(Newswire.net — July 9, 2020) — The roof is one of the most expensive and (if it is installed right) most dependable parts of any home. The roof of a home silently protects the occupants from natural elements, while also playing a crucial role in moderating the temperature of the interiors. Moreover, the roof is also responsible for protecting other parts of a residential building, including the foundation of a home.
With that said, most well-installed roofs that are finished with high-quality products, have a lifespan that can stretch over several decades.
For this reason, it is easy to forget about the roof of your home, until you need to place a bucket under a leak!
Repairing a roof is (obviously) cheaper than replacing it. However, this means that you must repair the roof before the damage is so serious that it requires a replacement.
When all roof related issues are not as visible as a leak, knowing when your home requires a roof repair can be a challenge.
In this article, we will help you overcome this challenge.
The following are the top signs that homeowners must constantly look for to identify problems with their home’s roofing:
Curled/Cracked Shingles
Shingle damage is one of the most telltale signs of serious problems with a home’s roofing. If you see curled, cracked, or even missing shingles from your roof, it is time to contact a professional roofing company.
Keep in mind that this is a sign of a serious problem and a repair may not be enough to get rid of the problem. You may be required to replace the entire roof.
Shingle Granules Lodged In The Gutters
Another instance of shingle damage, only a little milder. Shingles start shedding granules when they start eroding and getting damaged.
Thankfully, this means that the damage is probably in the early stages and you will not require a complete roof replacement. If that is, you act immediately and contact a roofing company or professional.
Leaks
Leaks are an obvious sign that your roof has sustained damage, probably because of exposure to extreme weather conditions.
In most cases, leaks can be fixed quickly and such repair jobs are not expensive. However, as with every other sign mentioned in this article, this is a time-sensitive issue.
Get in touch with an expert and get them on your roof before the damage turns into an expensive issue.
Sunlight Peeking Into The Attic
Go inside your attic on a sunny morning and see if you can see sunlight beaming in through small cracks in your roof.
If you can, it is time to call a professional to deal with the damaged shingles. Thankfully, this isn’t a very serious problem and won’t cost a lot to fix.
Water Damage In The Walls
Water damage in the walls points to a water sealing issue with your roof. This means the roof is not able to fend off all the water falling on it, and some of the water is seeping into the walls and probably traveling down to the foundation.
Prolonged exposure to water can compromise the structural integrity of your home’s foundation. Hence, when you see visible water damage in your walls, it is not just important to get your roof checked, but it is advisable to call in professionals to check other areas of your home for water damage.
Spike In Energy Bills
As mentioned earlier, a roof acts as a layer of insulation for your home. This means, if you see a sudden spike in your energy bills, your roof may have a leak that is letting heat (or cold air) escape from within the home.
When this happens, your heating or cooling appliances have to work extra hard to moderate the temperature within your home, resulting in a spike in your energy consumption.
Conclusion
Like every other area of your home, staying proactive about the health of the roof of your home is your responsibility as a homeowner. With proactive upkeep, you can extend the life of your roof and minimize the cost of roof repairs and maintenance.