When is it appropriate to call in roofing contractors?

Being a homeowner can be amazing because it means you’ve invested in the American dream. Maintaining the roof and hiring the right roofing contractor is important. It’s essential to protect that investment for yourself and your family, and also for tax, insurance, and resale value. Appropriate roof maintenance and repair is one of many aspects of responsible homeownership. Unfortunately, many homeowners fail to notice potential roof problems until it’s too late. If any of the following apply to you, don’t hesitate to contact a roofing professional.

Water damage on your ceiling

If you see water stains on your ceiling, there is a good chance the issue is with your roof. Have a roofing contractor come to inspect the damage. It could be an issue with flashing, misaligned or clogged gutters or downspouts, or bad shingles. It’s important to remember that leaks only get worse. If you find water damage on your ceiling, it’s crucial to discover the cause and end it ASAP.

The roof is getting old

If you purchased your house 20+ years ago and have never replaced the roof, it’s time to start planning. A roofing contractor can help with estimates and suggestions for a new roof. Most roofs have a lifespan of 20-25 years then need to be replaced. Sometimes roofs last longer sometimes less, but every year past twenty without leaking is borrowed time.

Cracked or missing shingles

If you have cracked shingles or missing shingles, then you should consider calling a roofing contractor. A few cracked shingles on your roof can likely be replaced. If you see several of them spread across the roof, however, it’s a good sign your shingles are getting old and won’t protect you much longer.

Ice dams in the winter

These are more common with flatter roofs in climates with colder weather. Ice dams form when your attic has poor insulation, so it warms the snow on the roof and causes water to seep under the shingles. This can be fixed by insulating your attic appropriately and venting the space between your insulation and the roof sheathing. Venting will eliminate heat that might leak through. If this problem goes unchecked, it will cause the decking under the shingles to rot and break down.

The shingles are curling up

Curled shingles are another sign of aging and another cause to begin shopping for a new roof. Many of your neighbors are getting new roofs. This isn’t about “keeping up with the Joneses.” Most homes in the same neighborhood are built around the same time, give or take a couple of years. If your neighbors are all getting new roofs, you should probably have yours inspected to see if it is also aging.

Any part (or all) of your roof is sagging

Sagging roofs are a sign of structural damage. Please contact a roofing professional immediately if any part of your roof is sagging. An experienced roofing contractor can find the issues and give quotes for repair or replacement.

There is an excessive amount of shingle granules in your gutters

Granules protect your shingles from the sun’s heat and help keep your home cooler. If you are finding them in your gutters more and more often, it’s a good sign that your shingles are wearing out. You see mold on the ceiling or high on the walls. Mold is an indication that your drainage system isn’t working correctly. Clean your gutters a minimum of once per year to ensure water is moving away from your house properly. Failure to perform this preventative maintenance could cause your roof to wear prematurely.

Contact a professional roofing contractor before small problems turn into big problems.

Any of the above reasons can be cause for concern. However, many issues are easily solved. Contact a professional roofing contractor as soon as you notice an issue and perform regular visual inspections of your roof and drainage system. If you catch potential problems with your roof quickly, it can save you thousands of dollars.