Roof repair specialists enlist ten signs you need a new roof

by Sumit Das Digital marketer

A sturdy roof is crucial to the safety of a property and its inhabitants. Roof damage, if left unchecked, can lead to accidental hazards and significant inconveniences. Issues like mold build-up, leakage, drainage issues, drafts of cold air, weakening building structure, fire hazards, the risk of debris falling on people, etc., can be dangerous. That is why roof repair specialists Philadelphia insist on identifying the signs of roof damage. It helps take the necessary measures that prevent the damage from progressing or fueling further problems.

This article enlists ten such signs that you should work on identifying.

The presence of granules in your gutters

If your roof is at least ten years old and you begin to notice granules when cleaning your gutters, it could be a hidden sign of weakening roof structure. These granules are crushed stone and other materials intended to protect your roof from sun damage. So, if they begin to loosen and go astray, calling for a roof inspection might be a good idea.

The appearance of dark stains on the ceiling

A relatively common and easy-to-spot sign of roof damage, stains signify leakage. While it may not be too evident, cracks or breaks in the roof may be gradually causing moisture to escape between layers of construction. This damages the roof as well as your interiors in the process.

Suspicious shingles

Roof repair specialists emphasize closely inspecting your roof shingles and checking for curling, missing, or mossy appearances. Other forms of visible shingle damage include algae growth, cracks, discoloration around vents, etc. Shingles are the gateway to your roofing system. Therefore, any damage to them could indicate that you need a new roof.

Sagging

Water can also cause your roofing structure to sag. An excellent way to confirm water damage is to use a rod to poke around the sagging areas. If they seem to bend easily or feel soft with the prod, it is a sign you need professional intervention.

Visible decay

You should be able to tell apart grime from the severe rotting of the roof. Such decay can be very detrimental and may lead to bad smells, vermin infestation, and the release of allergens in the indoor air. Therefore, a regular inspection is necessary to keep things clean and functional.

Moss deposits

Moss and algae don’t need shingles to grow on. A leaking roof or a damaged structure can quickly become a host. And that is often your cue to repair/replace it. However, if you feel it can withstand a few more years, you can look into peel and stick roofing Philadelphia. This type of easy-to-use protective layer is a growing trend that allows you to put off repairs or roof replacements for a while. In the case of moss deposits, you can invest in thorough cleaning followed by the peel and stick option. Depending upon the extent of damage, you can try using quick fixes that come in handy when you might have to go away for a while.

Damaged chimney and roof flashing

If the flashing is made of cement or tar, it will erode faster than its metal counterpart. Therefore, a quick examination of the base of your chimney can help you figure out if your roof needs replacing.

Aftereffects of a storm

Unfortunately, harsh weather conditions may lead to a premature need for replacing your roof. For example, severe storms can break and severely damage the entire roofing system. In such a case, the roof condition before the storm plays no role in deciding whether or not you need to get a new one.

Shoddy workmanship

Suppose you notice different parts of a roof not fitting correctly or ugly patches here and there. In that case, the previous owners or roofers have not done justice to quality roofing. You can also examine the type of materials used in your roofing to see if replacing it might be a more practical solution.

An aging roof

The usual lifespan of a roof is 20-30 years. Even with the best quality materials, inspecting and thinking about replacing it every 20-25 years is best. If you are unsure about the age of your roof, calling for a professional inspection might be a good idea. As part of regular roof maintenance, such checks can help identify signs of damage that an inexperienced eye may not be able to spot quickly.

Conclusion

Roof repair specialists recommend regular scanning of your roofs to spot damages in advance. We hope this list of tell-tale signs helps you make that inspection more effective and in a more informed way. Calling for professionals adds to the care and well-being of your roof. Still, it might not always be necessary if you can keep a watchful eye on the structures.