Your roof plays a vital role in keeping you and your family safe against the elements. However, eventually your roof will get damaged or deteriorate over time, which will lead to maintenance and roof repairs.
Often times, the damage we see is result storms, high winds, ice dams, and even normal wear and tear. For this reason, contacting a professional and licensed roofing contractor – like My Town Roofing – is a wise decision. This will ensure your roof is properly inspected and any necessary repairs are detected.
PRO TIP:
Think your damage may be covered by your homeowners insurance? If so, we will help you file your insurance claim and coordinate with your insurance company to ensure their adjuster properly inspects the damage and provides an adequate estimate.
So, what should you be looking for? Here are a few of the most common signs that you need roof repairs.
1. Missing Shingles
Any storm can easily damage the shingles on a roof, especially storms with strong winds. Ultimately, missing shingles will lead to roof leaks and even more severe damage if proper roof repairs aren’t made.
Checking out your roof for any type of damage is a smart decision after any storm. If you notice any damage, it won’t cost you anything to have one our team members come take a look. And, once we’ve taken a look at the damage, we can give you an estimate for the repairs and ensure your home is well-protected.
2. Granules in Gutters
Another common sign of roof damage is shingle granules in your gutters. The shingles of an older roof can begin to lose their granules over time, which increases the chance of leaks and will increase the speed of shingle deterioration. Typically, the average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof ranges between 15 to 30 years before you need to replace it.
3. Leaks in Attic
Noticeable water leaks in your attic or ceiling is a critical sign of roof damage. These leaks will only get worse over time and cost you even more money to repair.
A water leak from your roof can damage walls, floors, fixtures, furnishings, and other belongings. Staying proactive by routinely looking for leaks – especially after a storm – is important so you can take care of this issue as soon as possible.
4. Moss or Algae Growth
Over time, moss and algae can grow on a roof. Too much moss or algae on your roof can cause the roof sheathing to rot due to an excess amount of moisture.
A simple way to take care of moss or algae growth is to clean the roof with an air broom. Unfortunately, many homeowners try to clean their roof with a power washer. This is NOT recommended – especially on older roofs – because it can can critical damage the structural stability of your roof.
After your roof is cleaned, you can use a chemical treatment containing copper or zinc to kill the rest of the moss spores.
5. An Old Roof
The life expectancy of a roof depends greatly on the materials and workmanship of the roofing contractor that installed it. For example, wood shingles or shakes can last 30 to 40 years while clay tile can last 50 years or more.
On the other hand, asphalt shingles can last 20 years but a metal roof can last nearly 70 years with proper maintenance. Ultimately, an older roof will eventually need to be replaced, so it’s important to begin making plans for replacing your roof if you know it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
Conclusion
Dealing with roof damage is a reality that eventually impacts every homeowner. However, understanding the different signs of roof damage is key in helping you minimize the damage and extend the life of your roof.
Scheduling a roofing inspection is always FREE and is a great way to be proactive in caring for your roof.
Did you know we offer a Roof Assurance Maintenance Program?
Whether we put your current roof on or not, we can protect your roof with our maintenance program.
