Baring an extreme weather event, roofs generally do not fall into disrepair overnight. If you pay attention, your roof will show signs of problems before catastrophic damage occurs. Find out if you need roof repair or maintenance by looking for the red flags below.
Cracks and Blisters
Shingles are supposed to lay smooth against the roof, but the moment you see curling, cracking, drying, or blistering, schedule a professional inspection. These signs indicate that your shingles are coming to the end of their lifespan and may need to be replaced. (Dramatic curling suggests the shingles are in dire need of replacement). On top of that, blistering is attributed to too much moisture, so you may need to have your roof ventilation inspected.
Granules in the Gutter
Shingles begin to lose their granules as they age. The older they are, the more granules they lose. When you see a bunch of granules collecting in your gutter, it means that your shingles need to be replaced. Call your roof contractor immediately to ask for an inspection and quote.
Bald Spots
While you’re scooping granules out of the gutter, peek at the roof. If you see apparent bald spots — areas where the underlying asphalt is exposed — you have further confirmation that your shingle roof needs to be replaced. Exposed asphalt puts shingles at risk of more damage from UV rays.
Weather Damage
Your roof is your first line of defense against the harsh sun, intense rain, strong winds, hard hail, and heavy snow. Regularly checking for wear and tear inflicted by these harsh elements is necessary to prevent severe roof damages. Check for loose shingles and impact from heavy hail immediately after severe weather events. Also, examine the attic for leaks after heavy rainfall. A leak is a clear indication that your roof is compromised. Water damage has the ability to escalate fast. Ignoring a leak can cause water to pool in an area, which can lead to bacterial and mold growth.
Look for Signs of Sagging
The roof bears the brunt of the weight of all outside forces. However, once your roof starts to show signs of sagging, cracks, or ripples, it is time to call in for professional help. These could be attributed to a structural problem and it will only get worse over time.
Nail Pops
If you see raised shingles, it’s like a nail has popped. A variety of reasons could cause nails to jut out of place — a sudden change in temperature, structural shifting, expansion, or contraction. “Nail pops,” as they’re called, are a symptom of a larger problem. Your professional roofer can diagnose the real cause.
Cracks in the Ceiling or Interior Walls
Cracks in your ceiling or interior walls do not appear for no reason. These could be signs of structural issues from your roof support system. When these make an appearance in your house, you have to make it a priority to find out what is causing them.
Bottom line: These are all very obvious signs that your roof needs attention. Don’t let them escape your notice. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends checking your roof several times a year, in addition to scheduling a professional inspection of your shingle roof once every three years or after an extreme weather event. Charleston Roofs + Windows has been serving South Carolina’s Lowcountry region since 2012. Our experienced, knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you with all of your roofing needs. To schedule an appointment, call today.