Table of Contents
Replacing and repairing roofs is just as expensive as it is essential, but how do you know when it’s time to call in the professionals? The answer is much simpler and more straightforward than you may think.
Call a Roofing Company Before You See Any Signs of Damage
The ideal time to contact professional roofers is the time before any of the signs show up. It may sound counterintuitive, but damage prevention is both cheaper and safer than damage repair. With the help of regular, professional inspections and maintenance, you may never need to spend an absurd amount of money at once on roof repairs. Even if the roof is in an advanced stage of damage, at least you’ll know that the job will be done properly. If you are looking for the best roofing company in Michigan, contact Rock Solid Exteriors.
As for the signs of roof damage, we have the most important ones listed next.
Cracks
Asphalt and concrete roofs can last a long time with regular maintenance, but they do tend to crack frequently. Sealing cracks should not be a problem in the early stages, but if you ignore them, those cracks will continue to grow beyond a simple repair job.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are among the most common and obvious signs of roof damage. Check your roof and look for missing shingles after a storm. A single broken or completely missing shingle can eventually lead to extensive roof damage, so have it replaced/repaired as soon as possible.
Plant Growth
If you notice dead leaves, branches and loose plant matter on your roof, that’s natural and only indicates that cleaning them off as soon as possible is necessary. However, if you notice an actual plant or, in worst case scenarios, a tree growing on your roof, that is a cause for alarm.
Plant growth that doesn’t come off while cleaning indicates that it has roots inside the roof. This means that there is likely pooled water inside the roof. On top of that, the tree roots will continue to grow, wreaking havoc on your entire roof in a matter of months. Check the gutter for dangerous plant growths as well.
Crawling Insects
Mosquitoes breed in pooled water, some ants live inside damp attics, and creepie crawlies of all kind like crevices. If you notice that your attic is harboring too many insects (cluster flies included), then it means there are cracks and crevices where the bugs are living and breeding.
It does not get more obvious than a roof that is either sagging or has lost its shape. Go to the attic and see if it is sagging downward with dark blotches. It’s a sign of massive water damage and you will need to call in the roofers immediately for an emergency visit. Other than that, also look out for musty odors (mold and mildew) and scratching sounds (rats, bats, mice, and racoons). They indicate big gaps and greater damage to the roof’s core integrity.
