Five Signs Its Time to Call a Roofer
The roof of your home is like an umbrella that keeps everything else protected. Therefore, you must inspect your roof regularly. While it is always a great idea to have a roof inspection at least twice a year, you should also watch for these signs that your roof may be failing in between inspections.
Leaks
The first sign that you may see is a leak in your home. You may not see actual water dropping, but a brown stain on a ceiling or a wall usually means you have a water leak.
If your home has an attic, then head there to look for any signs of water.
Remember that the stain may appear a long way from where the leak is, so it is usually best to call a roofer and get them to check it out.
Shrinking Materials
Another sign that you may notice is shrinking materials.
This can primarily occur on roofs with rubber surfaces. Like the tire on your car, temperature changes can expand the surface. It is possible, however, for it to occur on asphalt roofs.
Unfortunately, instead of shrinking when temperatures go down, the materials may pull away from the roof’s decking.
Defective Gutters
Defective gutters can cause permanent damage to your roof if they are not fixed. You should make sure that they are firmly attached to your home.
Check your gutters regularly to make sure that they are not blocked with debris, especially leaf clutter. When gutters get blocked, water can come up over the edge of your gutter and seep under the roof’s decking.
Additionally, ensure that your drain pipes are securely fastened to the gutter and that they are in good condition. That way, the water can be whisked away before it causes damage to your home’s foundation.
Raised Shingles
Raised shingles let water seep under them. Shingles can also be blown loose in a wind storm or have a hole poked in them from falling or flying debris, including hail.
While it is best to get someone to look at your roof regularly, there are signs that you can often spot from the ground.
If you see loose pebbles after a rainstorm, then you may have shingle damage. You may also notice the shingles lying in your yard.
Poor Construction
Especially if you are buying a new home or one that has been recently remodeled, you may accidentally buy one where the roof has not been properly put on.
This can often be a cost-saving measure, but it can add up to big headaches if it is not corrected.
In particular, the wrong size nails or the wrong pattern may have been selected when putting the shingles on. Shoddy workmanship may mean that flashings were not placed around pipes going through your roof or that nails were not pounded in all the way.
Watch this video showing some of the things that can go wrong during roof repair.
For many people, your home is your most significant investment. You count on your roof to act as an umbrella keeping it protected. Regularly inspecting your roof helps it do its job effectively. Make a wise choice and hire a trusted professional contractor to inspect and repair your roof. You will be saving your investment now and far into the future.
