Does your roof leak whenever it rains? Do you sometimes find roof shingles on your lawn or roofing debris in your gutters? Has a tree or tree branch recently fallen on your roof?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s likely that you need roof repair. And you certainly shouldn’t wait to call it in.
Roof damage can get worse very quickly. Soon enough, it will be too extensive to fix. A simple patch job now could extend the life of your roof by several years.
We want to help you make sure that you get the roof repair you need before it’s too late. For that reason, we’ve listed the most common signs that you need roof repair in this guide. Keep an eye out for these signs and, if you notice them, call a roof repair company immediately.
1. Leaks
You should notice whether the roof leaks when it rains. You’ll hear the dripping of the water and you may see it falling from the ceiling/pooling on the floor. If you notice this, you must get the leak patched right away or the damage will spread.
You see, the moisture penetrates into the roofing materials where it expands and contracts with changes in the weather. This spreads the hole in your roof wider and wider. That, in turn, lets in more moisture.
It’s also a smart idea to check your attic when it rains. Before the damage is severe, you may still see water pooling in your attic, dripping down the ceiling/walls, or soaking into the insulation.
2. Failed Patch Jobs
It’s even worse if you notice the above signs after a leak was supposedly fixed already. This could mean that the roofing contractor didn’t repair the leak properly.
When this happens, moisture can get trapped underneath the patch. Rather than making matters better, this actually accelerates the spread of the damage.
If the work was guaranteed, you may be able to get the contractor to redo the patch correctly at no charge. Otherwise, you should call a different contractor to fix the failed patch and the leak.
3. Water Damage
You may not always see the leak right away when it only lets in a small trickle. Still, this small trickle can gradually, but consistently, cause water damage to your building. Eventually, it shows up as water stains on your ceiling and/or walls.
On the ceiling, it looks like dark or yellowish rings. Sometimes, the ceiling will sag, too.
On the walls, you’ll see this same discoloration as streaks “trickling” down your walls. You might also see mold growing in these areas as mold thrives in moist places.
These signs indicate that the leak has been going on for a long time. So, it’s important that you get the leak repaired as soon as possible. Additionally, you may need to enlist a water damage restoration company to restore the interior areas that are damaged.
4. Holes
Holes that are visible from inside your home are a very bad sign. This is what happens when damage from a leak becomes very advanced.
This type of damage can also result when heavy objects impact your roof, like trees, tree branches, or hail. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get a roof inspection after a very heavy storm.
To look for holes, go into the topmost room(s) in your home. Usually, this means the attic.
During the day, shut off the lights and block the light from the windows. If you see light coming in from the ceiling, call a professional roofing contractor right away.
5. Exterior Roof Damage
If you have a ladder, you can climb to the top and take a look at your roof from the outside. We warn you, though, not to walk around on your roof unless you are properly trained and equipped.
This is extremely dangerous and, thus, best left to the professionals. In fact, even professionals are injured or killed this way—over 244,000 of them per year.
That said, you should be safe to climb high enough on your ladder to simply take a peek at your roof. Look for holes, dents, and cracks. Check not only the shingles but the flashing for signs of damage, too.
6. Missing or Damaged Shingles
While you’re up there, you should also look around for roof shingles/tiles that are cracked, broken, or rotting. And look for spots where the roofing shingles don’t seem to follow the same pattern as the rest.
This usually indicates that there are shingles missing. Sometimes, though, it reveals a roof patch that wasn’t properly installed.
All of these problems could allow moisture to penetrate the roofing materials and get into your home. If you see these signs, don’t take your chances. Call it in instead.
7. Roofing Debris in Your Gutters
Lastly, here’s another sign of exterior roof damage to watch out for. When the roofing materials deteriorate, little bits and pieces break off of them and scatter.
Mostly, this debris ends up in your gutter. So, while you have your ladder out, make sure you check there.
You might also see the same type of debris on the ground around the perimeter of your house. Sometimes, you’ll see whole shingles on the ground after they detach from your roof.
Do You Need Roof Repair?
Don’t ignore these signs or your entire roof will deteriorate and eventually collapse. If you notice any of these examples, call for professional roof repair or replacement right away.
Speaking of which, Freeman Exteriors is highly qualified to meet all of your roofing needs. Contact us today if you need roof maintenance, roof replacement, or roof repair service.
