5 Signs Your Roof Needs Immediate Attention
Your roof may be your home's first line of defense against the elements, but it can be all too easy to overlook minor red flags until something goes very wrong. Ignoring the warning signs of potential roof problems can lead to expensive damage to your home's interior, structure, and even your belongings. While you can easily spot large, obvious damage like a giant hole in your roof or a huge branch stuck through your shingles, the smaller, easy-to-miss warning signs are the most insidious. So what are some of those warning signs?
1. Missing or Damaged Shingles
Shingles are designed to create a water-tight barrier over your roof and reflect heat from UV rays. Not only can missing or damaged shingles reduce your home's energy efficiency, but they also allow water to seep underneath and cause major issues. If you have shingles that are missing, damaged, cracked, or blistering, you need a roof inspection right away.
2. Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls
Water stains on your walls and ceiling, or discolored and bubbling interior paint, often indicate that moisture is leaking through your roof and into your attic or walls. The longer roof leaks are left untreated, the more extensive - and expensive -the damage becomes.
3. Granules in Gutters
As asphalt shingles age, they begin to shed small, greyish granules that can clog your gutters. If you find a buildup of these gritty particles, it's a strong indication that your shingles are deteriorating and may not be offering full protection. This is common with roofs nearing the end of their expected lifespan - for asphalt shingle roofs, this can be anywhere from 15-30 years, depending on the type and quality of the shingles.
4. Sagging or Uneven Roof Lines
A sagging roof can point to serious structural problems. It may be the result of prolonged water damage, rot in the decking, or weakened support beams. This isn't something to ignore, as it can quickly become a safety hazard. Immediate attention from a professional roofing company is critical.
5. Moss or Algae Growth
While moss may look harmless (and maybe even a bit quaint), it holds moisture against the shingles and can cause them to deteriorate faster. Algae streaks are also a concerning sign, as black algae heads off of the limestone in your shingles, causing them to break down and weaken over time. Left untreated, moss and/or algae growth can shorten your roof's lifespan significantly.
These red flags might not be in-your-face, but they subtly indicate serious trouble with your roof. If you've noticed any of these warning signs, don't wait until the damage spreads. Whether you need basic roof repairs or a complete roof replacement, you need a roofing company that'll get the job done right - and that's what you'll get with Southern Elite Roofing.
Southern Elite Roofing is a family-owned, locally-owned, and veteran-owned Kennesaw roofing company, staffed by roofing professionals with more than two decades of hands-on experience in the industry. We specialize in roof inspection, roof repairs, and roof replacement services tailored to your needs. No matter what problems your roof may have, we can fix them!
Get your peace of mind back today: call Southern Elite Roofing today at 678-335-5800 to schedule a roof inspection and request a free estimate for roof repairs, roof replacement, to any of our other excellent services!