Caring for Aging Roofs: Signs of Damage and Repair Tips
Quality roofs are designed to last, but they still need to be maintained especially as they get older. Damage that starts off small but goes unnoticed can become a big problem. Having a sturdy roof in good repair is an essential part of your home’s structural integrity. Even a small leak can allow mold to start forming which creates a health hazard and a bigger repair bill. The older your roof is the more susceptible it is to becoming damaged due to normal wear and tear. We’ve complied some types of damage to watch out for along with tips for repairing it to help you get the most life from your roof. Our monthly maintenance plan can also help you keep track of the state of your roof.
Watch Out for These Signs of Damage to Your Roof
Missing or Damaged Shingles
Shingles are designed to work as a team, so even a few missing shingles can allow water to start seeping in at the exposed seams. Shingles that are cracked, curled, or peeling need to be replaced right away.
Mysterious Water Stains on Walls or Ceilings
If you suddenly start to see discoloration on your walls or ceiling it’s most likely cause is water intrusion. The first step is to find and address the source of the leak. You will probably need to make some repairs to the surrounding area like flashing and drywall at the same time.
Damaged or Clogged Gutters
Gutters need to be routinely checked to make sure they are not clogged with leaves or other debris. You should also look for dents or damage that would prevent them from diverting water away from your home. If your gutters are not working properly it can result in overflow that creates water damage to your roof or walls. Also, pay attention to what kind of debris is in your gutters. If you’re seeing a high amount of granule loss from your shingles there’s a high probability the shingles are worn enough to need replacing.
Plan for General Roof Repair
Even if you aren’t seeing any of the tell-tale signs of damage it’s wise to be proactive about keeping your roof well maintained. Roofs should be inspected annually. If you have a severe weather event it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected afterward to be certain your home didn’t sustain damages you can’t see from the ground. Catching issues quickly is the best way to prevent them from becoming more extensive. Having damaged shingles and other minor problems fixed right away extends the life of your roof so you don’t have to budget for a full replacement.
Working with a professional home maintenance company ensures that you will understand the full scope of any problems. We will bring the best roofers in town to ensure how your roof is not negatively impacting the structural integrity of your home and will offer the most effective solutions to any problems.
Keeping your roof clear of debris increases its longevity. Something as small as wet leaves that have accumulated and stuck can create weak points. For the same reason moss or algae growth should be removed. Trimming away any tree branches that overhang your roofline should be done regularly as well. If you want to be even more proactive ask about adding a roof coating for an extra layer of protection.
If you’re not sure where to start, or just want to hand the whole thing over to someone else, Golden Home Management can help with that. Reach out to us to find out more about our service plans.