8 Telltale Signs of a Worn Out Roof that Require Immediate Attention
The roof is a vital component of any home. When installed properly, these roofs can last for more than ten years, if not higher. But just like any structure, the roof will suffer wear and tear with time. This is why it will require regular maintenance and repairs to ensure it protects the home against tough weather conditions. But before you make repairs, you must first identify the signs of roofing damage.
Moss growth
Moss can grow on surfaces, including roofs, when there is insufficient sunlight. These conditions are more common in cold, moist climatic conditions. The growth traps moisture against roof surfaces which may cause damage to the granules above the shingles. The growth can also force the shingles to separate and allow water to penetrate the roof. So, while moss growth may look harmless, it can be a drastic contributing factor to roof damage.
Damaged shingles
The roof of your home can suffer damages even if it is recently renewed. So, you should inspect the roof for damaged shingles each month. You should also check the roof sections following extreme weather conditions, as the chances of damaged shingles are highly probable. Consider checking for damages from the inside during the day. If you notice any leaks or light passing through, you must immediately fix such sections.
Damp walls
It can be challenging to identify damage on the roof, even after close inspection. However, the walls inside your home might get damp and develop dark spots or discoloration, especially after a heavy shower. This is a result of leakages in the roof and must be resolved before the situation worsens. And you don’t have to wait for signs of leaking roofs to show up. You can simply check the attic for frosted nails or cracked windows, which are telltale signs of worn-out roofing.
Sagging rooflines
Rooflines are usually strong and straight when they are installed. However, over time these may start to dip and curve due to issues with the framing. The sagging roofline may also stem from a water-saturated roof deck. Apart from leaks in the roof, and damage to shingles, a sagging roofline may lead to partial or complete cave-ins and must be fixed at the earliest.
Mortar degradation
Mortar is an adhesive made by mixing sand and cement used to bed tiles when laying roof junctions and verges. However, the mixture has a short lifespan and degrades and cracks due to fluctuations in temperature. Old mortar can chip off in chunks and lead to damage to the shingles. So, it is important to identify and fix mortar damage to prevent potential damage to the roof.
Granule collection
An aging roof will loosen with time. As a result, tiny bits and pieces of it will fall off gradually. To identify such damage, you should check the gutter or the ground around your home for granules. Heavy shedding is a clear sign that the roof requires repairs or replacement.
Average ventilation
You may not experience leaky roofs inside your home, but there’s a good chance it might still be damaged. Worn-out roofing or gaps in the roof are known to affect the ventilation inside a home. For example, if air gets trapped in the attic, the HVAC system works harder to heat or cool down the home. This will drive up energy bills at unusual intervals, which is a potential indicator of roof damage.
Flashing damage
Flashing is a thin metal layer connected from the roof to the chimney. The material is installed near skylight windows, valleys, vents, and against the walls. The flashing helps redirect water from accumulating in a single location and prevents moisture development and roofing damage. If you notice that the flashing is curled, corroded, or cracked, you should replace it to prevent roof damage.
Popular roofing materials
If your roof is beyond repair, you will need to replace it with new materials. If this is the case, you have multiple options to pick from. Some popular roofing materials include slate singles, felt, metal sheathing, wood, and concrete tiles. Other options include asphalt composite shingles, clay tiles, and rolled roofing. Each type of material is suitable for various types of homes and weather conditions. The costs of these materials will also differ.
Ways to pick a roofing contractor
Before selecting a company to repair or replace the roofing of your home, we recommend the following tips. These tips include:
Speak to your family and friends
Ask friends and family members for recommendations if they have hired a roofing company in the past. Speaking to them is the easiest way to get honest feedback about how reliable a roofing contractor is. Moreover, online reviews may also help identify if a roofing contractor is efficient at their job.
Meet the contractor and ask questions
You should meet potential contractors in person and enquire about the type of materials they use. You should ask them about their past work and look at references. You should also check their credentials, certifications, and insurance to ensure they are worth hiring.
Look for value for money
Getting a cheap quote from a contractor does not mean it is the best. Contracts that cost less might come with limited services. The service representative may also use inferior materials to repair or replace the roof. Therefore, before hiring a roofing contractor, ask them about the services and the type of materials used for the job. You must also ask the service provider to detail everything about the job in a written contract, so there are no discrepancies in the future.
Cost of hiring a roofing contractor
The cost of repairing a roof will differ based on multiple factors. Minor repairs may cost anywhere between $150 and $1500, whereas major repairs may cost between $1,500 to $7,000. The severity of damage and other added services might also increase the price. A complete roof replacement may cost about $8,000 or more based on factors like the material used, time to complete the job, roofing permits, and area of repairs.
