If your roof is damaged, it can lead to many problems. Water may leak in and cause mold to grow, or the structure could collapse and injure someone. That's why it's essential to catch roof damage early on before it can do too much harm. But how can you tell if your roof is damaged? Here are six signs to watch for.
Shingles that are cracked, curled, or missing
The roof of your house is crucial in protecting the interior from extreme weather conditions, so it's essential to check for any damage before the problem becomes too severe. One of the most common signs of roof damage is missing, cracked, or curled shingles. If you notice that multiple shingles need repair, it may be time to look further into replacing them. Be sure to carefully inspect every area of your roof and any flashing around chimneys or vents so that you stay proactive in keeping your home safe and secure all year round.
On average, the cost to replace missing or damaged shingles ranges between $1,500 and $2,000. This is because a residential roofing project can be labor-intensive, as it requires removing old shingles and installing new ones in their place. You may also need to replace the felt paper or underlayment underneath, which can add additional cost to the project.
Granules from asphalt shingles washing away in gutters
While most homeowners realize their roofs should be checked regularly for damage, it's easy to let those inspections slip your mind. But taking the time to inspect your roof can save you thousands of dollars in repairs later. One of the biggest giveaways of a damaged roof is noticing granules from asphalt shingles washing away in the gutters.
These granules provide a protective shield against UV rays, but if they start washing away in your gutters, that indicates that your shingles are beginning to fail and need to be replaced as soon as possible. If you see this evidence during one of your regular roof inspections, make sure to call a qualified roofer to come out and look.
Daylight shining through the roof
While regular inspections are crucial to keeping your roof in prime condition, it pays to be vigilant between these check-ins. One of the most evident signs of roof damage is visible light streaming through the roof from outside. If you can spot any beams of bright daylight within your ceiling, no matter how small or intermittent, you know that fixes need to be made. The longer you wait to make repairs, the more damage and expense could occur, so don't hesitate to contact a professional if you start seeing any evidence of a breach in the integrity of your roof.
Stains on ceilings or walls
Another warning sign you should look out for is stains on your ceilings or walls, as they could be leaks from your roof. If you leave it unchecked, these severe yet minor damages can lead to unreasonable repair and replacement costs in the future. So keeping an eye out for water spots on walls and ceilings and addressing any potential issues are essential to protect your home investment adequately.
Molds or mildew growing inside the house
One of the tell-tale signs of roof damage is molds or mildews growing inside the home. This usually occurs when a roof leak has gone undetected, allowing the moisture to seep in and cause mold and mildew to spread. In addition to spotting them in your home, other clues include discoloration on ceilings or walls, peeling paint, water pooling in areas known as plaster stains, and any unusual changes in the smell. If you spot anything out of the ordinary, have a qualified roofer inspect the problem immediately so that you can rectify it before it causes any severe damage.
Musty smell coming from the attic.
Roof damage is often hard to detect until it's too late, so being proactive and inspecting your roof regularly is essential. One of the earliest warning signs of roof damage is a musty smell from the attic. This might be an indication of water or moisture infiltration in the home. To verify if that's the case, have an experienced inspector come in and evaluate the problem. A thorough roof inspection will help identify if any additional warning signs should be addressed early on before more significant problems arise later. Taking care of minor roof issues right away can protect your home from major structural repairs in the future.
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If you have these six warning signs, it is time to call a roofing contractor for an inspection. Your roof is one of the essential parts of your home, and it needs to be in good condition to protect you and your family from the elements. Don't wait until it's too late – if you think there may be a problem with your roof, give a roofer a call today.
