When you think of a roof, you probably picture the sturdy cover that protects your home from the elements. It’s easy to forget about your roof until it leaks or starts to wear down, but neglecting these roofing red flags can be costly in both time and money.
Missing Shingles
If you’ve ever seen shingles scattered around your lawn, or flapping in the wind it may be time to make some repairs. The shingles on your roof all work together to properly shed moisture and debris safely off of your roof. So if your roof has missing or loose shingles it can be a sign that your home is no longer fully protected from harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind and ice storms.
Bald Shingles
The aggregate, or granules, on the surface of shingles helps protect the under layers of your roof system from the sun. As your roof ages, your shingles can start to deteriorate allowing these granules to loosen up and deposit themselves directly in your gutters, downspouts and around the foundation of your home. This not only looks unsightly, but it also can indicate that your shingles are ready to be replaced.
Sagging Roof
If you start to notice your roof sinking or sagging in certain spots, it could be a potentially serious situation. A sagging roof can be a sign of damage or partial failure in the structure and support systems of your roof. Many homes can develop sags due to excessive weight placed on the roof like after a heavy snowfall in winter, but a sagging roof can also be caused by more serious damage like rotting wood or foundation settling. If the roof is not repaired, the entire roof structure could be jeopardized. If you notice your roof is sagging or sinking, contact a roofing company to have a trained professional take a look and recommend appropriate repairs.
Moss, Mildew and Algae
Moss, mildew and algae growth can be more than a cosmetic issue. Moss, in particular, holds moisture against your roof’s surface and over time in freezing climates can cause damage to the granules on the top of the shingles. If you’ve started to notice moss starting to grow on your roof it could be a sign that your roof is retaining too much moisture. Mildew and algae will usually only grow once moss is already present on the roof. Moss, mildew and algae is a typical good indicator that your roof may have moisture problems resulting from improper ventilation, poor gutter design, climate control systems or ice damming damage during the winter seasons. While moss, mildew and algae can be brushed off if you don’t fix the underlying issue it will typically just grow back again.
Age
Are your neighbors starting to get new roofs? Homes built around the same time period typically experience the same types of weather conditions as well. So if your other homes in your neighborhood are needing to replace their roofs, you might want to start keeping a close eye on yours. A routine roofing inspection can help assess the health and stability of your roofing system and should be able to help you make any necessary repairs or start planning for a full replacement.
You have to be careful when you are trying to find the right roofing contractor. There are many red flags that can come up during a consultation or estimate appointment and it is important not to overlook any of them. If you want an honest, professional opinion on your roofing situation, call us at JCM Roofing (716) 249-0979 today or fill out our contact form.