How to Know When a Roof is Bad
From reddish-orange terracotta to textured gray concrete, tile roofs add to the curb appeal of any home. But while they’re beautiful, they can be problematic if not cared for properly.
Start with a inspection from the ground and then head into your attic. Look for stains and other signs of damage.
Leaks
The most obvious sign of a roof that’s going bad is leaks. Leaky roofs allow water in (and potentially mold, mildew and other nasty stuff) which isn’t good for the structural integrity of your home. But roof leaks also let other things in – like cool air during the summer or warm air during the winter, causing your heating and cooling system to work harder than necessary. So if you see signs of a leaky roof, such as wet spots on the ceiling or a sudden increase in your energy bills, it’s time to call in a professional to assess your roofing situation.
Another easy-to-spot sign of a leaking roof is dark stains on your attic ceiling. This is caused when water leaks through the shingles and saturates attic insulation, or even the wood framing of the rafters and ceilings. The staining will appear as dark splotches on your ceiling and may be accompanied by a musty smell or mold growth. If you spot these stains, you should check your attic and look for the source of the leak.
Water damage to soffits, fascia and gutters is also a sign that there’s a problem with your roof. Because these parts of your home are directly connected to your roof, they’ll suffer when it gets damaged. Look for peeling paint, rot or discoloration in these areas, which is a good indicator that your roof’s integrity is being compromised.
You should also check the areas around your roof’s fixtures, such as chimneys or skylights, and around the corners of your roof valleys for water stains. These are often where the most severe leaks occur, especially when the flashing has been worn away.
You can also inspect your roof for rot by walking in the attic. If you notice a musty odor or see black mold growing on the insulation or decking area, it’s time to get in touch with Roofers St Petersburg to have your roof checked out and fixed before the problem gets worse. The sooner you identify roof rot, the easier and less costly it is to fix.
Stains
Your roof protects the interior of your home and if it isn’t doing its job, you could see problems. For example, if your energy bills are rising without explanation it could mean that moisture is getting into the attic and destroying insulation. This is a sign that the roofing system needs replacing and can make your home less comfortable.
The most obvious way to tell a roof is bad is through visual inspection. Look for shingles that curl, are losing granules, or are cracked or missing. Stains are another good indication that it’s time for a new roof. These usually appear dark in color and are a clear indicator that leakage is occurring. If you notice these stains, it’s important to go into your attic and check the condition of your insulation.
A well-maintained shingle roof should last upwards of 20 years but if yours is nearing this mark, it’s probably time to start thinking about a replacement. Another sign that your roof is getting old is if you see light entering the attic through the ceiling boards.
You should also look for moss or algae on your roof. These can be quite difficult to eradicate and can lead to a number of other issues. Moss and algae are a sign that water is accumulating under the shingles and can eventually damage the structure of your roof.
If you see a lot of shingle streaking, this may indicate that your roof is not being properly ventilated or that it was poorly installed. The shingle streaking usually appears as black, brown or green marks and can be very unsightly.
Another sign that your roof is nearing the end of its life is if you see light shining in through your chimney flashing. The flashing is a metal fitting that creates a seal around the chimney and other penetration points on your roof. It is a very durable material but can rust over time. If the rust starts to spread, it will likely leak into your house and cause serious damage to the structure of your roof.
Sagging
A sagging roof can indicate rot or structural damage, as well as a need to replace the roof. It’s also a sign of a poor roofing job and can lead to water leaks.
Look for signs of sagging by examining the slopes of your roof that receive direct sunlight as well as the valleys, which are where the roof slopes meet. Look for shingles that are curling or buckling and missing granules.
Another clear indication of a bad roof is mold or mildew growth on the ceilings and walls of your home. This is usually caused by a leaking roof that allows water to get inside the walls and insulation. Mold and mildew can have negative effects on your health and should be addressed immediately.
You may notice that your energy bills have increased significantly in recent months, but this can be a sign of other issues as well, including insufficient attic ventilation or a damaged/leaky roof that lets in bad air and keeps good air out. If you’re in a hot area, you may also notice that your cooling bill is higher than usual.
If you’re planning to install a solar power system on your roof, it’s important to check the flashing around any projections that intersect with your roof (such as chimneys). Look for any areas where the sealing is broken or decayed. This could allow rainwater to get into your solar panels and cause water damage.
A sagging roof can be difficult to spot, but it’s a sign that you need to replace your roof. If you inspect your roof closely and find that the shingle edges are brittle, you can check by holding a corner up to the sun. If it feels very stiff but doesn’t snap, you probably still have time to replace your roof before you’re at risk for a major leak. However, if it does snap, you should call a roofer right away to have the problem fixed. It’s usually cheaper to replace a roof sooner rather than later. You may even have to pay more in the long run for repairs if you wait too long.
Rotting
A rotting roof isn’t just unsightly, it can also cause serious damage to your home and compromise your family’s health. If you notice water stains on your ceilings, or your walls or attic are soaked, rot is likely the culprit and you need to call Roofers St Petersburg for a new roof ASAP.
Another telltale sign that your roof needs to be replaced is moss or algae growth. This is caused by moisture build up on the surface of your roof and can be a sign of an unprotected roof or inadequate ventilation.
If your neighbors are getting new roofs and you haven’t had yours checked out in awhile, it might be time to do so. Many homes in the same area will need to have their roofs replaced around the same time, this is normal and a good indicator that it’s time for yours to be looked at.
While you can’t always see signs that your roof is in bad shape, it’s worth a visual inspection every couple of years to check for worrisome damage. Look for shingles that are curling, buckling or missing. If you walk on your roof and it feels spongy or has a trampoline-like bounce, this is a sign that the decking is weakened by moisture and it needs to be replaced.
You can also look for 'shiners' – nails that missed their framing members. Moisture that escapes into your cold attic from rooms below often condenses on these nails and thaws out during the day, melts at night, refreezes the next day and repeats this cycle. Shiners can be easily clipped with a pair of side-cutting pliers.
Lastly, you can test the integrity of your shingles by carefully bending a corner up. If it bends to about a 45 degree angle without snapping off, you’re in pretty good shape. If it snaps right off, then you need a new roof sooner rather than later. If you have a skylight, chimney or other roof vents, you can test their seals by looking at the flashing. The flashing is a metal strip that helps create a watertight seal between the roof and the opening.
From reddish-orange terracotta to textured gray concrete, tile roofs add to the curb appeal of any home. But while they’re beautiful, they can be problematic if not cared for properly. Start with a inspection from the ground and then head into your attic. Look for stains and other signs of damage. Leaks The most obvious…