7 Signs that a Residential Roofing Professional May be Needed

If you are a homeowner and residential roofing isn’t your specialty then this article should be mandatory for you to read.

There are many signs that a residential roofing professional may be needed, and ignoring these signs will not make the problem go away. Some common signs that your roof may need to be repaired or replaced include:

• Roofing materials that develop streaks or stains that are visible.
• Shingles on your roof that have curled up, cracked, or that appear to be damaged in some other way.
• Areas of the roof that are missing granules or which appear different from the surrounding areas in any way.
• Portions of flashing around the roof edge that is rusted or degraded in any way, or any flashing that is damaged or missing.
• Water stains that can be seen inside the home on the ceilings or in the attic, because this indicates a leak that needs to be repaired.
• Mold that grows on the roof should be evaluated by a professional to ensure that moisture or mold cannot get into the home.
• If water is leaking into the home from the roof then this needs to be identified and repaired as soon as possible to prevent the issue from getting bigger over time and doing even more damage.

 1. Streaks and Stains on Residential Roofing Materials

If you notice any streaks or stains that can be seen then you may need to call in a residential roofing expert. Sometimes algae can grow on shingles and this can create black streaks, but there are things that can be done to prevent this. An expert can evaluate your roof and determine if the problem is just cosmetic or if there is underlying damage that needs to be repaired.

Algae most frequently appears in high humidity areas, especially if there are trees and/or foliage on or near your roof.

2. Shingles that are Curled or Buckled

Residential roofing should not have shingles which are buckled, curled up, or sticking out or up away from the roof. This can be a sign that the roof needs to be either repaired or redone completely, and a professional can advise on which method will give the best possible results.

Check for nails that are protruding from your roof. This can be causing your shingles to lift up and is an area that is or could become a leak.

3. Roof Areas that are Missing Granules

If you notice residential roofing areas where there are missing granules then you may need to call in the expert. Shingles may need to be replaced because they have been excessively worn down over time, or they may have been damaged due to severe weather.

After a hailstorm, even if hailstones have not visibly pocked your roof, your gutters may be full of shingle granules. Be sure to check your gutters after a storm.

4. Areas of Roof Flashing that are Rusted

Another sign of possible residential roofing problems is any flashing that is rusted, damaged, or missing. This may need to be replaced in order to maintain your roof in the best possible condition and prevent any future leaks.

A professional roofer will also check to see if your flashing is lifted or loose from the vent or chimney it surrounds. Even a small pin hole can mean a leak and damage to your home.

5. Water Stains on the Ceiling or in the Attic

Residential roofing problems can cause water stains in the attic or on the ceiling in the home. If you notice any stains then you should have this checked out by a roofing professional to locate and repair any leaks or missing materials. Regularly check your attic for stains or wet areas.

6. Mold Growing on the Roof

If your residential roofing has mold growing on it then this is a sign you may need to have repairs done. The solution may be as simple as placing special metal strips in strategic locations to inhibit mold growth or as extensive as a new roof, only a professional can determine this.

Cedar shake roofs often have mold growing on them. There are special cedar treatments that can clean and eliminate any mold growing.

7. Water that Leaks into the Home through the Roof

This may seem obvious but sometimes there are areas of your home that you do not normally look at to see if any water is leaking in your home. Check inside closets or rooms you do not often frequent.

If you notice water leaking into your home from above then this indicates your roof is not completely waterproof, and that can be a big issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Waiting may cause further structural damage and increase the cost once repairs are performed.

What other signs of residential roofing problems have you experienced or heard about?