If your roof is showing signs of age, it is time to call in the pros. After all, your home’s roofing system protects your most important investment, and you want to ensure it’s doing well.
In this article, we’ll review some of the more obvious signs that your roof might be nearing the end of its lifespan. By catching these problems early, you can prevent the most expensive repairs later.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are a sign that you need to replace your roof. They are critical to your home’s protection against wind, rain, and snow.
A missing shingle can allow water to enter your home and cause significant damage over time, including mold growth. This will cost you money to clean up the damage and restore your property to its original state.
The problem is that a missing shingle can also cause the surrounding shingles to become loose and damaged. This will lead to more problems, and your entire roof might need to be replaced.
Ultimately, it is best to consult with your local Kansas City roofing contractors and find the best solution. If you’ve just had a few shingles knocked off by solid storms, a whole roof replacement is likely immediately optional.
However, if you have more than a few shingles blown off your roof due to a severe weather event or a shoddy installation, it’s time to call a professional to help get your roof back in shape.
Water Leaks
Water leaks in your home often indicate a roof no longer serves its function. They may result from compromised shingles, deteriorated flashing, or poor installation techniques.
A leaking roof is an expensive and inconvenient problem to resolve, so you must address the issue as soon as possible. You can do this by putting up tarps and removing excess moisture.
Roofing contractors can inspect your roof from the inside and outside your home and determine if a severe issue causes the leak. They will also be able to tell you whether or not you need a roof replacement.
If you have a roof that is 20 to 30 years old, it should be replaced soon. Asphalt shingles contain granules that loosen with age and can eventually fall off, exposing the underside of the shingle to the elements.
Damaged Flashing
If the flashing around your chimney, dormer, or another structural part of your roof is damaged, you must replace it. This is because the flashing protects the area of the top where it meets these installations, preventing water from leaking in and damaging the inside of your home.
Flashing comprises narrow metal pieces fastened along the seams where different roofing installations come together, like a chimney or a skylight. It also serves as a seal to prevent moisture from penetrating the walls of your home.
Factors such as exposure to natural elements and age can cause damaged flashing. This can cause it to warp and bend because of temperature changes or how your house foundation settles over time.
It can also be damaged by improper installation or poor repairs. If the flashing has been dented or weakened, it can pull away from the roof and leak.
You can easily spot flashing dents or indentations that have damaged that. You can also look for holes if the flashing has been damaged by hail, wind, or other debris. It only takes a small hole to allow water to seep underneath your roofing shingles.
Sagging
Sagging is a common roofing problem. Aging, structural issues, improper installation, or ice and snow buildup can cause it.
If your roof is sagging, call in a residential roofing professional. They can help you determine whether or not your roof needs to be replaced and how it should be repaired.
A sagging roof usually indicates that your roof is beginning to wear down and isn’t providing sufficient protection for your home. It is also a sign that you are at risk of water damage to your home.
Sagging is a problematic issue, and it should be repaired immediately. Leaving it unattended can result in more severe problems and even the collapse of your roof.
Loose Shingles
When you see loose shingles, it is generally a sign that replacing your roof is time. Loose shingles are a potential safety hazard and a severe problem for your home’s overall condition.
They can cause water to leak into your home and make it more susceptible to rot, mold, and other moisture-related issues. This can lead to costly repairs down the road.
The good news is that this issue is relatively easy to fix. However, you’ll need to decide if this is a DIY project or something that should be left to the pros.
If it’s a DIY project, you can use a flat pry bar and hammer to pry up the damaged shingle. This will help to break the glue seal that holds it down.
Once you’ve broken this seal, you can remove the nails underneath the shingle using the same flat pry bar. You can then lift the shingle and slide it free. Then, you can reattach it to your roof using roofing cement.