When it comes to money, there are plenty of things we would love to spend it on. A new roof probably isn’t one of them. In fact, it’s probably so far down on the list that you’re tempted to put it off for years and years. It’s a huge investment, but avoiding problems rarely (if ever) solves them. If you see any of the following telltale signs of a compromised roof, it’s time for a new one.
Rodents in the Roof
The only animals that should be in your home are your pets. If you start to find unwanted guests, especially in your attic, there’s a good chance these rodents took advantage of a hole in or around the roof. And once they’re in, they can be difficult to evict. They aren’t just annoying, either. These critters have a tendency to chew holes through interior spaces of your home as well.
If that’s not enough to kick you into action, keep in mind that many rodents carry diseases, which poses a danger to everyone in your home.
Interior Water Damage
One huge function of a roof is to keep water out of your home. If you’re noticing wet or discolored spots on your walls and ceilings, that’s a big red flag. In many cases, the water damage isn’t just directly under the weak point in the roof, either. Because of water’s adhesive qualities, it can easily travel along the mazes of pipes and other “bones” of your home and end up in unexpected places.
The best time to spot these weaknesses is during or after heavy rainfall or hail, when you can catch the water in the act.
Moss
If it’s on your roof, this fuzzy green stuff is more than just an eyesore. Moss has an amazing ability to hold plenty of moisture, which can cause damage over time to the granules on your shingles.
If you catch this problem early enough, your roof may be salvageable. In this case, we recommend having the moss removed by professional contractors rather than trying to do it yourself. If the moss has been there for a long time, however, it’s probably caused irreparable damage.
Your Roof is More Than 15 Years Old
Even if your roof was constructed and installed by the best roofers in the world, it will eventually need to be replaced. No matter how well you take care of it, time will eventually dictate that your house needs a new top. If you’re pushing two decades since your roof first covered your home, start planning.
Curled, Cracked, or Missing Shingles
Shingles should be flat against your roof. If it isn’t flat, it’s misbehaving and causing damage. When this happens, the shingles have outlived their usefulness. They will eventually detach entirely, leaving major weak spots where water can get in and cause further damage to your home.
These damaged shingles aren’t always easy to spot, though. Keep an eye out for pieces of shingles, or even large amounts of detached granules, that will indicate a faulty roof. If you’re finding these frequently, your roof is likely failing in its function.
So You Need a New Roof…
If you’ve noticed any of the above issues, you should start planning for a new roof. Luckily, we know some people! Get in touch with us, and we’ll set to work giving your home the new, improved, sturdy roof it deserves!