Roof Repair – Avoid Water Stains & Damage

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 essential to 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 entirely. 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, replacing the entire roof may make more sense.

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. You may need to start budgeting for a new roof if you notice lots of granules in your gutters, near your downspouts, or in other areas of your yard.

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 yearly 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 always seem 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.