A quality roof should last for many years, which is why most of us don’t pay a lot of attention to our roofing.
However, roof damage can sneak up on you with very little warning.
Knowing what to look for can save you time and money in the future.
The following are the 7 telltale signs that your house needs a roof repair.
1. Sagging Roofline
When any part of your roof appears to be drooping or sagging, it is a clear sign of imminent repair. This almost always means trapped moisture. When water gets trapped inside your roof, the boards of the roof deck are compromised and may eventually lead to a full collapse if not remedied as soon as possible.
2. Interior Water Damage
Sometimes the first sign of trouble isn’t on the roof at all. Small puddles, mold or mildew, wet spots, blistering paint, or water stains all indicate the presence of water inside your ceiling or walls.
3. Damaged Shingles
This is one of the easiest signs to notice. Especially after a bad storm, go outside and look up at your roof. Look for shingles that are loose, cracking, broken, or missing.
Shingles are installed to withstand a lot of pressure and to stay in place during a storm, but that doesn’t mean they are perfect. Make small shingle repairs early, to reinforce your roof throughout the years.
4. Sunlight Shining Through
If the sun can get through, so can water. Head up to the attic during the day and see if you can see sunbeams through the roof.
You’ll need to contact a professional roofing contractor to determine whether you need to replace a few shingles or whether it’s a more serious issue with your roof decking.
5. Moss or Mold Growth
If your roof is highly shaded and you live in an area with high humidity, you may find moss or mold growing on your roof’s surface. While this may give a beautiful cottage look, it’s a major safety hazard.
Moss can take root between your shingles and tear them apart over time. It’s important to remove the moss first, and then check for any underlying damage that may be difficult to see from ground level.
6. Spike in Energy Bills
Your roof is the number one source of insulation in your home. If your utility bills begin to increase, it could be due to a leaky roof.
When you have roof leaks, poor installation, lack of insulation, or even faulty ventilation, your home cannot perform as efficiently and your HVAC will work overtime. When your energy bills unexpectedly spike, call a roofing contractor to assess your roof for signs of damage.
7. Clogged Gutters
If your gutters are spitting out shingle granules, it’s time to call for a roof repair. Composite or asphalt shingles shed their granules over time. This is a natural part of the aging process. This sludge ends up in your gutter system and is a clear sign that your roof is deteriorating.
Factors That Affect the Repair Cost of Your Roof
To provide an accurate quote for roof repairs, you must first have it inspected. Most roofing companies will provide a free inspection with no obligation to use their services.
These unique factors may affect the repair cost of your roof.
- Roof Specifics: Certain roof shapes, materials, or unique roof elements (like chimneys and skylights), make roof repairs more expensive. If your roof requires additional time, equipment, or expertise, it will affect the cost of repair.
- Geography: The price of labor varies across the country and even in different areas of the state. Homeowners who live in different cities may have to pay different amounts for repair due to the market where they live.
- Scope and Permits: It should be obvious that the size of the repair is the biggest factor that affects costs. Typically, the bigger the size of the damage, the higher the cost of repair. Additionally, some repairs may require permitting especially if the project is large. These requirements can add to the cost.
How To Know When You Should Repair or Replace Your Roof
Most of the time, your roof can be repaired. However, sometimes the better choice is a full roof replacement.
We provide both replacement and repair services and offer the following guidelines to see what is best for your roof and your budget.
When to Repair –
- You have a young roof. If your roof is relatively new (less than 10 years old), a repair would most likely be the best solution over replacement. At this point, your roof is still likely covered by a warranty and repairing can extend the lifespan of the rest of the roof significantly
- You are moving out soon. If you are not planning to stay in the home long term, making adequate roof repairs is recommended (and often required by contract). Make sure the repair is sufficient, and not a DIY job. The condition of your roof can make a big difference in your sale price, so judge wisely to ensure your roof is in good enough condition to sell.
- You’re on a tight budget. Sometimes roof problems pop up at the most inconvenient times. Repairing can buy you time so you can plan and save for your roof replacement in the future.
- You have only minor damage. If the damage is confined to a very small area of your roof and the rest of the surface is in good condition, a repair can fix it effectively.
When to Replace –
- Your roof has reached the end of its lifespan. If your home is older and the roof is wearing out, making repairs is only a band-aid that won’t solve the real issue. Replacement will eliminate endless repairs, refresh your warranty, and give you peace of mind.
- Your building code requires it. If you already have two layers of roof materials, building codes may require you to replace the whole roof because you can’t simply add a new layer on top of the existing layers.
- You’re facing an expensive repair. Costly roof repairs are simply not worth it. Especially if the extent of the repair cost is over half the cost of a new replacement, then a replacement is a better option.
- You want a new roof. Sometimes you just want a new look for your home. Maybe you’re renovating the inside and you want fresh curb appeal to match. Or if you want to change roofing materials for a different style or color, a new replacement can help you achieve this.
3 Factors to Keep in Mind When You Repair Your Roof
If you choose to repair your roof rather than replace it, there are a few things that you should be aware of.
These factors may affect the outcome of your roof repair.
Repairs may affect aesthetics: Even if you replace broken or missing shingles with the same brand in the same shade, they may look different. Because you’re installing brand-new shingles next to older shingles on your roof, they will often match differently. Sometimes this is an obvious difference, sometimes it is subtle, but it’s important to consider.
You get what you pay for: Writing a check for roofing repairs isn’t fun, but poor workmanship often leads to bigger problems. If the repair isn’t completed properly, you’ll pay the price over and over again. Choose quality workmanship from a reputable roofer.
Underlying problems may be ignored: Many roof problems are more than surface level. Failing to fully inspect what is going on underneath the surface may only cover up problems rather than actually repair them.
FAQs on Repairing Your Roof
Knowing What to Expect
It’s very important that you do your research to know what to expect from a roofing company. Call several companies until you find one that you can trust to give you an honest inspection and clear recommendations. Ensure that whomever you use is licensed, bonded, and insured. Asking the right questions can help you to be comfortable with the company doing the work on the most important component of your home.
Keeping your roof protected also keeps your family comfortable, healthy, and safe while increasing the energy efficiency of your home. You can count on Abrams Roofing & Sheet Metal for quality roof repairs in Louisville, KY.
For all your roofing needs, give us a call today!
