Do you know what a damaged roof looks like? Do you know what an old roof looks like? It can be difficult to determine if your roof needs repair or replacement if you don’t know what you’re looking for. While some damage may be obvious, like missing shingles or serious leaks, others may be harder to see unless you look for them. There are several signs that your roof needs to be inspected so you can make an informed decision about repair or replacement.

1. Curling or Buckling Shingles

Buckling shingles roof problemCurled shingles will appear to be lifted or rolled at the edges. Usually, curling is a sign that your shingles are aging, although they can also be caused by poor ventilation. If your roof isn’t properly vented, the attic space can become extremely hot, causing shingles to age prematurely and become brittle. If you see curled shingles, you must act before they cause leaks in your roof.

2. Dark Spots

You may see dark spots or streaks on your roof for several reasons. In many cases, these dark spots are caused by algae growth. In humid environments with excessive tree coverage, algae can quickly grow. In most cases, a simple application of algicide is needed. However, another potential cause of dark spots is damage to the shingles, usually caused by pressure washing. Pressure washers damage the shingles by removing the granules from the asphalt, which speeds up the aging process. If you see dark spots, speak to us about maintenance rather than attempting to take matters into your own hands. Asphalt roofs should never be pressure washed.

3. Excessive Green Growth

Leaky roof with mossMoss growth can be a severe problem if it’s allowed to get out of control. Moss growth can be common in the Northwest Ohio climate, but if left untreated, it will act as a sponge and soak up moisture, damaging the underlayer and roof decking and leading to wood rot. If you treat moss growth early, you can often avoid damage and premature aging, and the process can be as easy as spraying your roof with a moss-killing agent. If you are concerned about how much green you see on your roof, contact us for an inspection.

4. Issues with Roof Flashing

If you are experiencing leaks in your roof, the problem is usually in the flashing, not the shingles. Flashing bridges the gap between shingles, chimneys, walls, stacks, or other points on your roof. Flashing can be complicated to fix, but if you address the issue early, your flashings can be replaced without a complete roof replacement.

5. Age

Most asphalt roofs have a lifespan of about 20-25 years, although every roof will age differently. If your roof was installed with high-quality materials, your lifespan can be much longer, and if your roof was installed poorly or with lower-quality materials, it may fail more quickly. It’s essential for any homeowner to know when their roof was last replaced and to start keeping a close eye on it as it approaches the 20-year mark. As a roof ages, you will notice missing granules or loose shingles. If your roof is nearing the end of its life, you should have it professionally inspected before it begins to fail.

6. Poor Quality Materials

Many builders will attempt to save money and increase profits by opting for the cheapest possible materials that will pass inspection. Builder-grade materials often fail much faster than high-quality materials, making the up-front savings a poor trade-off for an early replacement or frequent roof repairs. If you fear your home was built with poor-quality roofing materials, inspecting your roof before you notice problems is worth it.

7. Leaks

If your roof leaks, it’s a problem you can’t ignore. If you allow a leak to continue, you will face more significant and expensive issues than a roof repair. Water damage in the attic or walls of your home can cause rot and mold, which are serious health risks to your family. If you notice a leak, get the attention your roof needs as soon as possible.

If you pay attention to the signs, your roof repair or replacement is far easier to handle. Making a quick decision because of a major problem can be frustrating and expensive. When you trust us to inspect your roof at the first sign, it needs attention, and you can make an informed and well-planned decision about how to move forward.