Replacing a roof costs thousands of dollars. So having repairs made when problems are noticed will save you a lot in the long run.
The roof is an essential part of your home’s structure – but it won’t last forever. Most asphalt shingle roofs tend to last 20 years or up to 30 years at most. If your roof begins to fail, and you don’t notice, this can lead to costly water damage, mold, and other serious issues. But how do you know when it is time for roofing repairs?
Visible Patches of Damaged Shingles on Your Roof
If your roof is beginning to wear out, one of the most easy-to-recognize signs is if multiple shingles in an area are damaged, loose, or have fallen away from your roof completely. It’s common for patches of shingles to fail together because water can more easily wear down surrounding shingles once a single shingle is damaged.
You don’t have to go up to your roof to look for damaged shingles, either. Using a pair of binoculars, scan the roof and look for any obvious signs of damage. These sections can be replaced in some cases, but if you have lots of damaged shingles, it may make more sense to replace the entire roof.
Asphalt Granules In Gutters or Near Downspouts
Asphalt shingles have a layer of granules on top of them that help protects the shingles from the elements. Over time, though, the adhesive that holds these granules together will begin to deteriorate. If you start to notice lots of granules in your gutters, near your downspouts, or in other areas of your yard, you may need to start budgeting for a new roof.
Water Stains in Your Attic or On Your Ceiling
When your roof starts to fail and leak, the first sign inside your home is usually water stains on your ceiling or in your attic. It would help if you made it a habit to go up in your attic at least once per year to look for signs of water damage and leaks.
In particular, you should look around pipe vents, chimneys, openings for skylights, and any other openings that may exist in your roof – these are the parts of the roof structure that are the most vulnerable to water damage.
Large Patches of Moss or Algae On Your Roof
A little bit of moss or algae is common on a roof and can be cleaned away with a quick power wash of the roof and an antimicrobial treatment.
But if there are large patches or sections of your roof that seem always to be covered with moss or algae, this may indicate a problem with the roof – a lot of moisture is likely gathering underneath the shingles leading to the continued growth of moss and other vegetation.
NJ Roof Repair
At Gateway Realty & Home Services, we are always here to help homeowners in New Jersey with home inspections and repairs. If you think your roof may need some repair, contact us online now, or give us a call at (732) 749-8700 to set up a roof inspection right away – and get the help you need.
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