The Major Signs You Need a Roof Repair

10 Signs that you need a Roof Repair

Everything you own or hold dear is under your roof, so you want to make sure that it’s in good shape at all times. Part of maintaining your roof is being mindful to watch for indications that your roof has some problems. Watching for the tell-tale signs you need roof repair or replacement will help keep you and your family safe and can protect you from costly repairs to your belongings as well as the structure of your home. Here are the signs to look for:

1. Missing, Damaged, or Loose Shingles

You may notice this after a storm has passed, or you may see this if your roof is past its prime. It’s best to get these repairs done promptly to prevent water damage inside your home.

2. Shingles Curling or Cracking

This is a sign that your roof is getting old, and you may need a full replacement.

3. Sagging Roof

If your roof is sagging, it could mean that your roof is weak due to age. Another possibility is that there’s too much weight on the roof due to moisture, snow, or ice. If your roof is sagging, you need to have a qualified roofing contractor check it to diagnose the problem and get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent a total collapse.

4. Granules in your Gutters

When a roof reaches a certain age, the shingles begin to lose their mineral granules, and they wash down into the gutters. Don’t wait too long to get this tended to, as things can only get worse as the granule loss continues.

5. Missing or Damaged Flashing

Flashing is placed around your chimney, vent pipes, or anything else that’s attached to your roof, to seal out moisture from rain or snow. If there are sections of flashing that are damaged or missing, water may be leaking into your home.

6. Ceiling Stains

If you have water stains across your ceiling or running down your walls, you have a roof leak. You’ll likely need an expert to help you pinpoint the source of the leak, as water can penetrate the roof in one area, but stain the walls or ceiling in a completely different location.

7. Daylight Shining Through to the Attic

On of the simplest ways to check for a roof leak is to go into your attic. If you see water damage or light shining into the attic, you may need a few shingles repaired or you may need a full roof replacement.

8. Hail Damage

One of the most common ways for a roof to become damaged is through hailstorms. When a large hailstone hits your roof, it can tear or puncture the shingles. More often, hail will knock a significant amount of the mineral coating off of your shingles. When shingles lose this protective coating, they can be further damaged by UV rays, which can shorten the life of your roof.

9. Dark or Dirty Areas on the Roof

Dark areas on your roof can be caused by the loss of granules from your shingles, or by algae or moss growing on your roof. These are definite signs that your roof needs to be repaired as soon as possible.

10. Increased Energy Consumption

If your heating or cooling bills have increased dramatically, this could be a sign of insufficient attic ventilation or a damaged roof, and the insulation provided by your roof is breaking down.

Benefits of Roof Repair

Obviously, if you see any of these signs, you should consider getting your roof repaired as soon as possible. Besides the obvious benefit of getting your roof fixed when needed, consider the following 5 benefits of properly maintaining your roof.

1. Prevent Further Damage

Your roof won’t fix itself, and if you fail to repair your roof when it’s needed, you run the risk of further damage. The longer you wait, the higher the risk that your roof problem will get worse and will  cost more to repair.

2. Increased Property Value

While you may not intend to sell your home right now, it’s true that a new roof will increase the value of your property.

3. Improved Curb Appeal

In addition to increasing your home’s value, a new roof will add considerable curb appeal, and will make your home more attractive overall.

4. Longer Life for the Roof

As stated before, you need to take action sooner rather than later. Properly maintaining your roof will extend its life, so you can enjoy the roof for a longer period of time before it needs to be replaced.

5. Boosts Energy Efficiency

A solid roof is more energy efficient, and will help to reduce your energy bills, while also helping the environment as you’ll need less heating or cooling.

Final Words

If you notice any of these signs, or if you have any other roof problems at your home or business, you may only need a repair instead of a roof replacement, but  it’s best to have your roof examined by a trained professional to be sure. Whatever you do, don’t neglect your roof!

A&B Home Improvement has been serving the Baltimore County area as a top rated roofing repair contractor since 1938 with a proven record of quality craftsmanship, unmatched service, and a focus on customer satisfaction. We are a family owned and operated business specializing in commercial roof repair, residential roof repair, siding, windows, additions, trim work, painting, and more. From planning and design all the way to the final touches, we work with you to achieve a quality job that you’ll be pleased with for years to come. No matter if you need an emergency roof repair or if your roof has reached the end of its life, we want our customers to feel confident with their choice of working with A&B Home Improvement. All of our projects carry a 15 year warranty, and shingles come backed by up to a 25-year-to-lifetime warranty.

If you’d like more information about the products and services we offer, visit our website, or give us a call at 410-881-6258. We look forward to helping with your home improvement needs.