Residential roofing is your home’s protection from the elements. As a bonus, it can make your house look nice. But like with many parts of your home, even your roof will need work from time to time. Wondering if you need roof repair? Our residential roofing experts at HW Roofing have compiled this list of 5 signs your roof needs repair:
1 – Stains on Ceilings or Walls
If you start noticing stains on your ceiling, or your walls that resemble dried puddles, they’re likely a sign of water damage. Unless you’ve recently had burst pipes, chances are you’re experiencing a leaky roof. Prompt attention to leaks is vital to the integrity of the building. Unchecked drainage could result in issues such as mold, rotten framing, damaged insulation, and ceilings, all of which are costly, not to mention unsafe.
2 – Loose Materials
Not everyone gets a ladder and looks at their roof on the weekend, but sometimes, you should. Loose materials on your roof let you know that something is wrong. If you’re noticing nails, shingles, or other pieces of your roof coming loose or falling off, there’s a more significant issue somewhere. Your best move is to call a roofing company to diagnose the problem as soon as possible.
3 – Messy Gutters
Do your gutters seem to fill up with dark brown or black sand? It could be granules being shed from old roof shingles. Shingles have small mineral granules (about the size of sand) that protect your roof from deterioration from constant exposure to the sun. While some granule loss is expected, excessive loss hastens the decline of the roof—the more shedding, the greater the chance for significant damage. Repairing your roof at the first sign of shingle decay can prevent the need for costly replacements.
4 – Time
Your average shingled roof lasts 20 to 25 years give or take a few years, depending on climate and weather patterns. Most homes have a maintenance record outlining when significant improvements or repairs have occurred, such as shingling or replacing the roof. This knowledge can help you determine if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. If you don’t have access to the records, another indicator could be your neighbors. Typically, nearby structures are built within the same period, and they definitely all experience the same wear and tear from natural elements. If it seems like everyone in the neighborhood is getting their roof done, there’s a good chance yours needs work too.
5 – Sagging
Typically, signs of sagging are the most visible at the lower end of your roof and inside your attic. Older roofs that use rafters instead of trusses are particularly vulnerable. Rafters only have two outer beams supporting the roof, unlike trusses with several and provide more support. You must replace a sagging roof quickly. Not doing so can result in caving or roof collapse, putting anyone or anything inside in danger.
Get a Free Roof Inspection
If you’re concerned about your roof but aren’t sure what you need, our team will be happy to help. We’ve been in the roofing industry for a long time, and we can easily recognize the signs that your roof needs repair. To find out if you need roof repair for your home, request a free roof inspection today. At HW Roofing, our roofing company services those in St. Augustine, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, and the surrounding communities in Northeast FL.