Hickory and Charlotte, NC have some of the most beautiful homes in the country. Many of them are distinguished for their attractive, elaborate roofs. It can be hard to know when your roof needs to be replaced. This is because a roof is one of your home systems that is out of sight, out of mind. It’s easy to forget to schedule roofing maintenance, but failure to properly maintain your roof can lead to many problems.
At Landmark Roofing, we recommend you check your roof at least two times a year and after any significant storm for signs of damage. That way, you can quickly repair the damage, saving you money and energy in the long run. The following are some early indications that your roof may need to be repaired.
Water Damage
If your roof is functioning correctly, it should keep precipitation outside. However, if you see signs of water damage, there is likely something wrong with your roof. Signs of water damage could include damp patches on the upper floors of your home. Mildew and watermarks are also a clear indication of water infiltration via the roof. As soon as you see water damage, contact us at Landmark Roofing. Our technicians can efficiently evaluate your roof, identify the source of the water filtration, and help you correct the issue.
Moss and Mold Growth
If you see moss and mold growing on your roof, it has likely found its way between the tiles, forcing them to separate from the underlayment. This creates a dangerous situation where moisture can collect under your roofing tiles. Twice a year, you should check your roof for signs of rotting vegetation and mildew. Deal with it immediately. If moss and mold have become overgrown, a detailed roof repair or replacement may be required.
You See Light Coming Through Your Roof
When you are in the upper rooms or the attic of your home, turn the lights off occasionally during the day and look up at the roof. You have a problem if you see the light coming through it. This indicates that holes or cracks in your roof must be fixed immediately.
Loose or Missing Roofing Tiles
If you see roofing shingles or tiles on the ground around your home, you know that you have an issue that requires repair. As part of your roofing maintenance, go up on the roof and see if any of the tiles on the top are loose. Check if they move on their own. One or two missing shingles can be easily repaired or replaced. However, if you have multiple missing tiles or shingles, you may want to consider a complete roof replacement. Damaged or missing shingles could result in a cave-in as moisture will weaken the underlying structures of your roof. You do not want to procrastinate with a problem like this.
A Sagging Roof
When you look at the top of your roof, you should see that the ridge follows a straight line. If there is a sag or a saddleback, this could be a warning sign of severe structural damage, leading to a roof collapse.
A sagging roof happens when the top is exposed to a lot of moisture. Faulty roofing materials, poor installation, excessive snowfall, ice buildup, and heavy storms can all contribute to this problem.
You can minimize the chances of a sagging roof by removing any standing water from it. During heavy snowfalls, take steps to clean your roof. A sagging roof could be considered a roofing emergency.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the metal material you see around objects that protrude on your roof. For example, the metal around your chimney or roof vents is the flashing. Flashing works by preventing water movement into your roof by pushing it away from seams where there is a higher stream of water runoff. Flashing is made from impenetrable galvanized steel or aluminum.
Damaged flashing can cause extensive damage, including mildew and mold. If your flashing gets damaged or the caulking material underneath it dries out, it can become loose. This allows water to seep in and leak into your roof. If not addressed quickly, damaged flashing could render your roof irreparable and lead to significant structural damage, requiring a complete roof replacement.
A Buildup of Debris in Your Gutters
Periodically, look inside your gutters. If you see pieces of asphalt shingles or a collection of granules from your shingles, this indicates that your shingles are falling apart. Of course, finding a few granules in your gutters is typical, but if you notice the amount of residue constantly increasing, this could be a warning sign.
Roof granules tend to fall off because of long use or exposure to harsh weather. These atmospheric changes cause the shingles’ asphalt to weaken and release its granules.
In addition to looking for debris from your shingles, you also want to look for debris from falling trees. A collection of this debris can weaken your roof. This is why it’s important to trim away trees that are growing over your roof.
Examine your roof during the daytime. Look for curled, broken, or deformed shingles. If you don’t know whether your roof requires a repair or replacement, contact Landmark Roofing. We will be happy to point you in the right direction.
The Age of Your Roof
Most roofs in the states are made with asphalt shingles or architectural shingles. These are designed to last for between 20 and 30 years. Conditions such as the weather where you live, sun exposure, roof maintenance, and the quality of materials used will impact just how long your roof will survive. If you live in an area where your roof is exposed to extreme weather, you may find that you need to replace your roof after only 15 years. However, if you live in an area with temperate weather and perform regular maintenance, your roof may last 25 years or more.
Hail Damage
If you’ve ever lived through a hailstorm, you know how damaging these falling balls of ice can be. Most people think about the impact hail damage can have on the body or windows of an automobile. However, you may be surprised to learn that hail can cause severe problems for your roof. Hail might be as large as a softball. Its round edges make it especially effective at damaging roofing material. If you’ve recently experienced a hailstorm, it’s worthwhile to check your roof for damage. Look for round dents on your roof and broken and missing shingles. If the damage is bad enough, you may need a new roof.
Experienced Local Roofers
At Landmark Roofing, we pride ourselves on being the premier roofing team in the Charlotte area. We value our role as an industry and community leader. Your roof is the most important structure in your home, and our focus is to help you keep your roof functioning at its best for longer.
If you need roof replacement or repair for a residential or commercial project or you want to repair or replace your gutters, contact us at Landmark Roofing today. We will work closely with you to find the solutions that best match your specific needs.