Asphalt roofs typically last around 20 years, if treated well.
Many people don’t realize when they need to begin making repairs on the roof and spend a lot of money on replacements.
To prevent your roof from being further damaged, you will need to watch for red flags.
Below are 5 signs of a damaged roof and ways that you can prevent further damage.
1. Damaged Shingles
Damaged shingles are a bad sign, if you see them on your roof, you should look into getting repairs done.
Shingles that are missing, cracked, and dented are all signs that they may need to be replaced. Sometimes, the edges of the shingles will also curl up. Most of the time, this damage is caused by wind, rain, and extremely high or low temperatures.
2. Your Roof Is Drooping
If you begin to notice that your roof structure is sagging, or drooping down, you may have a damaged roof.
To prevent your roof or ceiling from caving in, finding a roofer is the first step. Drooping roofs may look fine one day, and be even more damaged the next, especially after a storm.
3. Noticeable Wet Spots and Stains
Signs of moisture, like wet spots or stains, can become a problem if your roof is damaged.
Darker spots and streaks are often algae that begin to grow because of the moisture. There may be holes in the roof where water is getting into, which can lead to more damage.
4. Your Gutters Are Always Clogged
If you notice that you are cleaning out the gutters multiple times a year because they are always clogged, you probably have an issue with your roof.
Often, the particles that clog gutters come from shingles. Sludge and granules that fall off shingles become a problem if not taken care of and can build up.
If your gutters are full of leaves because a tree stands over your house, look for other signs of damage to be sure!
5. Light Shines Through
Roofs should be properly sealed, so if you begin to see light shining through the roof, you should probably get help.
The light shining through indicates small holes or cracks from above that can let wet in and grow larger. It is best to treat these areas before they get bigger and cost more money to fix.
How to Prevent a Damaged Roof
The weather is one of the biggest factors for roof problems. However, there are things that you can do to preserve your roof.
You should visually inspect your roof throughout the year. Inspections can help you identify small issues that lead to bigger problems. Getting rid of trees that drop branches on your house are also recommended to make your roof last.
You can keep your roof in good shape by replacing shingles that are damaged before entire sections become irreplaceable.
Time to Bring in the Professionals
Trying to fix a damaged roof can be difficult, frustrating, and lead to even more problems if you don’t know what you are doing.
If you begin to notice one or more of the problems mentioned above, you should consider getting professional help.
Be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more articles on home repair and decor!