Not sure if your roof needs a repair or not? If your roof has any of these 7 signs, call a roofing contractor today!
Roof damage can sneak up on you with very little warning.
Knowing what to look for and keeping an eye up to watch for signs of trouble can save you significantly in both time and money.
Procrastinating, waiting, and ignoring small problems only create bigger problems later.
The following are the 7 telltale signs that you may need a roof repair and it’s in your best interest to give us a call for a free inspection.
This list isn’t exhaustive but gives you a good place to start if you’re wondering whether something warrants a contractor visit.
1. Sagging Roofline
A sagging roofling looks like waves or ripples on your roof. There are several reasons for this, but it almost always leads back to trapped moisture. When water gets trapped inside your roof, all of the materials down to the roof decking are compromised and this can eventually lead to full collapse if not remedied.
Other causes of a sagging roofline may be poor installation, faulty materials or materials that are too heavy for the roof structure.
2. Interior Water Damage
Sometimes the first sign of trouble actually isn’t on the roof at all. Water stains on your ceiling and/or walls are a clear sign that the roof needs to be inspected.
A serious leak in the roof often results in small puddles, wet spots, blistering paint, and/or water stains.
3. Damaged Shingles
It’s a bad sign when you notice that your shingles are coming off, curling, or cracking. Shingles are installed to withstand a lot of pressure over the years. While shingles are easy to replace, if left unattended, your roofing materials are vulnerable to further damage.
4. Sunlight Shining Through
Any type of light in the attic indicates you have an opening in your roof. Any opening, even tiny ones, is enough for water to find its way inside. Check the attic during the daylight and see if you can see sunbeams through the roof deck.
5. Moss or Mold growth
Moss and mold on the roof can be common in woodland, or shady areas with high humidity throughout the year. This growth on the roof can be picturesque but actually causes serious hazards if it is allowed to take root. Moss will tear shingles apart over time and should be remedied early.
6. Spike in Energy Bills
If your utility bills begin to increase, it could be due to a leaky roof. This can happen gradually over time or maybe a sudden increase. Any type of roof leak that is allowing air to escape causes extra work for your HVAC system, causing an increase in energy bills.
7. Clogged Gutters
Asphalt shingles will shed their granules over time. This is a normal and natural part of the aging process. When this starts to happen, you may notice a few granules in your gutters. This isn’t a major cause for concern. However, when it starts to look like black sand or sludge, this is a clear sign that your roof is deteriorating.
Factors That Affect the Repair Cost of Your Roof
To get an accurate quote for roof repairs, you must first have it inspected.
Most roofing companies will provide a free inspection and an estimated cost of roof repairs.
On average, a roof repair costs less than $1000.
These unique factors may affect the cost of your repair:
- Shape: Certain roof shapes are more expensive than others. If you have a unique shape or specific roof elements (like chimneys and skylights), that may increase time, equipment, or expertise, which all affect the cost of roof repair.
- Geography: The price of labor is one of the biggest variables in roofing repairs. Homeowners who live in New York City or San Francisco will pay significantly higher prices than those who live in San Antonio, TX.
- Scope and Permits: The bigger the repair, the bigger the cost. However, if your roof repair requires any additional permitting due to HOA, insurance, or local building codes, that may add to the final bill.
How To Know When You Should Repair or Replace Your Roof
There will come a point in your roof’s life when you need to decide between having it repaired or having it completely replaced.
When to Repair
You have a young roof. If your roof is relatively new (less than 10 years old), there’s a good chance it is still under warranty and your repairs may cost you nothing. Getting a quality roof repair to a young roof can extend the lifespan significantly and save you money.
You are moving out soon. You may be required to repair the roof to sell your home, but it’s not worth replacing entirely as long as it still meets inspection requirements. The condition of your roof can make a big difference in your sale price, so judge wisely to ensure your roof is in good enough condition to sell.
You’re on a tight budget. Roof problems can come at the most inconvenient times and sometimes the budget doesn’t allow for a full replacement. Do what you can to repair your roof and buy time so you can save for a new roof when it’s necessary.
You have only minor damage. If you have damage to only a small area of your roof, a repair can fix it effectively without replacing the entire surface.
When to Replace
Your roof has reached the end of its lifespan. If you have asphalt shingles that are older than 15 years old, it’s time to consider replacing your roof. Repairs may provide a band-aid but won’t solve the real issue.
Your building code requires it. Most building codes will not allow more than two layers of roofing materials. Therefore, if you already have two layers of shingles and need to repair a significant portion of the roof, you can’t put more shingles on top. In these situations, you may be required to replace the whole roof and start fresh.
You’re facing an expensive repair. If the estimate for roofing repairs is over half the cost of a new replacement, then a replacement is a better option. Repairs aren’t guaranteed, but a new roof is – so you’re better off putting your money into an investment that is protected against future damage.
You want a new roof. Sometimes you just want a new appearance to match a renovation or to update the look of your home. A replacement roof can provide a different style or color to give a fresh new look.
3 Important Factors to be Cautious of When You Repair Your Roof
We don’t want any surprises when it comes to your roofing materials. While most damage can be repaired without replacing your entire roof, there are a few things that you should be aware of when repairing your roof.
- Repairs may affect aesthetics: When you replace broken or missing shingles, they may look different than the rest of the roof. Even if you use the exact same brand in the same shade, new shingles look different than older shingles. Sometimes it’s only subtle, but it can often be a fairly obvious difference.
- You get what you pay for: Keep in mind that poor workmanship often leads to bigger problems. Don’t use a less-than-professional contractor to save money. If the roof repair isn’t completed properly, you’ll pay the price over and over again.
- Underlying problems may be ignored: Many roof problems are more than surface level. Before you pay for any repairs, ensure that the entire roof has been inspected and that you understand any issues that may be going on underneath the surface. It’s important to repair problems thoroughly rather than cover them up.
How To Maintain the Integrity of Your Roof
Use these recommendations to maintain the integrity of your roof and protect your home and family.
Take Advantage of Professional Inspections. Most reputable roofing companies will offer free inspections of the roof each year. Take advantage of this service to spot issues, correct them, and maintain your roofing warranty.
Trim Your Trees. If you have any large over-arching trees in your yard, you may want to have them trimmed regularly. These may be dangerous in heavy winds and may break off onto your roof.
Fix Shingles Quickly. Even small problems can cause big trouble if they aren’t taken care of. Any time you notice broken or missing shingles, call to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your roof.
Treat Mildew and Mold. Remove any signs of mold or mildew as soon as you notice them. These two menaces can cause serious damage to the integrity of your roof. Take preventative measures to avoid growth in the future.
Knowing What To Expect
Know what to expect from a roofing company and don’t accept anything less. Take the time to call multiple companies until you find one that you trust and are comfortable working with to complete your roof repair.
Keeping your roof protected keeps your family comfortable, healthy, and safe while increasing the energy efficiency of your home. If you’re noticing small issues with your roof, we are here to help.
For an honest, reliable (and free) roof inspection in your area, give us a call today!
