5 Obscure and Alarming Signs that Your Roof is Damaged
Most people don’t give a lot of thought about the roof on their home, until they see signs of a roof leak. Unfortunately, neglecting the roof can lead to more serious problems in the interior of the home which can lead to very costly repairs, in addition to the repair work needed to the roof.
So how should you know when your roof needs your serious attention?
Look for these five (5) critical warning signs:
1 — You see granules in the gutter or on your driveway
Asphalt shingles are manufactured with a surface layer of colored granules which protect the underlayment from the natural elements.
As the roof ages, the integrity of the shingles break down and the granules wash off. When you start to see these granules in your gutters — at the bottom of the gutter downspouts and on your driveway — your roof is failing. Without that protective layer of
granulation, your underlayment is exposed to the elements, and will soon start to leak.
2 — There are dark and dirty areas on your roof
Dark areas start to appear when the granulations begin to wash off of the roof. This means your shingles have aged and are no longer providing the proper protection from the elements.
Dirty areas can also be a sign of algae and moss growth on the roof, which should be removed as soon as possible.
3 — Shingles are curling, cracking, and/or blistering
Over time, the shingle underlayment, which provides an additional moisture-resistant layer, dries out and deteriorates. Because of this, you may
see the edges of the shingles curl and crack. Blistering occurs when the humidity level around the shingle gets too high. This happens when moisture builds in the attic and outside conditions are very hot and humid (like during our crazy hot Birmingham summers in Alabama!).
These environmental conditions can cause older shingles to bubble up.
4 — Your roof is sagging or wavy
Roofs generally sag in two ways: either at the ridge or on the roof decking.
The ridge at the peak of the house should be straight and true. If it shows any signs of a dip, the support structure below may be failing. The deck is the surface to which the shingles are nailed down, and should be flat and solid. If the deck starts to sag or dip, it is a sign the wood is rotting or the roof rafters or trusses are starting to fail.
These issues need immediate attention.
5 — Some shingles are missing
You may lose shingles due to storm damage, or it may be due to the age of the roof.
Missing and loose shingles expose the underlayment and decking to the sun and rain, which quickly lead to roof leaks.
Remember, roof leaks can create significant interior damage which can cost you THOUSANDS in repair (e.g. damaged sheetrock removal and replacement, painting, and/or mold remediation).
Important next steps!
If you see any number of these warning signs, you need to consult with a reputable and professional roofing contractor. Have the roof thoroughly inspected so you can make an informed decision on roof repairs or replacement.
Feel free to contact us via this form, email us at AlabamaDiscountRoofing@gmail.com, or give us a call at +1 (205) 821-7247 for any roof repair, maintenance, or complete roof replacement needs you may have.
Thank you!