You probably pay attention to your lawn. You also take an occasional walk around your house, checking for any signs of foundation damage or roof damage.
However, when was the last time you looked up at your roof? Without a roof, you’re dealing with everything from rain and snow to whatever wildlife decides to move into your home.
While spotting missing shingles is relatively easy, you may not even need to grab a ladder, but do you know the other common warning signs of roof trouble for homeowners? We’re addressing homeowners’ top roofing issues so you know what to look for before they become serious and expensive problems.
Missing and Damaged Shingles
The shingles do more than add aesthetic appeal to a property. The overlapping shingles keep the weather and wildlife out of your home. Missing, broken, and curling shingles are common signs of roof damage.
All types of shingles can degrade over time. Your roof has a life expectancy that can range anywhere from 30 to 50 years and more. However, even if your roof has a lifespan stretching several decades, shingles can still be damaged.
Strong winds can tear shingles off of roofs, and over time, this can create leaks. Since you probably don’t want rainwater leaking into your attic, it’s a good idea to immediately replace any missing or broken shingles.
Tree Branches
Trees are an asset in almost any yard. They provide shade, helping to reduce cooling costs in the summer. Not to mention the environmental benefits you get from having trees on your property.
While you probably don’t want to grab a chainsaw and chop the trees down, they can damage your roof. This can be especially true after a strong wind or rainstorm.
Twigs and branches are often blown down and land on your roof. Small tree branches probably aren’t going to damage your roof, but you don’t want to leave the limbs lying around.
Grab a ladder and remove all tree branches, twigs, and leaves from your roof. Check for any signs of broken, loose, or missing shingles. If the shingles are damaged, it’s time to call the roofing professionals.
You may also want to contact professional tree trimmers to remove any large branches growing too close to or over your roof.
Water Stains
Okay, you can’t check for signs of water stains after a rainstorm. Your roof is going to be wet. However, if you start noticing water stains on the ceiling or paint bubbling on the upper portion of the walls, it may be a sign of a leaking roof.
This is an issue you want to immediately address. Once water starts getting inside your home, you may be dealing with everything from mold and mildew to eventual structural damage.
Thankfully, you don’t need to wait until a water spot forms on your ceiling to tell if your roof leaks. Check the nails in your attic for signs of frosting. You can also look for cracked caulking around the windows.
Inadequate Ventilation
Roofs need to breathe, and this isn’t a suggestion. Roofs with inadequate ventilation can lead to some serious problems that may even adversely affect your health.
Humidity can build up in your attic without roof ventilation. The warm, moist air is an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow.
The lack of ventilation can also lead to higher energy bills and this is something every homeowner wants to avoid. Warm air is trapped in the attic during the summer.
In the winter, cold air stays in your house. How do you know if your roof is ventilated? You can check for vents along the roofline. You can also call a roofing specialist to inspect your roof.
Wildlife is Moving In
You may love all types of animals. You may even be a passionate supporter of animal rights. This doesn’t mean you want critters moving into your attic and eventually making their way downstairs.
After all, who wants to wander into the kitchen only to find a raccoon or squirrel making themselves at home?
If you suspect you have unwanted house guests, you may want to lay out a few humane traps. You also want to check your roof for any entry points.
If you find an entry point, even a tiny hole from a missing shingle, make a note of the location. This will make it easier for the roofing professionals to find and resolve the problem.
Rusty Gutters
Leaky, rusty gutters can easily damage your roof. Gutter leaks are typically caused by expansion and contraction around rusty seams.
There’s a chance you’re not going to need to replace your gutters if you catch the problem early enough. You can also prevent or at least minimize any potential roof damage.
The easiest way to stop the leak is by covering the damaged area with roof and gutter repair tape. You can find repair tape at most hardware stores and home improvement centers.
Your roofing maintenance professional can also come out and repair your gutters. If you’re tackling the project on your own, remove rust with a wire brush and scrape out tar with a putty knife before applying the repair tape.
Your Gutter Apron is Missing
Gutters are a vital part of your home’s roof. If you’re missing the gutter apron, you’re risking roof damage. When water flows off the edge of your roof, some of it gets into the underside of the shingles and drips toward the fascia.
If you have gutters but no gutter apron to stop the water, it will pool behind the gutter. Eventually, things like the fascia, soffits, and even the roof sheathing will start to rot.
You may see water stains below the gutter on the fascia and soffit. This is a sure sign that the gutter apron is missing.
Roof Damage Prevention: When to Inspect and Call a Pro
Your roof has a lifespan, but this doesn’t mean you should forget about it until it’s time for a replacement.
Checking your roof after storms and periodically throughout the year is the best way to prevent any potential issues. If a problem pops up, call a roofing specialist.
