A roof is an extremely important element in a house. If it is damaged, the house becomes vulnerable to natural weather elements such as rain and snow. It is not just what many consider to be bad weather, that has an impact on the lifespan of your roof. The sun will constantly wear away roof tiles over the years. This is why it is important to know the signs that your roof is damaged and needs to be repaired. Here are some things to look out for.
Leaks In The Attic
If you have noticed that there is some dampness in the attic, it usually means that there is a leak in your roof. The leak should be repaired quickly to prevent the growth of mold, which can cause health issues and rot your home. If you want to know if you have a leak in your roof go up to the attic during the daytime and check for sunlight streaming into the attic. The light will pierce through cracks, holes and tears, which will pinpoint the precise problem areas up on your roof.
Curved Or Missing Shingles
Shingles are prone to damage when exposed to heat and UV rays from the sun. They will contract and move which makes space for rain, water and snow to get under and enter into your home. If you want to know when to get roof repairs, check if your shingles are curved, broken or missing. Missing shingles are a sign that the damage is extensive and should be repaired quickly. Get a roofing contractor to assess the damage and tell you if you should repair the roof or replace it entirely. If you dont fix it or hire a contractor you could end up paying lots more at a later date.
Damaged Shingles
Shingles are coated with UV granules, which provide protection against the sun. They can get washed and worn away though, and when this happens the sun can dry them up which causes them to deteriorate and shrink. This also happens to wood shake tiles. If you have ever seen roof tiles that look all bumpy and misaligned, this is the issue.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the material used to bind the roof edges to chimneys or a skylight. With time, flashing gets weak due to weather conditions and causes the chimney or skylight to leave gaps between it and the roof edges. This can be a big problem if left unrepaired as water will get in. Check if your chimney is edging towards one side as this is the most common indicator of damaged flashing.
If your roof tiles or flashing was sealed with mortar, this can come loose and break off. If quick drying mortar was not used, this almost always occurs. Inspect your attic regularly. If you notice water is streaming down in a large vertical line on the underside of your roofs lining, water is most likely penetrating from a valley of lead up on the roof.
Never wait until later to address problems on your roof because the damage will most likely increase, causing you to pay more for repairs.
