A roof is a significant part of your home. It protects you and your family from the weather outside, and it can even help with heating and cooling inside. A leaking roof can cause several problems, from water damage to mold growth on ceilings and walls. This article will discuss some warning signs that you have a leaky roof that needs replacing before doing any more damage.
Shingles Are Missing or Curling
One of the most obvious signs that your roof needs to be replaced is large sections of shingles missing. If you can see the roof decking or insulation, it’s time for a new roof. Curling shingles may also be an indication that your roof is in bad shape, and if more than half of your shingles are curled, it’s likely time for a new roof.
Mold or Fungi Is Growing on the Roof
Another common sign that your roof might be leaking is fungi or mold growing on it. You may see this in several places or just a single area where water seems to pool up and not drain away from the house. If you can see an accumulation of organic material such as moss, fungus, algae, lichen, etc., there’s likely a leak somewhere around your home. This means replacing your roof before wet rot sets in and causes even more damage than you started with.
Leaky Roof
Another clear sign that your roof needs to be replaced is if you notice water leaking into your house, especially during rainstorms. It means that your roof is not waterproof anymore, which is one of the most important aspects of a roof. The water may be coming from a hole in the ceiling, an area around pipes, or even through walls where there are gaps between shingles and siding. This usually happens because water has worked its way behind the sheetrock to find any opening it can squeeze through. If you notice water leaks, contact professionals so that you can have your roof repaired or replaced depending on the extent of the damage.
Water is Pooling On the Ground Near the House
If you see water pooled on the ground near your home, likely, there is also water seeping into your foundation. This can cause all sorts of expensive repairs down the road if not taken care of right away. A new roof might be just what you need to keep your home in good condition and avoid any costly repairs down the line.
The roof sags or has holes.
If you walk on your roof and it feels spongy or bouncy, this is a sign that the decking underneath the shingles is rotting. This can also be caused by water damage, as mentioned previously. Another sign that you need to call roofers is if you see large roof areas where there are missing tiles or broken slates. If there are holes in the roof, rain and snow will get into the attic and cause extensive damage over time.
Visible Cracks On the Walls
Cracks between exterior walls can also indicate that your roof should be replaced immediately because it’s causing some structural damage to the rest of your house. It could cause weak spots where doors and windows won’t close properly or gaps underneath siding where rodents can get in.
The Roof is Old
Roofs usually last between 15 and 20 years, depending on the climate and how well it was installed. If your roof is older than that, it may be time to call roofers and look into getting a new roof because roof repairs are not worth what you will spend on them. Many homeowners find just enough damage to justify spending thousands of dollars every few years repairing their existing roofs instead of making small fixes each year until they need replacing completely at some point down the road. It’s easier to go ahead with an entire replacement while everything still looks nice rather than wait until there’s more extensive damage before starting all over again.
Your Attic is Hot and Sweaty
Another sign that you might need a new roof is if your attic is excessively hot and sweaty. This usually happens when there’s a lot of heat escaping through the roof, which means you’re losing money on heating and cooling bills. You may also notice moisture or condensation on the inside of your attic windows.
Bald Spots On Your Roof
If you notice bald spots on your roof, it means that the shingles are either old and brittle or have been damaged by weather. In either case, these areas are susceptible to water damage and should be fixed right away before the problem gets worse.
Dark Streaks
If you happen to notice dark streaks on your roof, there is likely an accumulation of algae or fungus growing there. This can be a sign of water damage and should be addressed as soon as possible. The streaks will only worsen over time and may lead to even more expensive repairs down the road.
A Roof Inspection
One of the most obvious signs that you need a roof replacement is if an inspection by a professional shows there’s extensive water and heat damage. The roofing contractor may also see other problems that you can’t see from the ground, such as decaying wood or a faulty flashing installation. If there is extensive damage and your roof is more than 15 years old, it’s likely time for a new one.
If you’re seeing any warning signs of a damaged roof, it’s time to call a roofing company and get an estimate for a new roof or roof repair. It may seem like a lot of money upfront, but it will save you in the long run by preventing further damage to your home. A new roof will also increase your property value and make your home much more energy-efficient.
It is interesting to me that you suggest hiring professionals to replace your roof if it is older than 15-20 years. My parents have had their current roof since they moved into that house about 17 years ago. I will recommend that they get their roof replaced in order to prevent any damages or issues that come with age.