Top 8 Signs That You Need to Schedule a Roof Inspection
The cost to repair a roof in the US is $376-$16,49. The cost for a replacement is $5,500-$11,000.
Getting a roof inspection helps the material over your head last to the end of its natural lifespan. You’ll spend less time and money fixing small issues early.
How often you need an inspection depends on factors such as what materials it’s made of, how old it is, and where you live. There are also general ways to tell that it may need professional attention.
Read on for eight signs that you should schedule a roof inspection.
1. Peeling Paint
Your roof’s paint may start to get rough or frayed over time. It can also start to peel or blister.
When roof paint begins to peel, it’s more than an aesthetic issue. It’s a sign that your roof may be failing.
The built-up humidity that started the problem will only get worse if you can’t dry it out. It can even spread to the rest of your home. That moisture will leave your interior unstable and cause the paint there to peel as well.
2. Leaks
Water damage from a leaking roof is a common but serious problem. Freeze and thaw cycles throughout the winter continue to make it worse as the water squeezes your roof until it breaks.
Preventing leaks is such an important issue that you should do your small inspections for it regularly. When you’re inside, look for signs such as:
- Stains
- Blistering
- Mold and mildew buildup
- Musty odors
- Dark spots
- Outdoor light shining inside
Individual parts of the roof need to be looked over. Go outside to check areas such as the joists for water damage. Look for any indications of:
- Woodworm
- Dampness
- Rot
- Fungus
All of these issues are signs that your roof requires a more detailed inspection. The professionals can identify the source of the leak and stop it. They can also begin the process of repairing or replacing anything that needs attention along the way.
3. Cracked or Discolored Drywall
Over time, the drywall in your home may start to crack or get discolored. Find out what’s causing the damage before you start removing it.
The roof is one of the primary causes. The water from a leak or any other gathered moisture will then spread to your drywall. It may sound dramatic, but your home could come crashing down on you.
4. Damaged Shingles
Shingles are more than a visual element of your roof. Your roof may have already begun to lose its structural integrity by the time they begin to show signs of damage.
Look for any granule loss if you have asphalt shingles. It’s a sign that the shingles are deteriorating and could easily start to let leaks in.
Check the nails of your shingles as well. Popped-upped nails also prevent your shingles from keeping water out the way they should.
Shingles can go missing at random, but they can also be a sign that your roof’s structural integrity is starting to decline. Call an inspector to help you tell the difference.
5. Damaged Flashing
Installing proper flashing is one of the many ways that roofers protect against water damage. Look to see if any of it ever gets rusted, damaged, or goes missing.
Problems with the flashing indicate deeper roofing issues. Repairing or maintaining the flashing also prevents leaks or from causing more damage.
6. Noticeable Drafts
Problems with a home’s HVAC system are one of the primary causes of poor airflow. Another one of the most common ones is the roof.
Cold spots or drafts in your home could be a sign that it’s unable to let enough warm air escape. Perhaps it’s become worn out from old age. Damage from the weather or a storm may have also rendered it ineffective.
Get an inspection early before a minor inconvenience turns into major roof damage. It’ll also help keep your home at a comfortable temperature without a massive increase in energy bills.
7. Ice Dams
Ice dams are common in winter and cold climates. They’re not an immediate cause for concern, and keeping your gutters clean and sweeping snow off the edge of your roof helps keep them away. Pay attention if none of these methods seem to work.
Keeping ice dams away is essential for the exterior and interior of your home. They can cause roof leaks and damage your interior walls when they melt. They can also damage your gutters or loosen your shingles.
Getting a roof inspection helps determine why they keep showing up. The most common issue is a poorly insulated attic. Knowing where the problem’s coming from is essential to stopping it.
8. Recent Storms
There are approximately 4,436 major hailstorms per year in the US. It’s the third most common source of homeowner insurance claims, costing an average of $12,000 each.
High winds can also wreak havoc on your roof. Anything over 58 miles per hour is considered extremely strong. It often originates from thunderstorms or tornadoes.
If you’ve recently had a major storm, go look out on your roof for any visible signs of damage. You can also ask your friends and neighbors, especially ones whose homes are about as old as yours. If they tell you they think they need an inspection, you probably do too.
It’ll identify visible damage and the signs you can’t see. Small tears can prematurely age your roof and make you need a roof replacement sooner. You’ll be saving money in the end, and your homeowner’s insurance might even cover it.
Get a Roof Inspection Today
Most indications that you need a roof inspection begin outdoors. Do you have ice dams that won’t go away? Do your flashing and shingles look damaged and deteriorated? Is the roof paint
Other signs are found in the interior of your home. Has your drywall begun to peel or crack? Is there a noticeable draft in certain areas? Is the paint peeling?
Hail or wind storms can blow your roof away. They create damage that only a licensed roofing inspector can spot.
