Because it’s so inaccessible, many people tend to overlook the roof completely. However, damage on the roof is not something that should be taken lightly. The thing is — roof damage can have severe consequences on the structure and integrity of your home. That’s why you should always be careful and regularly check your roof for damage.
Don’t just wait for a disaster to strike, prevent it. And the sooner you call the contractors — the better. Every climate change, even the slightest one, can affect the roof.
After all, the roof is the protective outer layer of the house, and it’s constantly exposed. Because of that, we need to make sure it’s always in the best state possible.
In light of that, we’ve gathered a list of 5 signs that indicate potential roof issues. If you notice any of the following, contact a local roof contractor immediately:
1. The roof has visible damage, cracks, or stains
In case you notice certain ‘imperfections’ on the roof that weren’t there before, that’s usually a clear sign that something is wrong. Still, there are a few cases when it’s not.
For example, cracked and curled up shingles are a sign of old age. And we all know that nothing good can come out an old roof. It leaks, it’s full of moss, and it simply isn’t doing its job. You should have it replaced as soon as possible.
Ice dams on the roof aren’t that alarming, but they do indicate poor insulation of the house. To prevent further damage from happening, you should take care of the insulation first, and not just replace the roof.
On the other hand, dark stains are also a common occurrence. They’re a sign of mold, and they’re not really alarming. However, you should be somewhat vigilant about it, giving your roof a quick inspection every so often. Definitely don’t try and power-wash your roof in order to make it look cleaner, as that might worsen the problem.
2. The roof is sagging
A drooping, distorted roofline makes for an ugly sight. However, as displeasing to the eye as it may be, a sagging roof bears the marks of a much more serious problem.
It is the number one symptom of compromised structural integrity in your roof. The main culprit might be water damage or roof encumbering. Additionally, it might be sagging due to a sinking foundation, but those cases are few and far between. The most common reason is a clogged drain, which then allows water to seep into your roof. If you don’t want to lose a good part of your roof and ceiling, you should react immediately.
3. You can see water marks on the ceiling of your home
Aside from looking horrible, water stains are usually a sign of at least one other problem. If you’re lucky, you’ll only be dealing with a single leak. Unfortunately, you may also be dealing with a mold infestation, an ice dam (if you see spots during the winter), or roof damage. As horrible as they may sound, all of these are common occurrences.
Reasons behind that can be various, but the most common cause is heavy rain. Rainfall gets collected on the roof, and if you have a hole in your it, it will definitely show up on the ceiling.
Additionally, you should know that a water spot typically shows up at the very end, when the damage has already been done. Be prepared to set aside a lot of time, money, and patience, as the reparation process for this is quite extensive.
4. The roof is older than 20 years
Even though you may think your house is solid and blind to the tooth of time, some of its elements do have an expiration date. Windows, floors, and even the roof, need repairs and overhauls every once in a while.
How long your roof will last usually depends on factors such as the construction and location of the house, the weather conditions in the area, the material of the roof, etc. On average, an asphalt shingle roof can last for about 20 years. Still, that doesn’t mean that you should wait for its time to pass until you do something about it. Even though it may look like it can withstand for a little longer, it’s not worth the risk. Replace your roof on time, and hope for the new roof to last you as long as the old one.
5. The neighbors are replacing their roof
In case you don’t know how old your roof is or when it was last repaired, consult with your neighbors. If they’re looking into calling a roofing contractor soon, you should do so, too. You see, most neighborhood homes are built around the same time. So, if you don’t know when the house was built, you can ask around your neighborhood.
In addition, if you live in an area that’s prone to extreme weather conditions, you should give regular roof replacement a serious thought, especially if your neighbors are doing the same.
The Bottom Line
No roof issue is unfixable if you react to it on time. The longer you wait, the more reparation you’ll have to do on the house. And obviously, the more you need to repair, the more you’ll need to pay. It’s as simple as that.
In order to avoid such spending, contact your local roof contractor as soon as you notice something.
And if you happen to be anywhere in the Lehigh Valley, PA, then feel free to contact J.O.N. Construction. We are a family-run business that deals with roofing, siding, and window repairs and replacement. With over 30 years of experience in the field, there’s no project we can’t tackle, no matter if it’s residential or commercial.
If you’re looking for a roofing contractor in allentown, PA, then we can help out. In addition, we provide roofing services in Bethlehem and roof replacement in Easton.
Call us today at (610) 841-3722 or refer to the contact page on our website. Don’t worry if you’re unsure whether you have a problem at all, feel free to give us a call anyway. We’ll give you some useful advice and a free estimate!
