inspect, diagnose and correct the real problem.
10. Some Shingles Are Missing
The condition of the shingles is everything in determining the functionality of your roof. If some shingles are missing or are compromised, your entire roof structure is at risk of potential damage.
Numerous situations can lead to missing shingles. For example:
Age
Although shingles are made to serve you for the most extended period, a time comes when they start getting worn out and brittle. Therefore, the roof’s longevity may be slightly lower or higher than the mentioned lifespan, based on the weather conditions in your region and the quality of the shingles.
If you have had your roof for a long time, it may be time to call in an expert to check the condition of your shingles.
Animals
Rodents and other critters are known for damaging roofs. For example, raccoons may rip apart shingles to create easy passages for entering your attic. The same goes for squirrels and other birds that may feed on the roof’s material or build nests inside the gutters.
Others constantly search for insects and may scratch the roof with their sharp beaks. The secret to preventing this issue is to ensure your roof is clear of tree branches and other aspects that may create a thriving environment for animals.
Unfavorable Weather
Storms and strong winds can significantly damage your roof, specifically if the roof is old or has weak points. In addition, winds may pull off shingles and toss them around, exposing your home to further damage.
Therefore, if you have recently experienced a harsh weather system in your area, it would be wise to have a professional inspect the roof’s condition.
Poor Installation
Shingles must be well-secured, and the roofing must be adequately vented to prevent moisture problems. Additionally, the roofing specialist uses a unique adhesive to fill in uncoated gaps between the shingles, which helps lengthen your roof’s lifespan.
Failure to observe all the installation requirements makes the shingles more susceptible to wind damage, and this will cause them to start missing.
Besides the usual roof leaks, you can tell if some shingles are missing by looking at the roof surface. For example, if the surface is uneven with patches that look different, some shingles have gone missing.
10. Gutter Issues
Gutters are a considerable part of an efficient roof. This system channels away rain and melting snow and prevents moisture from seeping inside your home.
Water will have nowhere to go if the gutters are broken or clogged. And the moisture may start to back up and pool around your roof, causing the shingles to start coming off.
Therefore, you should regularly inspect the condition of your gutters and clean them if needed. This step is especially critical if you have trees near your roof. The falling debris can easily enter your gutters and cause clogs.
11. Compromised Flashing
The flashing is a metallic material used to securely seal valleys, vents, and chimneys. This component also prevents moisture from seeping through the gaps.
But water may penetrate through the roof surface when the flashing is compromised, resulting in gradual damage and missing shingles. Inspecting the condition of your flashing is a bit tricky since the process requires you to crawl into your attic or the top of your house.
As such, this task is best handled by an experienced professional since they are familiar with all roofing components and techniques used to repair them.
12. Rusty Nails
The roofer uses nails to secure the shingles. These nails may not be easy to spot from the ground, but they are essential for home safety.
When the nails get rusty, that means moisture has reached them. The rust may also be due to the use of poor-quality nails or old age.
This problem will compromise the security of the shingles, and you may find them easily falling off over time. For this, it is essential to ensure your roofer uses good-quality nails when installing new shingles. The roofing specialist should also inspect the condition of these nails during regular maintenance to ensure they aren’t rusty or corroded.
13. Higher Energy Bills
A sudden spike in your energy bills indicates that the insulation of your roof may not be doing a poor job, and a damaged roof may be to blame. An efficient roof prevents the escape of heated and cooled air, keeping your home comfortable during the winter and summer. But a damaged roof will allow conditioned air to escape from the attic, resulting in higher energy bills.
Therefore, if you notice an increase in your monthly utility bills without any changes to your consumption patterns, hire a professional who can inspect the condition of your roof. The specialist may be able to identify areas that are letting air escape and suggest repairs or advise you to install a cool roof so you can start saving money on energy costs again.
Why Call Out A Professional Company
Since the roof is one of the most crucial parts of the structure of your house, its care and handling should only be left out to the professionals. You can surely try the many DIY methods available online, but the success ratio is quite less.
To make sure that your money is put in the right place and avoid time wastage and risks, hiring a professional is always the most recommended thing. Here is why:
1. Knowledgeable And Experienced
A roof inspection, repair, and installation require a specific set of skills and knowledge to apply, which cannot be learned overnight by storming the internet for tutorial videos and informative articles.
2. Saves Money
Investing to repair or to completely install a new roof for your house is never an easy expense to risk.
By hiring a professional, you can be sure that the invested money is put in a good place, and you won’t see repairs spiking soon because of cheap work done.
3. Saves Time
The installation of a roof cannot be done overnight, especially if you are the only one doing it.
Instead of laying waste to days and weeks’ worth of your time in order to save a few extra bucks, hiring a roofer will benefit you by saving valuable time.
4. Warrantied Services
The best part about hiring a professional roofer is that a reputed company usually provides a warranty on their services.
A warranty gives you the surety of your investment being safe and sound. Even if there are shortcomings in the installation and you encounter problems with your roof, the professional will have to come back and redo the work without any additional charges.
The Importance of Regular Roof Cleaning for Homeowners
If you just got a new roof or you just had your home’s roof repaired, you want to properly maintain it so you won’t have to go through the hassle and huge monetary expense of getting it fixed by a professional for a long time. One of the best ways you can do this is by cleaning your roof regularly.
Roof cleaning involves more than a simple sweep or rinse. Despite widespread belief, cleaning a roof goes far beyond just making it look nicer from the curb: those strip stains and streaks on your sloping rooftop? Yup, that needs to go too. Even more detrimental than ugly marks on your house, those dark streaks are toxic algae growth called Gloeocapsa Magma that causes black streaking all across asphalt shingle roofs.
Places like Fairfax, VA, experience humid weather throughout the year. Such weather creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth on roofs. So, hiring an expert Roof Cleaning Fairfax, VA company becomes quite important.
Here are several reasons why investing in professional roof cleaning services is essential:
1. Increase in Your Home’s Value
Regular maintenance contributes to keeping the value of any property high- regardless if it’s commercial or residential. Your home’s first impression can make all the difference between whether someone is interested in your property or not. A frequently cleaned roofing system will keep potential homeowners impressed at first glance.
2. Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan
Roofs typically last anywhere from ten to thirty years when appropriately maintained. Although organic materials degrading under moisture certainly contribute to random renovations.
Preventative maintenance is always wise to limit repair expenses and extended lifetimes. That’s where professional roof repair companies come into practice. Investing in proper and regular cleaning of your roofing system means there’s a reduced likelihood of leaks, mold, or other types of damage. So, ensure to check your roofs regularly and extend their lifespan.
3. Protect Your Family
When you do not regularly clean the roof, the weather deterioration can cause algae to build up on your home, creating an environment ideal for pests. Regular cleaning will keep these unwanted guests at bay.
4. Prevent Structural Damage
Algae growth may take some time to present itself- but it can cause severe structural damage once it reaches a certain stage. The added weight contributes to greater pressure on shingles and eaves, potentially leading to water and moisture seepage under them over an extended period.
5. Save Money in The Long Run
Think about it: spending a little bit today to preserve your roof through preventative maintenance beats having a complete roof replacement later. So, make sure to take a step ahead and save your rooftop before it’s completely damaged.
