7 Signs of Damages to Look for During a Roof Inspection

In the US, 6 out of every 10 people own their home. If you own a property, then you will know that there are many benefits to this. It includes security and financial investment. However, owning a property also means that you are wholly responsible for repairing any damage that occurs to it. Especially when it comes to the roof.

The roof is a key part of any house that you simply would not be able to live there without. For every homeowner, regular checking and inspection of the roof to look for signs that it may be in need of repairs or even a full replacement is just one part of home ownership.

All roofs will suffer damage from time to time. It can be due to the weather or general wear. The roofs tear as they get older. It’s important to identify damage as early as possible. It is to make sure that repairs are carried out before they get too bad. In many cases, it’s much cheaper and easier to repair your roof early on rather than paying for a full replacement. Here are some of the big warning signs that you should never ignore. If you notice one of these on your roof, get it repaired immediately.

1. Weather Damage

Bear in mind that extreme weather can cause problems with an otherwise healthy roof. It is always important to inspect your roof carefully after any period of bad weather. It is important particularly storms and heavy snowfall. A storm can cause serious damage to the overall structure of the roof. So, inspecting as soon as the weather clears up will give you the chance to make any necessary repairs quickly before the damage worsens.

2. Leaks

Leaks in the roof are not always immediately obvious. So, it’s important to regularly check the structure to actively try and find one. Bear in mind that your roof might look fine from the exterior even if it is leaking. More often than not, the signs that you will notice when your roof has a leak are going to be inside the home.

Damp patches, paint blistering, cracking, stains and chips on any woodwork that is close to the ceiling on your upper floor are some of the most common signs. There might be a leak in the roof to be aware of. Inspecting the roof to find the entry point is essential. If you can’t find where the leak might be coming from, get in touch with these Michigan roofers who can help.

3. Missing Shingles

Roof shingles are a part of the roof that are often subject to extreme temperature changes throughout the year. After some time of going through multiple seasons, they are likely to show some signs of wear and tear. In some cases, this could include shingles that are missing from the roof. If you’re noticing gaps and bald patches on your roof, this is typically a result of shingles. These have become loose over time This has eventually been blown away from your roof by the wind. This can lead to more serious issues such as leaks in the roof. This is why it’s important to always have missing roof shingles repaired as soon as possible.

4. Dark Patches

Are areas of your roof appear to be darker than the others? This can usually mean that a repair is needed even if your roof is structurally sound otherwise. Dark patches on the roof will usually happen as a result of water retention. It can cause moss to grow on the roof. Moss is a plant that can grow with very few nutrients as long as there is a continuous supply of water. While it might not always be visible in small patches, any moss that you have noticed on your roof could turn out to be a more serious issue than you would expect, as it can contribute to damage to the shingles, leaks, rot and other problems.

5. Roof Sagging

A sagging roof can be the result of various different reasons; however, one of the main things to know is that any type of sagging in the roof should never be ignored. A roof that is getting weaker over time might end up sagging due to the weight of the shingles. If your roof is not that old and you’ve noticed sagging, it may be due to an incorrect installation and it is worth checking if your roof is still under warranty as it will need to be rectified.

In the winter months, bad weather such as snow can lead to a sagging roof simply due to the additional weight that is placed on the structure, and a roof that is old and weak is at a very high risk of collapsing underneath it all.

6. Cracked or Buckling Shingles

Roof shingles will deteriorate over time. If your shingles are not new, you may notice some problems with them when you are inspecting your roof – most commonly this shows up as cracking or buckling or the shingles. Damaged shingles can lead to a range of roof problems such as leaks in the roof and can also bring down the overall curb appeal and aesthetics of your home. If your roof has shingle damage, it will usually show up as some parts of the roof appearing to be more textured than others.

7. Gutter Debris

All gutters will collect some debris, and items like leaves and dirt are not usually much of a cause for concern, since the gutters are there to collect anything that might damage your roof and, most importantly, collect water and direct it away from your property to reduce the risk of leaks. Regular gutter cleaning and maintenance is important for not only keeping the gutters themselves in top condition but also to learn more about the condition of your roof. Excess gravel in your gutters can sometimes mean that the roof shingles are damaged and coming apart, causing debris that is being caught in the gutter.

The roof is one of the most important parts of the home’s structure. Regular inspections give you the chance to find early signs of damage and repair them as soon as possible.