Getting Your Roof Repaired
Roof maintenance and repair can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in expensive replacement costs. There are several different things to look for that will signal it is time for roof repair or replacement. Watching for these signs can not only extend the life of your roof but ensure your home does not suffer more extensive damage over time.
Roof Sagging
Do you see any dips in your roof? Roofs should be an even, level surface. If you’re noticing areas that seem to sunken in that could be a sign of a much bigger problem. Roofs that exhibit sinking areas could be in danger of collapsing soon.
Missing Shingles/Tiles
If some of your roof’s shingles or tiles are out of place, you should call an expert. They can assess whether it can be fixed with just a few shingles or if your entire roof needs to be replaced. Depending on how long your roof has been in this condition could significantly affect what work is required to fix the damage.
Discoloration
Mold and moss can be found on roofs. They can be caused by moisture and/or shading problems. If you noticed something that looks like dirt, moss, or remnants from trees you might want to take a closer inspection. The mold that is commonly found on roofs takes on these sorts of appearances. If left untaken care of, mold can cause problems for you and your roof.
Age
Depending on the color, weight, life expectancy of your roof, and the weather conditions you live in, you might need to replace your roof soon. Typically roofs last five years less than their expected life expectancy, so if you have a 20-year roof, it will probably need to be replaced after 15 years.
Curling/Buckling Shingles
Improper attic ventilation, improper installation, and age are all factors as to why your shingles could be curling and buckling. If you’re seeing that your shingles are showing signs of curling have a professional check them out.
Damaged Flashing
Flashings are used to make sure that water doesn’t seep into conjoining joints in structures. If flashing is not installed correctly, are worn down, or have been damaged it could be causing your whole roof problems and potentially allowing water and elements to get inside your home in places such as the chimney.
Broken Shingles
If it has recently stormed or you have an older roof, you may notice your broken shingles in places. This could affect the way your roof keeps out water. If you’re able, take a closer look. It might be something you can fix yourself, but it’s best to call a professional to determine if you need to replace the one shingle or will need to re-roof your home.
Maintenance Checklist
During the times of year when you spend most of your time outdoors in the beautiful Oregon weather cooking out, spending time with friends and family, or doing some yard work. Look at your roof occasionally, to see if there are any signs that it may be time to consider a new roof. Here are a few key things to keep an eye out for:
Visually inspect your roof
Look out for cracked, torn, bald or missing shingles. Also look around chimneys, vents, pipes or other penetrations for worn or loose material. It’s possible in some cases that these things can be repaired or replaced, but if there is excessive damage or large areas or worn material, you should consider having a roofing expert give you an estimate on a new roof.
Look for signs of roof damage
Even if everything looks good visually from far away, keep an eye out for shingle granules which is a sign of roof damage. They will look like large grains of sand and will typically be found in your gutters or at the end of your drain spout. If you start to see large amounts of granules, it’s a sign of advanced wear of your roof.
Roof Stains
Dark spots or paths may be signs of algae or mold. In some cases, this can be cleaned off, but it is typically this means that your roof is showing age and you should investigate how long ago your roof was installed and consider a new one.
Check for moisture
If you do see damaged or missing shingles, look around for signs of moisture, mold, or rot. You may not see spots directly under the damaged area because the water will travel to the lowest place before it settles. Mold and bacteria can grow within 1-2 days of a water-related problem.