When your roof needs repair, don’t wait for it to become worse. Water stains and a sagging roof may be symptoms of a more serious problem, but repairing it can be expensive if it’s done during the hot summer months. Instead, consider the following signs that it’s time to have your roof replaced:
Water stains
When a stain appears on your ceiling, it’s time to call a roofing professional. If the stain does not go away on its own, the problem will continue to worsen. Water stains on ceilings and walls can cause a variety of structural and electrical problems. Water can also weaken insulation, making your home drafty and prone to pest infestations. Water damage can also affect the structure of wood.
If you notice water stains on your roof, it’s time to get the damage repaired immediately. The stains will only get worse if you try to power-wash it. A vinegar solution can help fade mild stains and is safe for plants and animals. If you’d like to try a more aggressive solution, talk to your roofer about it first. He or she can recommend a solution that adheres to the specifications of your shingles.
Sagging roof
If you have a sagging roof, the damage has already caused enough damage to warrant a roof replacement or repair. The best way to solve the problem is to determine the extent of damage and decide if a repair is necessary. Use a flashlight to carefully examine the rafters and gusset plates of your roof for damage. If you notice any of these signs, you should call a roofing contractor to have the roof repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
If the problem isn’t severe, it can be repaired with reinforcing or repair materials. If the damage is widespread, it’s time to call for A1 Roofing’s Kangaroof to replace your roof immediately. However, it isn’t easy to detect sagging without climbing on the roof. If you notice signs of a sagging roof, you should hire a roofing contractor for an assessment. They will determine the cause of the problem and provide recommendations on the best course of action.
Broken shingle
If you notice a broken shingle, it’s a good idea to have the roof replaced immediately. Strong winds can easily blow off a damaged shingle, and winters can be hard on shingles. If you don’t get your roof repaired, water can freeze on it and cause dislodged shingles. During the spring thaw, a badly maintained roof maybe even worse.
If you see a broken shingle, don’t try to repair it yourself – it’s likely to lead to worse problems. While it’s tempting to peel off the old shingles and replace them, it will only worsen the problem. The best option is to place new shingles on the first layer since you can avoid the cost and time of removing the second layer of shingles. Remove old shingles from areas with intense winds and those that have buckling.
Damaged flashing
Even though the flashing on a roof is often more durable than other parts of the roof, the metal can still eventually show signs of wear. Holes and rust can form, and extreme weather events can tear pieces of flashing off of a roof. If flashing becomes loose or is missing entirely, it can also lead to leaks. Furthermore, bends and cracks in the metal can allow moisture to penetrate it. Thus, damaged flashing must be replaced immediately to avoid further damage.
There are many ways to repair damaged flashing. Small holes in the flashing can be patched or sealed with roof cement. Larger holes, however, should be replaced by a roofing professional. While homeowners can easily patch small holes, a roofing expert should replace multiple corroded ones. Even if the holes are not that large, it’s important to ensure that the patch fits securely.
Signs of a structural problem
While many structural problems are easily spotted, some are not so obvious and require professional assistance. Signs of structural problems include hairline cracks and water stains. These issues are typically inexpensive to fix, but it might be wise to contact a professional for assistance if you don’t know what to look for.
If your windows and doors don’t open easily, your roof might have structural problems. In addition, if they’re warped, that means your roof structure is shifting. You should also look at your ceiling. If the ceiling has a dip in it, this could mean that it’s sagging, which means water has been accumulating in the area. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time for a new roof.
Signs of a complete roof replacement
A roof is an expensive investment, and it should be properly maintained to prolong its life and maintain its aesthetic appeal. Roofs have a shelf life of 15 to 30 years, and regular maintenance will extend this life span and maintain its aesthetic appeal. However, as roofs age, they will begin to exhibit signs of entropy, which indicate a complete roof replacement. Follow these signs to determine if your roof needs replacement.
Cracked or curling shingles are another sign that a new roof is needed. This can occur in different ways, but generally, curl shingles are a good indication that a complete roof replacement is due. Cracks in shingles can be caused by wind damage, but if they occur at random, it is a sign that you should consider having a new roof installed within three to five years. In addition, granules in the gutters indicate that your roof is beginning to suffer from weathering and should be replaced.
