Your roof covers your house against tough weather, snow, and rain. However, any roof, even the most powerful one, may begin to wear out with time. Being aware of the following warning signs of a failing roofing system, you are likely to prevent severe damage and expensive repairs:
1. Water Spots and Ceiling Stains
A water stain on your ceiling or walls is one of the most apparent signs of a roof problem. These are the yellow or brown spots, which normally indicate that there is water leakage through the roof. Although the leak may appear minor, it may worsen in a short time when not repaired.
2. Roof Sealants and Cracked Flashing
The roof sealants and flashing cover the vents, chimneys, and skylight areas. Once such materials crack or peel off, water finds its way in through the cracks. Loose or rusty flashing is also one of the obvious indicators of the necessity to repair it as soon as possible.
3. Granules in the Gutter
Asphalt shingles are covered by shingle granules, which are small particles that guard the shingles against sun exposure. When your roof reaches its old age, it begins to lose these granules, and these granules usually find their way into your gutters. This is what to look out for:
- Gutters with black or sand particles in them
- Bald or shiny-looking patches on top of the roof. Patches on the roof that are shiny or bald-looking
- Piling of granules around the downspouts
4. Sagging Roofline
The major alarm signal is a sagging or dipped roof in the middle. It normally implies that water has made the wood below your shingles deteriorate. Such damage may result in a total collapse of the roof if it is not treated.
5. Increasing Energy Bills
If you find that your heating and cooling bills have increased, your roof may be the culprit. Air can escape through gaps, bad insulation, or damaged parts. This makes your HVAC system strain, and this raises your energy bills.
6. Mould, Moss, or Algae Growth
Moss and algae are not bad to the eye, but they capture moisture that erodes roofing materials. They may make your roof rot or leak over time. In case you notice green spots or black lines, wipe them out and examine the area beneath.
7. Light or Drafts in the Attic
It should not be possible to see daylight through your attic roof boards. When you do, then there is probably a hole or crack in the roof. Cold drafts are also an indication of air getting into places where it does not need to.
8. Frequent Repairs or Old Age
Roofs do not have eternal life. In case your roof is more than 20 years old or you are making calls to repair it too frequently, it is time to replace it. The new roof may be expensive at the moment, but it will save money in the future.
The bottom line is that being a Canadian homeowner, being ahead of roof issues is one of the ways to guard your home. Watch out for these warning signs and do not postpone repairs. A minor repair now would help avoid huge losses later.