Worried about your roof holding up for the upcoming winter season?
Your roof should keep you dry and warm throughout the snowy, windy, and rainy months of the year. If your roof is leaking or not holding up, then you may need a roof repair.
In this article, we are going to go over some things to look for when trying to determine if you need to call in a professional.
Keep reading to find out more!
Roof Repair
Let’s go over five signs to look for when trying to decide if you need to have your roof repaired. Knowing about these factors will help you determine if you need to call in an expert or not.
1. Wind Tears Off Your Shingles
When you are inside on a windy night, and wind gusts are up to 50 mph, it may not be a huge concern. For an aging roof, however, a massive gust of wind could lead to needing a roof repair right away.
You can experience a leak when the underside of shingles is exposed. If your roof is older, check how your shingles are after a windstorm.
If some shingles are missing, you might have to replace the section of damaged ones. If it’s a more extensive section, you may need a roof replacement.
However, the good news is, if the damage has only occurred on one side, you may just need a partial replacement.
Other tears can occur when pipes, vents, chimneys, or other objects pierce your roof. This is where further deterioration can occur. The good news is the fixes can be confined to those areas.
If shingles are cracked, curled, or missing, these are indications that the lifespan of the shingles is nearing the end. If you see a lot of these types, you may need to consider having your roof replaced.
Another factor to consider is if your shingles are wet, dark, or dirty. If moisture is being trapped in the shingles, they are not doing their job.
Ice creates a freeze-thaw action and can erode at shingles and your entire roof.
After a snow or hail storm, when snow accumulates on the roof and the ice thaws, water will move under loose shingles. If the water freezes again under the shingle, it will cause them to expand.
Winter weather can cause severe leaking and damage. Keep an eye on your home or attic during this season to make sure you aren’t experiencing this type of problem.
2. There’s Been an Impact on the Roof
During a snowstorm or windstorm, sometimes some dangers are above your roof such as tree branches. Trees are beautiful. As they get older, they can fall down entirely or lose limbs.
If a massive tree or branch falls on your home, it’s possible that the roofing could be removed and punctured. Your home could be susceptible to leaks.
3. Animals Have Visited Your Roof
Having a flock of birds visit your house is fine, but animals like raccoons, squirrels, and woodpeckers can chew holes in siding and roofing or nest there.
If you’ve begun to notice unusual or new animal activity around your roof, make sure you examine to see if there are any holes.
Most invading animals are seeking shelter from the elements. Animals are often attracted to the protective heat source in the attic. They will ruin a roof’s covering to gain access to this dark and warm space.
Raccoons, squirrels, and rats often target attics and roofs as a place to nest. Bats and birds may also try to build nests inside gutters, chimneys, and attics.
Animals enter the roofs through the soffit vents. They will tear at the material surrounding it or make a hole big enough so they can squeeze inside. They also will try and bore through rotting wood and remove shingles.
Make sure tree branches are trimmed nearby your house. If there are overhanging branches, animals will easily climb onto your roof’s surface.
Clear out debris from your gutters regularly. This will deter birds from nesting in that space and help water continue to drain.
Also, keep an eye on your attic. Look out for nesting material and droppings.
These are signs that animals have been there.
4. Your Gutters Need to Be Repaired or Replaced
Gutters can cause problems that lead all the way from the channel to the rooftop.
When gutters are clogged with buildup, debris, or frozen with ice and snow, water can be backed up. This can damage and loosen roofing, and lead to leaks.
When there are shingle granules in gutters, this also can be a sign that your roof needs repair. Asphalt or composite shingles shed their granules when they begin to wear out.
The granules will often appear in your gutters. Check your gutter for granules that look like coarse black sand.
5. Sagging Roof Deck
If you see that the rafters or decking in your attic is beginning to sag downwards instead of remaining straight, there may be a leak. If it’s in a specific spot, you could potentially have that fixed and avoid an entire roof replacement.
Is a Roof Replacement Always Necessary?
The positive news is, you may not need to replace the whole roof even if it’s leaking. Sometimes, if you repair sections, you can stop additional problems. You may replace roofing near your gutters.
Try to take preventative measures when you can. Clear off debris in the gutters and make sure that snow doesn’t pile up too slowly on your roof after a big storm.
Contact Us Today
We hope you found this article about signs to look for when deciding if you need a roof repair helpful.
Remember to keep an eye on your roof after a particularly windy or snowy day. You want to see that your roof can hold up during these storms but also call in an expert if damage occurs.
Are you interested in having your roof inspected? Call us today! We would love to chat with you.
