Paying attention to your roof is one of the best habits for keeping up with your roof’s health and lifespan. The less you pay attention to it, the more prone it becomes to requiring maintenance and, worst case, a full roof replacement. Not sure what warning signs to be looking out for on your roof? Our experts are here to help.
Damage from Weather Conditions
Excessive and extreme weather conditions almost always lead to some kind of roofing maintenance or small repairs. So if you hold off on several seasons of heavy-hitting weather, you could be looking at a possible roof replacement years down the road. The weather conditions you should be watching out for include:
- Snow
- Sleet
- Hail
- Heavy winds
- Hard rain storms
Damaged Flashing
The flashing is too often overlooked in roofing maintenance and upkeep. The flashing of your roof is a thin piece of metal that is designed to direct water away from your roof, especially in the most damage-prone areas. Water will build up on your roof without proper application and durable flashing. Water can build up so fast on your roof. One minute you think everything is fine; the next, you are told you need a roof replacement.
Excessive Growth of Mold or Algae
Think there is nothing wrong with a little mold on your roof? Think again. This is a sign to take very seriously because wherever there is moisture, mold will thrive. That means there could be moisture trapped in your roof, and it lacks the amount of ventilation it needs to prevent growth. Severe cases of mold can go as far as damaging your house’s structural support, so never let this go unhandled for too long.
Obvious Appearance of Age
Even if you have never faced any major issues with your roofing, you should still consider looks and overall aesthetics. A roof becomes an eyesore once it starts sagging or once the shingles start to break or detach from the surface. Roofs age much faster when they are faced with natural damage-inducing elements such as snow and hail.
Rotting
Rotting can start anywhere on the exterior of your home, but like many other issues, it should not be taken lightly. Roof rot is caused by moisture. More specifically, high levels of humidity in the attic or condensation play a role. Rot can start from the inside out, so you must keep an eye out both inside and outside of your home.
Poor Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation is important for several reasons, including:
- Saving your home’s energy usage
- Traps cool air and wards warm air away
- Keeps moisture levels low
With so much heat and moisture in your attic, your roof is susceptible to damage. This means shingles will dry out and could fall off altogether. This leaves you with the need for roof replacement.
Roof Leaks
One of the most common culprits of roof replacement is roof leaks. All too often, homeowners make the grand mistake of leaving roof leaks unattended. What starts out as a small issue becomes a cause for panic and emergency replacement. Roof leaks can also be caused by insufficient underlayment on one’s roof, meaning water can more easily travel into your home.
Deteriorated Roof Deck
Of all parts of your roof and structure, you never want your roof deck to rot. This part of your roof is mainly responsible for supporting materials applied to the surface. If you find any kind of damage on your roof, do not hesitate to contact your local roofer to have it looked into. Be open to the idea of possibly needing a roof replacement.
Damaged Shingles or Buckling
Shingle buckling happens when shingles are no longer laying flat on top of each other. There could be what looks like ripples or sags in the shingles. This is commonly caused by high humidity and exposure to moisture. These conditions make it easier for movement on the wood deck, meaning shingles can easily be damaged. If too many shingles are damaged, you should just look into roof replacement instead of individually replacing them.
Schedule an Appointment to Have Your Roof Assessed by Us
The professionals at AAAA Contractors are here to provide roofing solutions right when you need them. We can provide many other roofing services in addition to replacement. Get in touch with us by calling (915) 852-3104 today to make an appointment to have your roof seen right away.