The roof is an often forgotten part of most homes. While people know that it keeps them safe from the environment, makes sure that they are warm and dry in winter and cool in summer, and can add to the value of their home, sometimes it needs a little repair. That is especially necessary when your roof starts showing signs of wear and tear, or you notice leaks in your kitchen ceiling or, worse, in your living room. Here are warning signs that indicate the need for roof repair:
1) Curled shingles
Even though your roof may not be as visible as the exterior walls of your home, they can still cause problems for those inside - such as insulation degradation, rot and mold issues, and even damage to interior finishes. Start by looking at areas where water leaks have occurred before. Check the ceiling underneath these spots to see any signs of stains or discoloration due to water vapor buildup. Next, check the roof's interior by looking for curled shingles, which is a sign of water leakage and can indicate that there may be damage to the substrate.
2) Sagging or cracked flashing
Another warning sign of a compromised roof is sagging. This problem occurs when one section of your roof has deteriorated more than the others, causing the entire structure to shift and move with it. Meanwhile, cracks in the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights are another indication of an issue. If you see either of these warning signs, check out your attic insulation for abnormal bulges, as this could mean that moisture has seeped through multiple points on your roof. Replacing damaged shingles isn't enough; you'll need to replace the entire roof if you notice multiple indications of damage.
3) Missing shingles
If your roof is damaged, it's natural to worry about leaks and wonder how long you can go without repairing the problem. A good rule of thumb is that if you see more than three feet of exposed decking or if most of your shingles are missing, you should call a contractor to inspect the issue with you - don't wait for heavy rains before making repairs. Replacing your roof is expensive, so most people prefer to do this job themselves just in case they run into problems during the project. However, if there's no way for an amateur homeowner to complete the work safely or efficiently, they will need to hire a professional to ensure the safest, most efficient repair job possible.
4) Curled edges.
When you look at your roof from the ground, any bowed or curled shingle edges should be considered a warning sign of damage likely caused by high winds. Only professionals should attempt to repair this type of issue because it requires removing an average of 12 inches worth of shingles along with the damaged area to gain access to the problem. Once that's done, they'll need to remove all debris and use metal flashing to seal up the roof so it can prevent further water intrusion.
5) Dark streaks
Finding dark streaks on your roof is another indication that there might be problems lurking beneath your shingles. These black spots are algae growth left by water seeping through the roof. While you can sand them away, this doesn't solve the problem because they'll just come back once it rains again. To permanently eliminate algae growth, you need to cover your entire roof with an aluminum-based anti-fungal coating that will prevent future development by blocking damaging UV rays from reaching the substrate below.
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