Shingles Falling off Your Roof: 8 Signs You Need to Have Your Roof Inspected
The average cost of a shingle roof for a 1,700 square foot adds up to $6,000 and $ 9,300. Plainly put, shingle roofs do not come cheap.
The upside is, with proper care and maintenance, your shingle roof can last 25 to 30 years.
Part of this care regimen is enlisting roof inspection services regularly to ensure any damage to your roof is flagged.
Failure to do this will allow damage to progress, which in turn, will cost more to fix or replace.
It’s therefore advisable to evaluate your roof and call an inspector to evaluate signs of damage to your roof.
Here are the top 8 signs that require an inspection.
Signs of Water Damage
Most people wait for a stained ceiling to call in an inspector. While this is still helpful, the damage has already started.
Still, at this point, a roof inspector can assess the extent of the damage and advice on how extensive the repairs will be.
Mould and Algae
While this is not a pleasant thought or sight, vegetation can grow on your roof. This happens especially if you do not follow a strict maintenance routine.
The vegetation can initially look like dark patches on the roof. Certain algae, mold and plants find essential nutrients on your roof, making it a great place for them to thrive.
And when they do, it’s not just visually unappealing; it can damage your roof.
Because the growth is on top of the shingles, it can loosen and eat away at their granules. If left unattended to over time, it can cause structural damage requiring extensive repairs or even replacement.
Call your roof inspector if you spot any sign of plant life in your roof.
Shingle- Cluttered Gutters
Check to see if your gutters have shingle granules and debris.
Also, check for inconsistencies in color or darkened hues on parts of the roof. Roofs tend to lose more granules with age, and this could be confirmed by an inspector.
It’s been a While Since You Had Roof Inspection Services
An asphalt shingle roof should be good for 20 to 30 years. If your roof is older than this, it’s time to call in an inspector.
The roof might still be good for another couple of years, or it might not. It might look good to you from the ground, but its structural integrity might be breaking down.
Calling a professional to inspect it is the only way to know its condition and prevent the roof caving in on you. Literally.
Sagging and Sunlight
This is never a good sign. If sunlight can penetrate, so can water, snow and cold air.
Similarly, a sagging roof is a clear sign of structural damage. Typically, this could be an issue with the decking or the supports in the foundation.
This is something that should warrant a call to a roof inspector. It’s a lot easier to fix this when it’s small and localized than when it progresses.
Bald shingles
The top of your shingles should have tiny granules or specs. If these are absent, this is a good sign of shingle damage.
To confirm this, check your gutter and the area below your roof for fallen granules. If you find some, it’s not great news.
These tiny specs are meant to protect your roof from UV radiation and other forms of damage.
When they start missing, this is an early sign of more severe damage. Normally, bald shingles are followed by missing or damaged shingles.
If this is the case, getting in a specialist gives you more insights into the problem and what to do before the situation deteriorates.
Curled Shingles
Shingles can curl up in two ways, and both indicate damage.
One way is by cupping or curving outwards.
The second way is by clawing. Here, the shingle’s edges lie flat, but then curve up in the middle.
Both forms of curving are indicative of a compromised roof and can leave you open to more risks, such as leaking.
Depending on the extent, you will need to replace your roof within a year to five of when you start to notice the warping.
Warp detection is one of the easier things you do as part of your home maintenance schedule.
Extreme Weather
Extreme weather can damage your shingles, leaving your roof vulnerable to more damage.
The main culprit responsible for shingle damage is wind, with or without snow or rain.
In such weather conditions, shingles can get lifted and struck by flying debris. In addition, a strong wind can loosen nails and adhesive holding them together.
Any time you experience extreme weather conditions, it’s advisable to call in a roof inspector to assess the extent of the damage if any.
The Inspection
Despite having the best care and maintenance program, your roof will show some signs of aging and damage. This will require deeper scrutiny from an inspection company.
Here are some stellar tips to help you get the best out of your inspections.
Work with a local roofing company. They are easier to locate, and are more knowledgeable about local rules and regulations. Read more on this blog
Ask for referrals from kin and friends then check the internet for reviews
Have a budget in mind and measure it up against several quotes from local inspection companies
Check on certifications and industry affiliations of the inspection companies
A good rule of thumb is to strike off companies with very little experience. They might be cheap, but this might end up costing you
If it’s a routine checkup, schedule it during off-peak time. Most companies are swamped with work immediately after storms and erratic weather. This means they might do a hurried job
Be present during the inspection so as to get a thorough briefing of the condition of your roof
All in all, ask questions and be open to learning. Most inspectors will even give you proper roof maintenance tips.
Ultimately
Your roof is your house’s protection from the weather and its elements, so it deserves just as much care as your interior.
Occasional inspections ensure any damage is dealt with before it gets out of hand. This will give you more years off your roof, and will keep your repair costs at a minimum.