Four Signs You Need Roof Repair
As a rule of thumb, homeowners should perform a visual inspection of the roof at least once a year to investigate its condition. From that vantage point, you should be able to see pretty clearly where some potential problem areas lay, such as the ones outlined below. Time is of the essence in these situations, so if you notice any of them happening with your home, contact a roofer to perform a roof inspection as soon as possible. Here are some signs that your home needs roof repairs.
Deteriorated Shingles
If your home is like most, it's most likely composed of asphalt. These extremely durable materials have a shelf life of around 20 years, but individual shingles can deteriorate long before that time is up. If a shingle is curling up or showing any kind of warping, it's better to get it replaced now before it breaks and causes a water leak.
Clogged Gutters
While your gutters themselves are not technically part of your roof, if you've got a clog in your gutter, that most likely means that you have standing water on the roof nearby. Over time, that water will weaken the shingles and the support beams in your roof and can cause holes and leaks to develop. A proper roof repair service will not only clearly the clog, but will also investigate the nearby areas to see if there's been any damage as well.
Exposed Flashing
The "flashing" on your roof is a term that refers to the metal seal between your roofline and your chimney. As your roof ages, your shingles will pull away from your chimney, leaving an inch or two of space in between your roofline and your chimney. Water, debris, and even rodents can get in between this space and inside your home, causing damage along the way. A roof inspection will be able to catch this problem before it develops into something major, but if you see it from the ground, contact a roofer to perform a repair service immediately.
Evident Algae
If you've ever seen a home that looks like part of it is fading green, you know algae on the roof looks like. This usually comes from a combination of moisture and bacteria that is allowed to sit for prolonged periods of time. There's very little that homeowners can do about this problem—aside from regular maintenance, that is—but it does have the potential to cause premature wear and tear on your roof. It can eat away at entire sections of your roof, weakening the structure and causing leaks in your home.