You don’t need a telepathic message from the great roofer in the sky to know that it’s time for roofing repair. All you need to know are the right signs to recognize that your roof is in trouble. Here’s what to look for to know that it’s time for an Ann Arbor roofing intervention:
Expiring Shingles:Are the edges of your shingles curled? Can you see cracks in any of your roof’s shingles? Can you count a few that are even missing? Yikes. They should be replaced right away! Shingles don’t last forever. Cracks and curls are sure signs they are heaving their last gasps.
Darkened Shingles: Take a long look at your shingles. Do they appear darker than they should? Would you describe them as appearing wet or coated with grime and dirt? They very well could be wet. Although water does follow gravity and roll off your roof, dislodged or damaged shingles may not be doing their job properly. You could have water seeping underneath that layer of shingles and becoming trapped.
Gutter Granules:When rainfall is filling your home’s gutters and pouring out of the downspout, do you notice a residue of shingle granules after the storm subsides? That coarse, dark sand you see lining the splash block under the downspout may have been washed there from degrading shingles.
Roof Extensions:What kind of objects are extending from your roof? When is the last time you inspected chimneys and vents for signs of deterioration? Just as shingles don’t last forever, neither do the seals around flashings that prevent water leakage into the seams of your roof extensions.
Blisters & Peels:Your home’s roof is the first line of defense against the elements. Often we only think of our roof’s integrity after a storm with high winds or sleet and hail. But sun can be just as damaging. The searing effects of Summer temperature extremes can intensify the effects of humidity. Look for blistering or peeling paint along your eaves and roofline. This could be a sign that your gutter is experiencing prime conditions for failure.
Interior Stains:Discoloration on ceilings and walls may be a sign of water intrusion. Where is it coming from? The most likely culprits are faulty seals around windows or a leak in the roof. Don’t hesitate to call an expert to perform a professional inspection. You could be in for some very expensive and extensive structural repairs if you wait too long.
Attic Moisture:How often do you venture up to your attic space after a storm? When you have weathered some heavy rainfall, it pays to check out the rafters and decking in the attic for traces of moisture.
Sagging:Signs of sagging in the structural elements of your attic are strong indicators of the long-term effects of moisture intrusion. You need an inspection straight-away.
Light Intrusion:If light can intrude into your attic, so can water. Make a cursory inspection during the day with interior attic lights turned off. If you notice any fine cracks of daylight getting through, then your attic is set for water invasion through those same inconspicuous openings.
Utility Bills:Where roofing problems are concerned, just follow the money! If you have suddenly seen a spike in heating and cooling bills, even though utility rates have not changed, you might be leaking A/C and heat somewhere. A likely place to start your investigation is the ventilation system in your attic and the roof.
Why take the risk of venturing up on your roof? Leave that to the professionals. For any concerns you have about your roof’s integrity, please contact us and schedule an inspection. If it’s been longer than 12 months since your last inspection, it’s definitely time for an expert to check things out.
