Your roof bears a heavy burden when it comes to protecting your structure from the elements. As the first line of defense, your roof may be routinely drenched by rain, buffeted by wind, and struck by tree branches. Hurricanes and other extreme weather events can accelerate the process, but damage and deterioration will always occur over time.
Roof damage is not always as obvious as a tree limb through the ceiling, it often develops over time if gone unchecked. That’s why property owners should schedule annual inspections and restoration work regularly and at the first signs of an issue. Keeping your roof in good shape can make a huge difference in mitigating natural disasters and lowering the risk of interior water and toxic mold damage.
Take a look at these 7 signs of roof damage.
Age of the Roof
One of the first signs of roof damage to look at is the age of the roof. Everything has a life expectancy and roofing materials are no exception. You can expect a roof to last between 20 and 30 years, although this depends on the design, materials, and general upkeep. Aging roofs will develop problems more frequently and are less able to protect the interior of the building. Eventually, it will be more cost-effective to get a new roof rather than constantly repairing the old one. A regular inspection of your roof by a professional will allow you enough time to prepare financially for a replacement when it is needed.
Storm Damage
Homes and businesses around the Gulf Coast region are no stranger to the dangers and damage hurricanes can present. It’s always a good idea to examine the entire roof before the start of hurricane season on June 1st and right after hurricanes and major storms occur. Branches and other debris can create holes that need to be repaired immediately as roof damage can quickly snowball into water and mold damage.
Visible Water Leaks
Water damage is one of the most insidious and expensive consequences of a failing roof. Any signs of visible water leaks should be addressed immediately. Water dripping through to the attic or rooms below can foster toxic mold growth, rot structural support beams and cause many other issues.
Roof Sagging
A sagging roof is a major red flag for damage. If the roof is starting to bow or bend inwards, it means there is already structural damage to the supports. This kind of roof is more likely to allow water damage and is a potential safety risk.
Light in the Attic
Ideally, your attic spaces should be completely sealed off from the outside. If there’s ambient illumination or little rays of light poking through, it’s a sign that your roof needs restoration work or possibly replacement. Visible light means that water can get in and air can get out. Consequently, this results in less effective insulation and higher utility bills.
Missing Shingles
A few missing shingles may not seem like a big deal, but it’s not something you should ignore. Shingles offer specialized protection from the elements by reflecting water and absorbing impact. Even a few missing shingles leave the material underneath exposed. In turn, this can quickly lead to water damage, mold, and wood rot. It’s cheaper to replace a few shingles now than replace entire beams later.
Increase in Heating/Cooling Bills
It’s not always easy to pinpoint the cause of rising utility costs, especially when using electric heating and air system. However, if your bills start increasing, roof damage is something you should consider. A damaged roof can compromise the insulation efficiency of the home, which is a problem whether it’s hot or cold. If you notice a significant change in your utility bills, roof damage may be the culprit.
Stop Worrying about Signs of Roof Damage, Start Solving
If you have any of these signs of roof damage, don’t let its condition put your home or business at unnecessary risk. Continuum Restoration is a comprehensive provider of professional restoration services, including roof replacement and repair for water, storm, mold, and fire damage. Stop worrying about the problem and start solving it by calling 337-427-3888 to get your free roof inspection and estimate.