Roof problems can lead to issues in your home, whether it’s the attic or the basement. The best thing you can do in these situations is to call a professional, but how do you know the right time?
That’s why we’re here to help. Read on for nine roofing problems that require a professional roofing contractor.
1. Sunlight Peeking Through
The best way to find this issue is by traveling to the attic and looking up at the sky. If there are bits of light peeking through, that’s a major sign that there are large holes in your roof.
2. Leaks
If your roof starts leaking every time it rains, it might be time to call in a professional.
Leaks can lead to other major problems down the road like mold, mildew, and even floor damage if it becomes larger enough.
3. Moisture
Leaks in your roof aren’t always that obvious. Sometimes, they’re disguised as small droplets making their way into those boxes in your attic, or even inside of the insulation.
The problem with this? Eventually, the moisture is going to begin collecting and eventually soak through. At that point, it might be too late to make a quick fix.
If you’re suspicious of a leak in your roof, or just want to keep a diligent eye out, there are things you can do to find these tiny leaks.
- Check any boxes and other belongings in the attic after rainfall
- Check insulation after it rains
- Check for puddles or other wet spots
- Look for blistering or peeling paint
Keeping an eye out for these hints at where moisture has collected in your house can prevent mold, mildew, and other damages that your home can endure. If you see any signs of this occurring, it’s time to call a professional. Don’t wait until things get worse.
4. Sagging
This is a sign of long-term water damage.
Ceiling sagging is caused by water pooling in the same spot on your ceiling for a prolonged period of time. The ceiling is starting to warp as a result.
Sagging in your ceiling can look like discoloration, or simply a bowed spot in your ceiling. You may also find cracks surrounding the area. When checking for sagging, you should also check the attic.
These are all immediate signs that you should call a professional. Only they can tell the actual extent of water damage your ceiling has undergone.
5. Visible Damage
Visible damage can come on the inside or outside of your roof. Here are a few things to watch out for.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
This means cracked, damaged, peeling, or missing shingles. The best way to have this fixed is to call in a professional to replace them.
Rot and Decay
Mold, mildew, and fungus will deteriorate the protective outer layer of your roof, leaving it vulnerable to bad weather. To keep anything from happening, it’s best to have rotten or decayed roof tiles fixed immediately.
Damaged Chimney or Flashing
Cracked or broken bricks on your chimney not only pose a threat to your house, but also the people that live in it. These issues can cause the chimney to cave in if left unattended for long enough.
Cracks and broken bricks can also allow excess moisture in, which expands and contracts with temperature changes, including the use of the fireplace and weather.
Debris
Leave can get heavy, so it’s important to blow them off your roof and out of gutters every few months, especially if you live under a lot of trees.
However, if there are pieces of roofing material inside your gutters or laying out on the lawn, it’s time to call it in.
6. Increasing Energy Bills
Many factors could cause an increase in your monthly energy bill, but one of those is temperature leaks.
7. Gutter or Downspout Problems
Problems with your downspout can lead to excess moisture building up around your home, which can lead to foundation issues. These foundation issues can include anything from your settling on a slant to large cracks in the floors.
Eventually, your house could even start to split apart.
If you begin noticing overflowing, sagging, or cracks and holes in your gutters, you should call a professional. You should also call one if you begin to notice pooling water, a cracked foundation, or gutter detachments.
8. Signs of Reroofing
Simply put, reroofing is putting a new roof on top of an old one.
Sometimes, people think this is a safe and effective way to keep costs down, but that could not be further from the truth. Often, this actually goes against building codes and is pretty dangerous to do.
If you notice this on your roof, it’s time to call a professional.
9. Old Age
This problem may not even come with other problems, but it’s the simplest way to know whether or not you need to call a roofer. How old is your roof?
After a certain age, roofs need to be replaced. The age is going to depend on how what kind of roof you have, but it’s definitely a process you should consult with a professional on.
Look for These Signs to Know if You Need a Roofing Contractor
Now that you know nine of the most prevalent signs to watch for, it’s time to find a good roofing contractor to call when the need arises.
A decent roofer will be able to answer questions about any roofing material you’re curious about. At Heins Contracting, we specialize in asphalt and metal roofs and can make any repair you need.
If you’ve noticed any of these problems with your roof, feel free to contact us today. We’d love to help out.
