If your home is like a human body, then your roof is the umbrella that protects you from the harm that may come from natural elements. That said, it’s important to make sure that your roof is sturdy and free of any damage. While it’s okay to be like those people who believe in their own hands and don’t trust third parties when it comes to the construction of their houses, sometimes the better alternative is to seek the help of professionals.
So how will you know when it’s time to call on a reliable local roofing company such as Superior Roofing? Watch out for these five signs to know when it’s time to hire roofers:
- Leaks
You’d have to be out of the house all the time to not notice when your roof is leaking. Leaks can be caused by damages to your roof’s metal flashing (which is a material used to transition from the roof to the ceiling) or the rubber seals around the chimney, skylight, or vents.
You can identify leaks by searching for any water spots on the ceiling. Another trick is to visit your attic during the day and block out any light. When sunlight peeks through the roof, it means your roof is thin enough for water to get through.
Ignoring a leaking roof is dangerous. All that water damage can compromise the structural integrity of your home and make way for:
- The growth of mildew and molds;
- Electrical hazards, and;
- Falls and slips.
You can prevent a leaky roof from being a nuisance in the future by securing leak-prone areas and installing sturdy metal flashing.
- Damaged or Missing Shingles
Shingles are a covering for your roof that are laid out individually or in an overlapping manner. They can also be made of various materials such as metal, slate, or wood.
The most common cause for damaged or missing shingles is harsh weather, which can cause many inconveniences for other aspects of home care. Fortunately, Barrington doesn’t experience a lot of strong winds. Still, shingles may also crack and break due to old age. You can tell if it’s time to replace your roof shingles if it’s showing any of the following signs:
- Cupping – This occurs when the shingles curl at the edges due to old age, improper installation, or insufficient ventilation.
- Lost shingle granules – Some shingles, like the ones made from asphalt, are made with ceramic granules that become loose with time and intense weather exposure.
- Shingles in your backyard – Whole pieces of shingles that were blown away is the most serious sign. Act fast before your entire roof gets blown off.
To prevent damage to your roof shingles, ensure you’re installing top-quality ones. The most popular kind are the ones made from composite asphalt which has a life expectancy of 15 to 50 years depending on the materials used and the caliber of the installation.
- Moss
Moss growth is caused by the rotting of the wood beneath the shingles, and at its worst it can cause shingles to come right off. During cool and humid weather, which is the case in Barrington when it’s December, moss can grow anywhere its spores can reach and develop.
Although some people don’t think much of moss and even see it as an aesthetic feature, when left alone on a roof it can create serious damage. To prevent that, spot moss early by looking for the following signs:
- Spongy and green clumps on your roof;
- Loose shingles, and;
- Water spots.
You can prevent moss from growing on your roof by having professional roofers do either of the following:
- Install strips of zinc or copper beneath the shingling of the roof, or:
- Install algae-resistant shingles
- Sinking Roof Deck
The entire roofing system rests on the sheathing. When it becomes rotten, your whole roof can sink and sag. You can identify a sagging roof by looking at the intersections of the two roof planes, also called the ridges.
Compared to the other items on this list, this is more of a major issue. If you’re dealing with this be sure to hire professional roofers right away to avoid collapse.
- Increased Humidity in Your Home
When your roof harbors a lot of moisture, the humidity in your home is likely to increase. This can mainly be centered on the attic, so don’t shrug this off just because you don’t stay in that space often. A humid environment is a good place for molds, water stains, and discoloration to prosper.
If you’re not conscious about the signs mentioned above that your roof may be in trouble, then you’re risking the safety of yourself and your family under your very own house. So don’t hesitate to call any local roofing company if you spot even just the beginning of a roofing issue.
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