Spotting the first clues that your roof needs some work can save you from serious issues down the line and a lot of unexpected repairs to your Detroit, MI home. Here’s a few signs to look for that indicate a professional roof repair.
Early Clues That Roof Repair Is Necessary for Your Detroit, MI Home
Problems With the Shingles
Look at your roof regularly for missing shingles and bare spots where water can reach the underlayment. Cracked shingles also often split along the tabs after repeated expansion and contraction, and if you see curling edges lifting away from the surface, your deck is exposed. When you see even a handful of these issues in one section, schedule a closer professional look before that next big storm comes.
If your roof isn’t new, and you see piles of dark sand-like material or bald patches that show the black mat underneath after a storm, that means the ultraviolet shield on your shingles is basically gone. Once that layer wears away, the shingles grow brittle and crack faster.
Indoor Stains
If your ceilings or walls have yellow or brown ring-shaped stains appearing after storms or prolonged wet periods, water has already moved past the roof deck and into the living space. Peeling or blistering paint near the eaves can indicate the same thing. Up in the attic, look for damp insulation, dark water marks on the underside of the sheathing, or daylight showing through gaps in the boards.
Sagging
A sagging line along the ridge or a soft dip between the rafters signals that the decking itself has taken on moisture or lost strength. Step back far enough to sight the entire plane of the roof; any wave or uneven stretch that was not present before needs to be looked at right away.
Algae or Moss
Dark streaks of algae or patches of moss can take hold on your north-facing slopes and in shaded spots under trees. The roots can both pull up shingles and speed the loss of their granules. Clear that off the instant you see it starting, but if it’s taken hold, call for help to make sure it hasn’t damaged something.
Flashing Issues
Flashing is the metal that’s around your chimneys, vents, skylights, or valleys, and it’s another frequent weak point. Metal pieces that have pulled away, rusted through, or lost their sealant leave open seams, so take a look from the ground for any issues like that. Localized flashing failure is often repairable if you catch it before the deck underneath gets so wet that it starts to soften.
Excessive Energy Bills
Lots of things can cause higher energy bills, so if you suspect the roof, throw a thermometer up in the attic and see if the temperature is higher than it should be. A roof that has lost flexibility and sealing performance can allow more heat transfer, which shows up as higher cooling costs in summer and uneven temperatures upstairs.
Schedule your free roof inspection today with us at Revive My Roof. We service families and businesses in Detroit, MI, Dallas, TX, and Tampa and Jacksonville, FL.
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