Your roof is the first line of defense against adverse weather, the blazing sun, and even pests trying to get in from above. To know when it’s time for roof repair or replacement, you should take the time to inspect your roof for possible red flags so you can avoid dealing with expensive and extensive damage.
Why It’s Important to Identify Roof Damage Early
If your roof is not properly cared for, it can lead to a lot of damage that becomes costly to fix! When your roof is damaged, this usually means a portion of the roof is exposed to the elements, which can lead to interior damage as moisture gets under the shingles and causes rapid mold and mildew growth. Replacing a few missing shingles is much less expensive than to tearing out and replacing all they underlayment and attic framing because water damage was allowed to set in for weeks or months unnoticed.
How to Identify Roof Damage
Identifying roof damage is about knowing when to inspect your roof and what to look for when you do it. We recommend leaving the climbing up onto your roof to the professionals! But some damage can be visually seen from the ground or standing up on a ladder without entirely climbing onto the roof.
Consider the Weather Conditions
The weather in Kansas City is tumultuous! High winds and tornadoes may rip away shingles, and hailstorms are notorious for damaging roofing materials. Any time a storm passes over your home, it’s worth taking a walk around the perimeter of your property to check for fallen or broken shingles that may require roof repair.
Take the Age of Your Roof Into Account
Depending on materials and maintenance, a high-quality roof can last 25 years or more. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, a roof inspection can determine if it’s time for replacement or if some roof repair can help it last a bit longer. The two most common roof shingles are asphalt and metal. Asphalt lasts up to 30 years, and metal can last as long as 70 years!
Early Signs of Roof Damage
The earliest signs of roof damage will occur on the roof’s surface. You can save a lot of money down the road by inspecting your home’s exterior and investing in roof repair when these early signs show up! Here are some exterior signs of roof damage to watch for:
- Shingles on the ground around your property
- Clogged gutters, which may be causing water to pool and damage the roof
- Increased energy bills, indicating possible cracks and holes in the roof
- Shingle deterioration (shingle pieces or granules in the gutters)
- Dark spots or visible algae growth
- Curling or buckling shingles, loose shingles, or other shingle damage
- Damaged flashing around vents, skylights, or chimneys
- Attic pests (rodents, bats, vermin) that may have gotten in through a damaged roof
Urgent Signs of Roof Damage
Does your roof have major issues requiring costly repairs or total replacement? Waiting will not improve the situation! Take action right away by contacting your local roofing company if you see one or more of these serious warning signs:
- Sagging Roof Deck: Indicates structural damage related to the roof
- Interior Damage: Water stains on ceilings and walls, mold or mildew growth, and even peeling paint and wallpaper may be signs that moisture is getting into your home through your roof
When to Get a Roof Replacement
How do you know whether damage will require roof repair or replacement? It ultimately comes down to whether the issue is typical wear and tear or serious damage. You should also consider the age of your roof, rather than making roof repairs every time your roof seems to be wearing down.
Roof repair may be the way to go if you’re just dealing with a few missing or damaged shingles, need to replace some flashing, or have issues with ice dams forming in the winter. Inevitable roof leaks can also be repaired easily if they are related to a small area needing repairs.
If your roof has severe damage such as large bald spots, sagging, or a shifting roofline, it’s probably time for roof replacement. You should also consider replacing your roof if it is getting close to the end of its warranty, negatively impacting your homeowner’s insurance, or requires repairs too frequently.
Protect Your Home with Replacement Roofing by Rolox!
When it’s time to replace your roof, Rolox Home Service is here to help! Our warp-resistant and flexible asphalt shingles are designed to last, and our stone-coated steel roofs are more lightweight than other metal roofing without sacrificing durability. In fact, our metal roofing is protected under warranty for up to 50 years!
Is a new roof not in the budget for you right now? We offer excellent financing options to help you get the roof you need now instead of spending your budget on constant repairs. If you’re ready to learn more about our roof replacement process, schedule your free in-home consultation today!
