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You know your roof is bad when it starts leaking or not performing as it should. Your roof’s integrity is tested over time. Whether or not your roof is well maintained, it will eventually require replacement or repair. But how can you tell it’s time for roof adjustments? Certain signs outside and inside the house can help you identify a bad roof.
Signs from outside the house
You can easily detect these signs during an exterior inspection or when spending time outside your home.
1. Missing or damaged shingles
Your roof can be damaged by severe weather conditions or poor workmanship. This can lead to damaged or missing shingles, exposing potential leaks and structural issues such as rotting. Such shingles should be replaced immediately to avoid further destruction to the roof and house.
2. Curled, cracked, or blistering shingles
Cracked, curled, or blistered shingles are apparent signs of a poorly performing roof, which can be seen from the ground. Repairs can be done if only a few cracks, curls, and blisters exist. However, the roof may need a complete replacement when the damage is extensive.
3. Granules in your gutters
When your roof is exposed to weather elements like wind, rain, and sun, shingle granules—tiny, gritty particles that make up the shingle surface—may come off over time. In most cases, you will notice the granules once they have been washed into your downspouts.
Shingle granules in your gutter are a clear sign of an aging roof. When the roof heavily sheds off the granules, it’s time for a replacement.
4. Moss or algae growth
Algae and moss appear similar, and both thrive in humid and rainy roof areas with plenty of shade and enough moisture. Their growth on your roof is not only unsightly but also damaging. Moss or algae can erode shingles and damage the layers.
The existence of algae and moss on your roof, if untreated, can cause severe structural damage. When moss grows on your roof, it causes shingles to crack, allowing water to penetrate, seeping into the wood and walls. It also leads to mold growth in your home, resulting in allergic reactions and other conditions.
5. Damaged flashing
Roof flashing is the backbone of your roof. It reduces leaks and prevents moisture-related problems in the home. An ideal roof flashing system also prevents the development of mold and dampness, which weaken the roof structure.
Flashing involves metal strips attached to the roof’s edge and seams to protect it. Damaged flashing may be due to faulty technicians or seasonal temperature fluctuations, warping the metal strips. Once bents or cracks damage your flashing, moisture can quickly run inside the seams, which can be problematic during heavy rains.
Signs from inside the house
A lousy roof may show interior signs, indicating the problem is escalating. Some of these signs include:
1. Leaks
Dark spots and discoloration on your ceiling indicate the roof is leaking. The leakage may result from broken shingles, cracked flashing or chimneys, clogged gutters, etc. Therefore, immediately after you experience leakage, you must inspect your roof to determine its extent. It will help you decide whether or not you need a repair or replacement.
2. Mold or mildew growth
Most homeowners do not take mold and mildew growth seriously until it penetrates inside their homes and becomes a risk hazard. Mold is similar to mildew, but unlike mildew, which remains flat on surfaces, mold penetrates where it inhabits. Mold and mildew can result in wood rot and eroding asphalt in shingles, affecting your roof’s performance.
Most people can get allergies or irritations when it comes to mold dangers. However, individuals with suppressed immune systems will most likely suffer from serious mold infections.
3. Rotting wood
You don’t need to see your neighbors replacing their roofs to know yours is terrible. Rotting wood indicates a lousy roof, which may have developed fungal growth and moisture, ruining its stability.
Dry wood rot can spread like wildfire to other wood areas in your home, damaging its structure. When wet wood rots, you will have to deal with discoloration with unattractive dark patches on affected areas in your home, which is unpleasant.
4. High energy bills
In a well-insulated home, energy bills should remain stable. Consequently, a surge in the energy bills shows something’s amiss. Sometimes, the sudden leap is due to roof leaks that allow water to penetrate your home during rains, damaging your insulation material while allowing the cool air to escape through the roof. When insulation absorbs the leaking water, it loses its R-value (thermal resistance), resulting in higher-than-average energy bills.
Inspecting your home’s interior and exterior regularly to detect these signs of a bad roof at an early stage is essential. You will be able to assess the situation and make the right call. If the problem is extensive, call a professional for roof repair or replacement to prevent further damage to your home. By learning how to tell if you need a new roof, you can save yourself money and hassle in the long run.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In some cases, your homeowner’s insurance may cover roof repair or replacement. This will depend on the cause of the damage. For example, if your roof is damaged by hail or wind, your insurance might cover the repairs. However, damage caused by normal wear and tear is typically not covered. Be sure to check with your insurance company to see what your policy covers.
