Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your life, and your roof is the most crucial element protecting your home. If your roof needs repair, some of the signs may not be obvious to the untrained eye. That’s why it’s important to have your roof regularly inspected by a reliable contractor.
Whether you’ve hired a professional or spotted the damage yourself, your first question will probably be: Can my roof be repaired, or does it need to be replaced? Read on for tips on how to analyze the signs of roof damage to determine whether roof repair or replacement will be the best option.
How Do You Know If You Need to Repair or Replace Your Roof?
You See Water Damage
If you notice water marks, peeling paint, or cracks on your walls or ceiling, they’re most likely the result of a leaky roof. Damp rafters or leaks in your attic also point to roof damage. When you notice these signs, call a professional roofer right away to determine the exact location and size of the leak. A small leak can usually be patched or sealed. However, if a larger leak has caused significant or structural damage, your roof may need to be replaced.
Sections of Your Roof Are Sagging
Sagging sections of your roof indicate that moisture has penetrated and may have caused the roof decking to rot. Again, it’s important to contact a reliable roofing contractor right away to prevent further damage to your home. Sagging may not be plainly visible, but if you stand back from your home and examine it from different angles, you’ll be able to recognize it more easily. Ideally, you’ll see straight lines when you look at your roof – and if you see anything else, call a roofing contractor. In some cases, sagging sections of your roof can be repaired. However, trapped moisture and rotting boards may require a full roof replacement. Having your roof inspected by a professional is the best way to figure out the right next step for your home.
Moss or Mold Is Growing on Your Roof
The growth of moss, mold, and fungi on your roof may be a sign of trapped moisture. Moss and fungi growth alone do not necessarily indicate that your roof will need to be replaced, but trapped moisture can ruin a roof. Moss may occur naturally in shaded sections of your roof and can be removed using a stiff brush. However, if growth persists, it can indicate more serious issues. A professional roof inspection is the best way to find the source of the growth and identify any potential or current damage.
You See Loose, Curled, or Missing Shingles
When you spot shingle damage, you need to consider the extent of the damage as well as the age of your roof. Severe weather and high-speed winds can cause shingles to curl, buckle, or come loose. Isolated damage to a relatively new roof may only require minor repairs; however, curled or missing shingles may have allowed moisture to penetrate the other elements of your roofing system. Qualified roofing contractors will be able to thoroughly examine your roof, find minor damage, and fix it. If structural damage has occurred or if your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan, replacement may be a more cost-effective choice.
You Notice Excessive Granules in Your Gutters
Here in Dallas, Texas, extreme weather can take its toll on your roof. Although high-speed winds and heavy rain may not remove shingles entirely, you may notice another telltale sign of damage: excessive granules on the ground or in your gutters. While some granule loss is normal with asphalt shingles, a large buildup of granules is a cause for concern, as are bare spots or dents on shingles where the granules have been lost. In addition to weather damage, granule loss can indicate that your roof has poor ventilation, was improperly installed, or has simply reached the end of its life. If the granule loss is widespread or water has infiltrated your roof and caused damage, you may need to replace your roof.
Your Gutter Guards or Fascia Boards Are Damaged
Another sign to watch out for is cracked, rotting, or missing gutter guards or fascia boards, an indicator that water may have invaded your roofing system and caused structural damage. Clogged gutters may have caused water to back up and seep into your roofing system, leading to mold, rot, or other damage. Damaged fascia boards can weaken the roof’s overall support structure, making your roof more vulnerable to high-speed winds and other extreme weather. Proper support ensures that your roof will remain structurally sound, so be sure to have your gutters and fascia boards inspected by a professional to prevent further roof damage. If the fascia damage has been caused by a leak or other issue, your entire roof may need to be replaced.
Your Energy Bills Have Increased
Keeping temperatures in your home at comfortable levels all year requires a lot of energy. A properly installed roofing system can help to keep cool or warm air inside your home, reducing your energy bills. So, if you notice a recent increase in your utility costs, it could indicate that cracks or holes in your roof are allowing air to escape. While small cracks or holes can be repaired, if the damage is widespread, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace your roof, adding new, more energy-efficient shingles or tiles.
Your Roof Has Reached the End of Its Life
While some roofing materials can last between twenty and fifty years, eventually, all roofs wear out and need to be replaced. In Texas, an asphalt shingle roof can last between 15 and 25 years. Tile and metal roofs have longer lifespans, but this will also depend on the quality of the materials used, proper ventilation, and the roof’s exposure to extreme weather. If your current roof was installed over another layer and is more than 20 years old, you should have it inspected by a professional.
A Roof Inspection Reveals Systemic Problems
When it comes to your roof, it’s important to know exactly what you’re dealing with. Have an experienced and reliable roofing contractor conduct a thorough inspection of your roof. If the inspection reveals damage that requires more than minor repairs, you will need to replace your roof. Replacement will likely be more affordable in the long run than paying for repeated repairs.
Contact Greystone Roofing to Schedule a Free Consultation
Homeowners in Dallas, TX can count on Greystone Roofing for reliable repair and replacement services. We’re the area’s most trusted roofing team. Although you may be able to identify some of the obvious signs of roof damage, the smartest choice is to have your roof inspected by professionals each year. Our roofing contractors have the equipment and training to inspect your roof safely and accurately. By spotting minor damage early on, you’ll save money and prevent costly repairs later!
When you work with the professionals at Greystone Roofing, you can count on us for quick and efficient work as we provide you with a proven, trusted roofing system. We’ve worked hard to earn a reputation for honesty, integrity, and quality. Let us perform a thorough inspection of your roof, at no cost to you, to ensure that it is fully protecting your home. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!