Our homes are probably one of our favorite places to be. Of course, you want to make sure it stays cozy and warm inside. And the first thing on your list that you should be properly maintaining and taking good care of is your roof. For you to do this, you should arm yourself with important facts and knowledge about roof repair and maintenance. Though, not all repairs are DIY-able, knowing what signs to look for and when to call a pro can save you from unnecessary stress and expenses.
Doing your best to keep your roof in perfect shape and addressing issues as soon as they arise will also significantly prevent further damage which can be costly and frustrating. As the saying goes “prevention is ALWAYS better (and less costly) than a cure”.
Let’s help you avoid the headache that comes with a damaged roof by knowing exactly when to take action.
5 Mandatory Roof Repairs: Signs you Shouldn’t Ignore
Missing or damaged shingles
Preserving the integrity of your roof is crucial to keep it at its optimum performance. And to ensure you don’t risk this, it is a must that you kick off roof repair when shingles start showing signs of wear and tear, especially if they are missing. Replacing missing or damaged shingles should be performed in the fall of summertime when it’s perfectly safe for someone to be up there as well as when chances of extreme weather conditions aren’t as much of an issue. If, however, you notice missing shingles during winter, it wouldn’t be wise to wait until springtime to make these repairs, as the extreme weather and cold can cause more harm and damage to your roof that will eventually lead to structural leaks. So take action ASAP and avoid further damage.
Roof Leaks
Another issue that requires immediate repair would be roof leaks. You wouldn’t want water seeping into your home during a rain, right? Right. And this is why proactive roof leak detection should actually be given more importance. Moreover, leaks aren’t that easy to identify. The spot where the water is seen to be leaking might not be where the actual issue is, so you’ll want to get a roofing professional involved to get to the bottom of the issue.
Visible Dark Spots on the Roof
Mold spots can occur in typical composite roofs if water has penetrated the different layers. This is a very unlikely issue if you have a metal roof. Metal roofs tend to have less mold issues and more fading and cracking unlike asphalt, composite and wood shingles. Moreover, metal roofing is proven to withstand brutal heat and wind storms while enhancing the building’s outward appearance. It might be important to note that metal roofing is quite costly and may not be for everyone.
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have asphalt, composite, or wood shingles. This means that you should keep an eye on visible dark spots on areas on your roof. It is strongly suggested to kick-start a repair once mold starts to form to avoid further issues.
Blow-Offs
If you’re in an area prone to persistent strong winds, your roof is going to be significantly more vulnerable for blow-offs. If this happens, entire sections can be blown away or broken off. Your roofing felt and sheathing can be blown away by severe winds, too. Don’t wait till it’s too late!
In cases where major sections of your roof need to be replaced, new roofing should be installed by a certified professional. Doing so can extend your roof’s lifespan and protect your home against future storms. For major structural damages, like tree branches falling on the roof, a full roof replacement would be more cost-effective but would still depend on the severity of the damage.
Wind and Hail Damage
Severe hail or wind storms can cause significant damage to slates, skylights, gutters, vent hoods, and other roof elements. Sometimes, leaks may not be apparent after a storm but your roof may still be suffering from a damage that can compromise its integrity. It’s important to conduct a thorough check of your roof after every strong storm. You should also consider getting a professional eye to assess the damage. Preventive measures will always save you from expensive repairs.
Take action. And the earlier, the better.
Regular roof maintenance
Check your roof on a regular basis, but especially during periods of extreme weather such as strong winds and storms. This is to ensure that you will be on top of any issues and will allow you to take action early on, avoiding more complicated and costly repairs that might’ve gone unnoticed.
It would also be a good idea to schedule an annual professional roof inspection as it can give you comprehensive information on the actual condition of your roof. By doing so, you are giving yourself enough time to prepare for any upcoming repairs or replacements. Surprises are great, but when it comes to roof repairs, we’re much better off fully informed about the current and future status of our roof.
Preventive roof care
When it comes to roof care, you shouldn’t wait for issues to arise. Preventive roof maintenance and overall home maintenance should be done as a precautionary measure rather than waiting for it to become an emergency case. A proactive approach towards roof damage won’t only increase the lifespan of your roof but will also spare you from costly repairs or replacement. Why endure the hassle and disappointment over seeing a damaged roof when you can very well avoid it from happening in the first place?
So if you’ve neglected your roof for some time already, NOW is the perfect time to do so. Find some time to do a quick inspection but please BE SAFE while doing so.
If you have questions about roof repairs and maintenance, or if you’re planning to have your roof inspected, call the experts at 5 Star Roofing and Restoration. With more than 30 years experience in commercial and residential roofing, we’ll be able to tell you exactly what’s going on and fix it in a timely fashion.