Signs Your Roof Needs To Be Repaired
When you own a home, you know when a drastic home improvement situation occurs -- it usually comes with large leaks, flooding, fire, smoke, or something else dire. But it's harder to notice small problems that require only a little bit of attention instead of a full overhaul. One such spot in your house is your roof. You know it needs to be replaced if you see water dripping through multiple holes in your ceiling. But what are the signs that your roof simply need to be repaired?
For new and busy homeowners, you understandably don't inspect your roof every time you walk up to your front door. Here are a few warning signs to look for. If you notice any of these small problems, nip them in the bud before they become huge.
High Energy Bills
Everybody is looking for ways to reduce their energy bills, and there are a lot of factors that go into yours. While a high energy bill is not exclusively caused by a poor roof, it might be a warning sign. If you know your roof is nearing the end of its life, keep track of energy spending from month to month. A higher bill can sometimes be caused by a leaky or drafty roof that doesn't insulate properly.
Cracked/Curling Roof Shingles
You should also be looking at the state of your roof's shingles to determine overall wear and tear of the roof. Curled and cracking shingles not only show a roof's age, but can also cause breaches in the roof's watertight structure. Excessive winds in your area might contribute to prematurely curled or pulled up shingles. If you live in an area that experiences a lot of rain, it's best to replace individual shingles (or patches of shingles) to prevent water damage and prolong the need for a full roof replacement.
Water or Ice in the Attic
If you do notice worn shingles on your roof but aren't sure how bad the situation is yet, check your attic. If you notice leaks, pools of water, or ice, you need to replace old shingles and switch out wet and damaged insulation. When you find small leaks in the attic soon enough, you won't have to replace the entire roof just yet.
Mold or Mildew
Lastly, look for mold or mildew on your interior ceiling corners. This is a sign that a leak in your roof has dripped water all the way down into your home's ceilings and walls. If you notice one area with mold, spot-treat the area by replacing drywall and insulation, then repair the faulty area of the roof.
When caught early enough, small roof problems can be nipped in the bud to avoid larger roof problems. Use the warning signs above to stay on top of roof maintenance. For more information, talk to a professional like Skerlec Contracting.