Are There Early Warning Signs You Have Roof Damage?

Signs Your Allenton, WI, Home Has Roofing Damage And What To Do About It

Missing Shingles And Water Stains: Why They’re A Bigger Deal Than You May Think

Your eyes move to the upper right corner of your ceiling, trying to figure out when that odd brown stain first appeared. That water stain is more than ugly; it’s a sign that you need help with your roofing in Allenton, WI.

That water stain isn’t good, but it could be worse. At least you know that something is wrong, and you can call your local roofer to check whether you’ve got a leak.

You were lucky this time – the roofing damage presented itself to you. But it’s easy to miss roofing problems if you don’t know what to look for. Below are the early signs that you have roofing damage.

Spot The Signs: How To Tell You Have Roofing Damage

Let’s discuss that water stain in more detail; the leak could be from a crack or other entry in your roof. Moisture can infiltrate through the smallest entrances and run down toward your ceiling.

Leaks, if left for too long, can cause structural damage to your roofing system, ceiling, and walls. Too much moisture buildup can also cause mold growth, which is a health hazard and can cause further structural damage.

Of course, water stains aren’t the only sign your roof is damaged. Other early signs your roof needs attention include:

Missing Or Damaged Shingles

Spotting missing shingles can be as easy as walking around your property. Strong winds and storms often knock them away. Damaged shingles can be harder to spot. Look for cracks, curling, or broken fragments.

Shingle damage has multiple causes. The wind is one culprit, but the sun and age are potential causes. Shingles lose flexibility with age and often crack. Missing and broken shingles are possible entry points on your roof where water and pests can enter.

Clogged And Damaged Gutters

Clogged or damaged gutters aren’t what many people might think of as “roof damage” because they don’t directly affect roofing materials like shingles or underlayment. However, it’s still problematic when they don’t function like they should.

Gutters help drain water from the roof and around your home’s foundation to prevent moisture infiltration. Leaves, small twigs, and other debris can keep water from draining and damage your siding and foundation.

However, clogging is a simple fix. Remove the debris, and the gutters will work as intended. Damaged gutters require repair or replacement.

Shedding Granules

Granules are those small, gritty particles on top of your shingles. They help protect the underlying shingles from UV and fire damage. Granules also help disperse heat, so your roof absorbs less thermal energy.

Losing a few granules is normal, but losing huge amounts is not because it means something is wrong with your roof. It could be age, or perhaps your roof has taken too much damage from the elements.

Regardless, granular loss means your roof is more vulnerable to damage and heat absorption. Granules can also clog your gutters, which, as discussed, is a problem.

Roof Sag

Roof sag is when your roof has a curved or wavy appearance. Roofs begin life straight as a ruler, but can sag over time, typically when they’re old enough to warrant replacement.

But say you’ve only had your roof for ten years. The average life expectancy for a shingle roof is up to three decades with proper maintenance, but your decade-old roof shows signs of sagging. There are many reasons for roof sag, including:

• Water damage
• Too much weight 
• Improper installation
• Undersized materials

Severe sagging could indicate your roof is about to collapse and requires immediate attention.

What To Do Once You’ve Spotted Roof Damage

The first thing you should do is document the damage. Take pictures of the damage and make notes describing the issues. Certain damages, like a severe leak, may require temporary repair.

You should, at least, remove items from around the leak and cover the area with a tarp to prevent further water damage. Your next step should be to call your insurance company to begin your claim.

Call your local roof contractor once you’ve gotten everything else in order. Let them inspect your roof for a damage assessment and quote. From there, you can begin the repairs.

You Spot The Signs And Exterior Pros & Bath Will Take Care Of The Rest

Spotting early signs of roof damage helps keep it in tip-top condition. The earlier you catch damage, the less severe it is when you fix it. You can save plenty of stress and money by quickly resolving your roofing issues.

However, you still need a reliable contractor to inspect and fix your roof. Exterior Pros can be that contractor. We’ve done roofing for hundreds of homeowners across Washington County, and would like to help you with yours.

Don’t wait; take the first step in protecting your roof. Call or visit us online to schedule your free quote today!