Signs You Should Repair Your Roof
Even the most durable homes need repairs at some point, and one of the most important things to repair is your roof. The roof is structurally one of the most important parts of your home, and problems should be addressed right away to minimize damage. There are several obvious signs that your roof needs repairs that you should look for. Here are the ones we’ve noticed most often working in roofing in West Virginia.
Your shingles are starting to curl, bend, or buckle.
If you notice your shingles are starting to change shape, especially with exposure to direct heat and light, then you likely need to replace your roof. Shingles have a limited lifespan, and over time they will start to soften and lose their strength. This means that your roof is no longer structurally sound, and it is important to replace it with a more durable material.
Your shingles no longer hold up in wet weather.
Check your roof after a rain or snow storm: do your shingles stay wet for a long time? Do they generally look grubby or dirty when there’s precipitation outside? It’s likely time for some roof repair. Your roof’s job is to protect you from the elements, so it needs to hold up regardless of the weather outside. It’s important to repair any problems with your roof before it starts to leak. It may be worth it to invest in a more durable roofing material to prevent future problems.
The paint near your roof is starting to peel.
If your roof is no longer effectively draining water, then you might notice that the paint around the top of your home is starting to crack and peel due to humidity. Not only is this not aesthetically appealing, but it’s also an indication of larger problems. You should assess the drainage situation on your roof to prevent leaking as well as general damage to the structure of your home. You may need to install new features to prevent moisture from making its way into your space.
You notice stains and leaking on your ceilings.
If you start to see strange staining on the ceilings inside your home, don’t just let them go. This is typically a sign that there’s a leak in your roof that needs to be fixed. You’ll likely need to replace that part of your roof, or maybe even the entire thing. The only way to find out is to have a roofing professional evaluate your home to determine what the best solution is.
Your electricity bill is increasing drastically.
If you need to use much more heat now than you have in the past, this could be a sign that your roof is no longer ventilating the way it has in the past. Of course, there are plenty of potential causes for a high electricity bill, so be sure to fully examine all the possibilities. However, if you aren’t sure what’s causing this sudden change, it may be because your roof is starting to let in harsher temperatures.
Your roof is over 20 years old.
Even if you think your roof is fine, if it’s been more than two decades and you haven’t done any repairs or inspections on it, now’s the time. A preventative inspection is the best way to prevent major problems in the future, so get on up there and check things out (or hire a professional to do it for you). Even if there are no problems at the moment, you’ll feel better knowing that your roof is solid, and you’ll be able to start thinking about preventative measures for the future.