12 Signs It’s Time to Call a Roofer

Don't let that leaking roof wait.

Highlights

It’s time to call a roofer when you see visible damage to your roof.
Regular gutter maintenance and cleaning will allow professionals to see damage that isn’t immediately visible from the ground.
Be sure to inspect your roof after any major storm for post-storm debris.
Review your homeowners insurance policy to see what is and isn’t covered when it comes to repairing or replacing your roof.

Depending on your type of roof, it can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years. But that long lifespan does not come without its fair share of maintenance. To make the most of your roof, you cannot be hands-off, and there are certain instances (described below) when you will need to call a local roofing professional.

1. Your Roof Is Missing Shingles

If your roof is missing any shingles, then it is susceptible to leaks, damage from nearby trees or other debris, extreme weather conditions including wind, heat, rain, or snow, and entry by pests. All of these situations leave your home exposed to additional damage that can affect the foundation and become even more difficult and costly to repair.

2. You See Damaged Flashing

If you notice cracked, loose, or worn flashing or gaskets around your vent stacks and chimneys, it is likely indicative of a larger issue. Any point where roof shingles meet a protrusion has a higher likelihood of failure. Improperly applied or failed caulking or flashing can cause roof leaks and suggests that the roof may have been improperly installed in the first place.

Your roof may lose shingles due to weather, shrinkage, damaged flashing, or other reasons, and addressing the issue immediately can save you time and money in the short and long run. While it may be hard to see missing shingles on a roof because some areas are out of sight from the ground, routine maintenance can help identify culprits and avoid the need to figure out how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement, if it gets that far.

3. You Are Noticing Leaks in the Attic

Your roof is the first and most important line of defense when it comes to keeping the outside elements from invading your interior space. When you start to notice leaks in the attic, it is a pretty sure sign that you have to call a roofer. Attic leaks can have many causes, from missing and sagging shingles to bald patches. Since your attic is the first space below a roof in many homes, it is a good idea to check it regularly for signs of leaks. It may be an easy fix if addressed immediately, and you may avoid the need for a major roof replacement cost discussion.

4. Sunlight Is Visible in the Attic

While water leaking through the roof and into the attic is a sure sign you need to examine your roof, another telltale sign of something amiss is when you see sunlight peeking through. If there is enough space between shingles for sunlight to pass through, this means other things can sneak in, including roof rats that only need half an inch to gain entry. Besides pests, major wind, rain, or snowstorms can wreak havoc by entering through small spaces. Seeing sunlight is reason enough to call in a roofing professional to determine if it is a genuine problem.

5. Shingles Are Missing or Losing Granules

Shingles are not just cosmetic; they help create a watertight and wind resistant seal that protects the rest of the roof from damage. If you can see small piles of black or gray granules in your gutters or collected in your downspouts, it is a sign that your roof's shingles are failing. The same goes if you spot some missing shingles or even if a shingle has broken loose and tumbled onto your lawn.

6. Your Roof Has Water Stains and Leaks

If you can spot obvious water stains and leaks, both on the roof itself and anywhere the roof would spill onto (like in your attic), call a pro. Signs of water stains indicate a leaky roof, which can lead to some serious damage. You should also pay attention to any water that pools up in unusual locations during or after a storm.

7. You Can Spot Ice Dams

Ice dams form during the winter when your attic is warm enough to melt snow, causing the water to seep underneath shingles. If left untreated, these ice dams can tear off your gutters, loosen shingles, and, of course, cause massive leaks.

How can you spot an ice dam? Look closely at the icicles around your home’s exterior. Does it look like there is water trapped behind these icicles? If so, that is an ice dam. A contractor can remove all of these icicles, allowing the stuck water to flow out normally.

8. Your Roof Is Sagging

If any part of your roof is sagging, it is likely indicative of moderate to severe structural damage. Look for dips in the roof’s plane or bowing in the roofline. If you notice sagging, call your preferred technician immediately; this likely means roof damage extends all the way down to the decking.

9. Your Roof Has Shingle Pops

Shingles that appear to rise above the flat surface of the rest of the roof can indicate impact damage from hail, but they may also indicate inadequate attic ventilation. If attic temperatures rise above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, shingles can blister or pop. A qualified contractor will check out your attic for airflow and tell you what caused the shingle damage.

10. Your Roof Has Unusual Post-Storm Debris

Severe thunderstorms, snowstorms, and other weather events can have a major impact on your roof. It is common for storms to dislodge shingles, knock tree limbs onto the roof, and create all manner of debris.

If you just experienced a major storm, do a thorough roof inspection and be on the lookout for damage and debris. If you see anything strange, call a professional. A small problem is always easier to address before it transforms into a larger issue down the road.

11. Algae, Mold, and Moss Are Growing on Your Roof

If your roof is growing algae, mold, or moss, you may need professional remediation or, in severe outbreaks, a full roof replacement. Algae and mold thrive in cracks and corners after the wind brings errant spores to your roof. If left unchecked, algae and mold create stains and cause leaks. Moss can deteriorate the structural integrity of a roof, as the roots break down the materials used during construction. A pro can usually solve a mild outbreak with certain chemicals, but if your entire roof is moss-covered, it may need a full replacement.

12. You Have an Old Roof

You may not notice any obvious issues, but an older roof should receive more maintenance checks and inspections than a newer roof. Along with the conditions listed above, knowing your roof's age is critical for determining whether or not you should invest in repairs or a roof replacement. Most roofs last about 25 years, depending on the material. So, if your roof is approaching its twentieth birthday, keep a close eye on its condition.

By: Megy Karydes

If you have questions or concerns about the status of your roof, call Minnesota's trusted and reliable general contractor, Golden Construction today!