Why Your Roof Matters
Your roof is a vital part of maintaining your building’s integrity. When your roof is damaged, it can lead to larger issues that extend far beyond just your roof. Walls, writing, and structural supports can all be damaged by problems stemming from the roof. If you’re a homeowner, you can lose personal belongings in the event of critical roof failure. If you’re a business owner, a serious roofing problem can lead to data loss, downtime, and even losing clients. That’s why at Rainville Carlson, we take your roof seriously.
When you properly maintain your roof, it can last up to 25 or 30 years, saving you money in the long run. Your roof will inevitably get damaged. Often, what you do about that damage is what determines how long your roof will last. In this post, we’ll share some of the warning signs that may indicate your roof has been damaged and what to do when you spot them.
Warning Signs
Sometimes, you’ll be able to recognize roof damage simply from visual inspection. Evidence of internal leaking is the most apparent sign of severe roof damage. Look out for water spots or stains in your attic, on walls, and on the ceiling, especially near the roof. It’s a good idea to also visually inspect for external water damage, especially in areas where the roof meets exterior walls like fascia, soffit, and gables. If you see puddles of water collecting anywhere in your house, you should immediately find an emergency roof leak repair specialist before taking further measures.
The presence of excessive black specks running down your downspouts and in your gutters may indicate the presence of damaged shingles or more serious damage on your roof. A visual inspection of your shingles can reveal what kind of shape they’re in. If they’re cracked, warped, or missing, shingles should be replaced promptly to prevent more severe damage from occurring.
If you find any roofing debris around your house after a storm or heavy winds, it’s always a good idea to perform an inspection to determine where the debris came from. From there, you can determine how vital the debris is to the integrity of your roofing system. All of these warnings can be visually identified. However, a professional inspection is likely necessary to determine the severity of the damage and if there are any deeper, underlying problems behind the damage.
When to Repair
The age of your roof is the most critical factor to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace. Visual warning signs like water leaks, damaged shingles, and loose debris are a prime indicator that your roof has sustained some sort of damage. Usually, a simple repair will be enough to remedy these issues on newer roofs. For example, if you merely have a few cracked or missing shingles, shingle replacement will generally resolve the issue, especially if you already have a newer roof. On the other hand, if you’re starting to have shingle issues on a 20-year-old roof, repairs may only be a quick fix before larger problems begin emerging.
You also want to determine what might have caused the damage before deciding to replace or repair. If you just experienced strong winds or a severe storm, your roof may still be structurally sound enough to just repair. If, however, damage seems to be accumulating from everyday wear and tear, it’s usually time to replace.
When to Replace
Eventually, you’ll have to replace your roof. At a certain point, repairs will only get you so far. As a roof ages, repairs will start costing you more while being less and less effective. If your roof is nearing the end of its warrantied life and is sustaining increasing amounts of damage or showing signs of major leakage, you should start seriously considering the option of replacement.
If you need help determining whether repair or replacement is a better option for your roof, contact Rainville Carlson today.
