We get it. It’s probably the last thing you need after a long day from work – to come home and realize that your roof needs repairs.
Fortunately, amidst all the smaller problems associated with roofs, only a small handful of serious signs indicate that you need to call a roofer fast. In this guide we’ll show you four signs that should make you do a double-take, and address ASAP.
Your roof had its 20th birthday
Typical roofs have a lifespan of about 20 – 25 years, less for those in harsher climates. This seems like it’s the most self-explanatory sign, however it can be the trickiest because some houses retain older roofs when bought and are instead covered by newer shingles. When newer roof is built over older roof that’s over 20 years old, it can still cause massive problems that can only be solved by installing a new roof.
Your roof valleys are losing shingles
Roof valleys are the most important part of your roof. Houses need them intact to properly funnel water and snow away from the roof and into your gutters. When the valley is losing shingles, odds are that the valley itself has become compromised. Inspect this region closely for leakage, because if it’s already thoroughly damaged, you’ll need new roofing.
Also pay attention to when your shingles around the edge of your house begin to curl up or buckle at the seams. Look at the sides of your home which are most exposed to sunlight and that’s where these deformed shingles are most likely to reside. If you find them, that’s a good sign that your roofing could require some professional attention.
Randomly missing shingles, or shingle bits in your gutters
It’s one thing if a major storm rolls by and takes some of your shingles with you. It’s another thing entirely if smaller rainstorms cause shingles to become loose or go missing entirely. If this happens, double check to see if the shingle tabs are okay and if the roofing beneath is showing signs of decay.
If your gutters are transporting small granules of shingles, this is also a sign that your roof is reaching its limit. Shingles last roughly the length of your roof in terms of integrity. Also check your roof for color variation as this is a sign that your shingles are eroding away.
Squishy spots
When walking on your roof, check for consistency beneath your feet. If the roof is strong and sturdy, supporting your weight evenly across every plane, then that’s a sign of good roof health. However, if the roof feels squishy or spongy at certain spots, that’s a sign of decay underneath the shingles. This can happen when moisture seeps between loose shingles and create fertile environments for moss or lichen. If you have an attic, it would be a good idea to check and see if there are any spots between the roof-boards. That would be a good indication that your roofing is questionable, and needs a second look.