In most cases, there is nothing wrong with DIY home repairs. In many cases, you can save a lot of money by doing the repair work for yourself. However, there are some cases in which the services of a professional are required. If you are dealing with roof issues, you likely need the help of a licensed professional. Roof repair is just too dangerous a job for most people.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top six signs that your roof needs some serious attention. If you see any of these warning signs, you should (at the bare minimum) make an appointment with an inspector to verify the problem. Waiting to do this will only make the problem that much worse.
1. Water Leakage
This is, of course, the most obvious sign that your roof needs work. As this is a major problem, there may be a temptation to “sweep it under the rug” by putting a bucket under the drip. However, there are more risks here than you might imagine. Leaky roofs tend to cause a lot of mold growth. Some of these molds are highly dangerous to human health. In this case, an infant suffered pulmonary hemorrhage (blood in the lungs) because they were exposed to black mold(Stachybotrys). It was later determined that a leaky roof had caused the problem.
2. Dipping In the Valleys
Right now, you may be scratching your head and wondering what we mean here. In the context of roofing, “valleys” are places where two slopes meet. Most roofs do not consist of one continuous slope on all sides, so most homes have a valley or two. These areas are particularly vulnerable to leakage. This happens because the water from two different slopes will gather in the valley, thus putting more weight and pressure on the shingles and the surface below. When those shingles eventually give way, your roof will guide all that water straight into your home. Before this happens, you will be able to see a slight depression in that part of the roof. That’s a serious red flag that you shouldn’t ignore. Water always flows to the lowest point, and so these depressions will act like rain magnets.
3. Wall Damage
Not all leaks are obvious. Sometimes, a roof will leak water into the space between the outer and inner walls. This kind of leak is very dangerous, as it tends to go undetected for a long time. However, drywall and other wall materials are susceptible to water damage, and that damage serves as an indicator. This article should give you some idea of the signs and symptoms for which you should be looking.
4. Asphalt Granules
You may have noticed that asphalt shingles have a gritty surface texture. That is because they are coated with a granulated substance that is meant to dissipate heat more effectively. Have you ever walked barefoot on an asphalt driveway during a hot day? If so, you understand why this is necessary. When the shingles begin to break down, those granules are usually the first things to go. This means the granules will be washed down into the rain gutters. Because they are heavier than water, most of the granules will collect and remain. So, all you have to do is climb a ladder and look into your gutters. If you see a lot of those little black granules, you know you’re in some trouble.
5. Inability To Heat The Home Effectively
If your home just doesn’t want to stay warm in cold weather, it could be a sign that your roof isn’t doing its job. Sometimes, a roof can decay in such a way that it does not immediately allow water to leak into your home. Sometimes, these subtle problems can be detected by a sudden and unexplained change in your utility bill. Hot air always wants to rise, and that is why the attic is always the hottest room in the house. If the hot air has a place to escape, the rest of your home will remain cold.
6. Termites
Not all roof damage comes from the weather. It might surprise you to learn that bugs can literally eat your roof away. Of course, we’re talking about termites. These little creatures can be hard to spot, as they aren’t very large and tend to stay out of sight. However, you can get around this problem by educating yourself about the termite and its habits. If you understand a creature, you can predict it…and if you can predict it, you can control it as well.
Common Questions
Here are a couple of the most common questions that we receive on this subject:
- How Much Will It Cost For A New Roof? – The price will vary greatly depending on your location, the size of your home, and the extent of the damage. According to one estimate, it will probably cost you somewhere between $5,213 and $10,259.
- How Can I Prevent This Problem In The Future? – The short answer is that you can’t totally prevent this problem. Everything rots and decays, but there is a question of how long the process will take. A well-made roof should last a decade or more if taken care of properly.
Conclusion
There are many warning signs that might tip you off to the fact that your roof is decaying. Please remember that this list is by no means a complete one. It wouldn’t hurt to call your preferred roofer to ask them for a little more detailed information on this subject. However, the best way to handle this problem is with vigilance and prior planning. When you see those warning signs (no matter how slight), you know that it’s time to start saving for those roof repairs. If you have enjoyed this article, and if it has helped you to be better prepared for these kinds of situations, we hope that you will fill out the contact form below.
