7 Signs You Need a Roof Inspection Before the Cold Season Comes
No matter what type of lifestyle we lead or how young or old we are, we all have at least one thing in common—we all need a roof over our heads. And no time does this ring more true than after the summer is gone and the wet and cold seasons are approaching.
A roof is a protective barrier that keeps the rain, snow, and cold out and shields us from the harsh elements and temperature fluctuations. Without a well-functioning roof, you’re not only as good as naked in the face of whatever nature decides to throw at you but you also run the risk of endangering all your possessions and the structural integrity of your home.
Today, we outline 7 signs that show you need to call reliable pros at San Diego-based 619 Roofing to take a look at your setup before the weather turns bad.
How do I know if my roof is OK?
While you may think that problems with roofing become apparent right away, this is not always the case. While most problems with faulty roofs can turn into a big problem practically in an instant, certain issues can build over time and prove extremely costly and disruptive to all members of your household. With roofs, it’s important not to wait and ignore indications that something is not right. Here are the 7 warning signs of a damaged roof:
1. Better safe than sorry
Sometimes it’s best that you don’t wait for a calamity to act. You can spare yourself a lot of trouble and expenses if you preempt the issues instead of waiting to take a hit first. In terms of roofing systems, age is important. If your roof is 20 years old or older, it’s highly advisable to have it checked out before the winter season starts.
2. Cracked shingles
If you notice obvious signs that your shingles are damaged or outright missing, it should serve as a clear warning sign that something is not right. While there is no cause for panic if you notice one or two shingles missing, it’s important to act vigilantly and get in touch with roofing professionals right away.
3. Roof shedding granules
Once the shingles start nearing their lifespan, the granules may start falling off on their own. If you find granules in your gutters or your backyard, it’s high time that you consider replacing your roofing. The only way to make sure that it’s not a one-off occurrence is to get pros to do a thorough inspection without delay.
4. Roof deck that sags
When roofs lose their structural integrity they can start to sag and warp. This is dangerous because your roof may come down at any moment and not only damage your home but hurt you or your loved ones. Even if only a part of your roof is warped or sagging, it’s important to react and get help ASAP.
5. Water or sunlight seeping through
When water stains start appearing on your ceiling or you notice a puddle in your attic, there is a great chance that your roofing is starting to give in. The same goes for sunlight. If you’ve spotted direct sunlight through your roof, it’s a clear indication that there are holes that require immediate attention from your trusted roofing specialists.
6. Damage to roof flashing
Sometimes the problem is not the roof as such but other parts of the installation. One of the things that can cause a lot of problems without necessarily being a big issue is flashing. Usually made of metals like galvanized steel, flashing is used to close seams around skylights, chimneys, windows, and vents and prevent water from pooling. When it gets corroded, cracked, or damaged in any way, flashing can be a nuisance so you should address it promptly.
7. Spike in your energy bills
While a one-month spike in your utility bill isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, if you notice that your energy bills are continuing to rise for no apparent reason, you should take some action before things get out of hand. A damaged roof will lose its insulating properties causing you to spend more energy to keep the place cool or warm, depending on the season.
Living with a damaged roof can not only prove uncomfortable and costly, but it’s also a serious hazard. Even if you haven’t spotted any of the issues mentioned above, it’s considered part of smart home maintenance to check the state of your roofing before the storm, hail, and wind put it through the test. As they say, prevention is better than cure, and it sure costs less!