A damaged, aged roof makes your home look dated and worn. Because it is an important structural component of your home, keeping it in good repair is more than about appearances. Regular roof inspections and keeping up with minor repairs before they become big problems save you money in the long run.
If you let small problems become major damage, the cost of a roof restoration can be steep if you need a total roof restoration. If you are worried about the state of your roof, you can have your roof inspected, which, according to Oneflare, costs between $150 to $300. Here are a few of the most common signs that your roof needs repair.
Cracked or Damaged Tiles
The best way to detect cracked or damaged tiles is to stand back some distance from your house and do a visual line-by-line inspection. Tiles can be damaged by falling branches, hail, or dramatic temperature fluctuations. If you only see one or two tiles damaged, it might be tempting to hold off on repairs, but this can be a mistake.
When one tile loses integrity, those around it are soon to follow. Replacing a tile or two is inexpensive and is usually less than $100, but if you let the damage continue to grow, the price can go up quickly to around $4,000 to $11,000 on average. Installing metal roofing sheets instead of individual tiles is a great way to get the same look as tiles with more durability and resistance.
Sagging
If your roof is sagging, it is a serious issue, and you need to call a restoration specialist as soon as possible. If the line of your roof has sunken places, or the edges of your roofline are curved, then it is a sign that major structural damage has already occurred. You probably have water damage on the rafters or in your attic. Even if water damage is not obvious in other parts of the house yet, it will be soon. If it is severely sagging, it could be a concern for roof collapse.
Water Damage
Water damage can be detected inside or outside of the house. You might see damaged plaster, ceiling tiles, or wet drywall on the inside of the house. Cracking or crumbling paint near the ceiling can also indicate water damage. Signs of mold on the outside or inside of the house might also indicate water damage.
Flashing
Flashing is a seal placed around chimneys, air handling systems, and pipes that come through the roof. If the flashing is loose, cracked, or missing altogether, then you need to have it repaired. If your flashing has chips or worn areas, it is a good idea to have it replaced with more durable modern material. Leaks around flashing are one of the most common problems that homeowners find.
Age
Depending on the roofing material, you can expect your roof to last a certain number of years. If your roof is 15-20 years old, it might be a good idea to have a replacement before repair bills begin to add up. For roofs that are over ten years old, you will usually be faced with the decision of whether you need a roof repair or replacement. If it seems like you continually have to have someone repair your roof, a total replacement might be more cost-effective in the long run. With some exceptions, most roofing shingles’ lifespan is expected to be about 15 years, depending on weather and other factors.
Signs of Light Shining Through Holes
It is a good idea to go up into your attic from time to time to make sure you do not have patches of light coming through the roof that should not be there. This is a sign of serious damage, and you will soon find yourself with water damage in the same area. Sometimes, this can be an indication of a minor problem, but other times it can be a sign of something more serious. It is always best to call a roofing specialist to find out.
Now, you know some signs to look for that are an indication that your roof needs repair. You also know that the sooner you take care of minor problems, the lower the roof restoration cost will be. If you see any signs of damage, it is always best to get an expert out as quickly as possible to take a look. Roofing problems never repair themselves, but they do get worse and more expensive the longer you wait.
