In the US, six out of every ten people own their own home. While owning a home does offer a lot of security and freedom, there is also a lot of responsibility involved with looking after the property and keeping it in a safe and liveable condition.
If you want your home to be a safe place for your family to live, and for it to last for as long as possible, then you must focus on taking care of the roof.
A well-maintained roof that is looked after well will not only keep your home in good condition for longer, but it will also increase the property’s real estate value, improve your peace of mind, and help you save money over time.
As a homeowner, it’s a good idea to know what you are looking for when it comes to roof damage, to ensure that you spot early signs quickly if repairs or even a replacement is needed.
Because roofs are always exposed to the elements, some wear and tear is normal. All roofs will suffer some mild damage at least from time to time that might not be an immediate cause for concern or warrant urgent repairs.
However, it’s important to look out for serious problems that might only get worse or become dangerous further down the line.
Some of the main signs that your roof might need urgent repair include:
Missing Shingles
Singles are subject to extreme changes in the temperature throughout the year, so they will usually start to show some signs of wear and tear over time. This is normal, but if the shingles are missing, then you will need to act quite quickly.
Bald spots on the roof should not be ignored as they are generally a result of the shingles becoming loose and being blown away by the wind.
Missing shingles are a very common cause of roof leaks, which can cause serious damage to both the roof and the rest of your home if left unattended. Wildwood Roofing & Construction can help with replacing missing shingles and all other roofing repair jobs.
Also Read: Interior Designing: A Path To Beautiful Homes
Leaks
Even if your roof doesn’t look like there is anything wrong from the outside, it’s important to know what to look out for on the inside of your home that might indicate there are hidden problems.
Leaks in the roof might not always be obvious when you look up at the roof from your garden, but if you check the ceiling on the top floors, you may notice discolored patches, peeling paint, and other signs that there is water getting through the roof.
Moisture can easily come in if the underlayment of the roof is damaged or compromised in any way, so even small signs of leaks from the roof are something that you should have professionally inspected as soon as possible.
Sagging Roof
There are several different potential reasons why a roof might be sagging. A roof that is weak and deteriorating will often begin to sag as it can no longer cope with the weight of the shingles.
Older roofs will often start to sag simply as a result of gravity over time. If your roof is fairly new and you have noticed that it is sagging, then this might be due to incorrect installation processes.
Whatever the reason behind it, roof sagging can be a very serious problem so it’s always something that should be attended to at the earliest possible convenience.
Gravel in Gutters
The gutter systems on the roof are a crucial part of keeping your home safe from structural damage by keeping water away from your home and reducing the risk of leaks occurring.
Gutters are designed to carry excess water away from the structure of the building; however, they can have problems.
As a homeowner, it’s crucial to check your gutters regularly as not only will this help you find any blockages or other issues, but it will also help you get a better understanding of the condition of your roof.
Finding a lot of sand or gravel in the gutters can be worrisome and is worth further inspection since this could be a sign of deteriorating shingles.
Also Read: Simple Ways to Secure Your New Home
Dark Patches on the Roof
If you have noticed that some areas of your roof have patches that appear to be darker than the others, then it’s definitely worth a further inspection.
Moss growth due to water retention on the roof is one of the main causes of dark patches, and over time this can cause serious issues to occur if left untreated.
Moss on your roof can cause serious damage to the shingles and is often a sign of a more problematic underlying issue.
If you have noticed any of the above when it comes to your roof, then it’s worth taking further action as soon as you can.
