Your home’s roof is one of its most important components. Therefore, it’s critical to make sure that it’s in good condition before the summer season hits. Otherwise, it could be vulnerable to water and other forms of damage after a severe thunderstorm or other extreme weather event. Fortunately, there are some key signs to look for when determining your roof’s overall condition.
Look for Shingle Damage
Shingles that are lifted, curled or that have missing granules are unlikely to be fit for duty this summer. This is because lifting, curling or loss of granules are signs of damage typically caused by age, exposure to the elements or improper installation. Regardless of the cause, it’s critical that you have the shingles replaced in a timely manner.
Check Gutters and Downspouts
In some cases, granules will accumulate in the gutter or in downspouts as they are washed away. Therefore, if you see a pile of loose granules, it could be a sign that your shingles are damaged and need to be repaired. You should also inspect your gutters and downspouts for other signs of damage such as cracks, holes or gaps where water might escape. In addition, be on the lookout for large sticks, leaves or other material that could result in a clog that can send water back toward the roof. Alternatively, a clog could cause water to spill over the gutter and toward your home’s foundation.
Interior Stains Are an Ominous Sight
Water stains on interior ceilings or walls can be caused by water leaking from the roof. It’s not uncommon for stains to be one of the only clues that something is wrong. You may also smell the musty scent of mold or mildew growing in interior walls thanks to the moisture dripping from your roof.
A leak could be present for months by the time you see stains or notice any strange odors. Therefore, it’s critical to take action, and it’s even more imperative to act quickly if you actually see water dripping from the ceiling.
Algae or Mold Is Growing on the Roof
Algae or mold growth on the roof can be a sign that it isn’t drying sufficiently. This could be because it doesn’t have access to sufficient sunlight or because of other causes that need to be investigated immediately.
Shingles Are Missing
Shingles that are curled or missing granules may be less stable than those that are in good condition. In addition to providing poor protection against the elements, they may be at a great risk of blowing off even during relatively calm weather. When a shingle leaves the roof, it exposes the roof deck and other materials underneath it.
If there are a number of shingles missing, it could result in widespread water damage. It’s also possible that moisture could attract pests such as carpenter ants, termites or other pests that will eat away at the rotting wood. Pests may also eat away at the roof in an effort to make their way into your home, which can result in a number of secondary issues.
The severity of the problem depends largely on how much of the roof is exposed. If only a small portion of the roof is exposed, you should be able to simply replace what you’ve lost. However, if the majority of the shingles have come off, you’ll likely need to replace the roof.
Schedule a Roof Inspection
Perhaps the best way to ensure that you get an accurate assessment of your roof’s condition is to have it inspected. A professional will be able to walk your roof safely and efficiently in an effort to find signs of damage. Walking the roof is preferable to a visual inspection from the ground because hail, lightning or other types of damage may be too minor to detect unless you’re seeing it up close.
We can inspect, repair or replace metal, shingle, or TPO roofs to better meet your needs, and we’ll also take a look at your gutters, skylights or other roofing components to ensure that your home is safe this summer and beyond. If you are in need of roof repair or replacement services or you’d like a roof inspection, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Ricardo's Alpha Roofing in Columbus, NC today!
