You probably don’t spend much time thinking about your roof, do you? It’s easy to take it for granted until there’s a leak in the attic or water spots on the ceiling. By then, the damage has already been done, and repairs or replacement may be needed.
As a homeowner, it’s smart to check at least once a season for any signs of roof damage or wear and tear. Catching issues early can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what to look for so you can spot the signs of roof damage before it’s too late. As a top-rated Greenville roofing company, Lanier Roofing is your trusted choice for roof inspections and roof repairs in the Upstate.
If you notice missing, cracked, or curled shingles on your roof, it’s time to take action before damage spreads. Missing or cracked shingles mean your roof’s protective barrier has been compromised, allowing water to seep in.
Curled shingles indicate they’re nearing the end of their lifespan and will soon need replacement. Either way, unattended roof damage can lead to rot, leaks, and other costly repairs. Examine your roof closely after heavy rain or windstorms. Look for shingles that are torn, dented, or lifted at the edges.
Water damage is one of the most common issues with roofs, but the good news is you can often spot the early signs before costly repairs are needed. Check your attic and crawl space for water stains, mold, or mildew on the underside of the roof.
Dark spots or stains, especially in the shape of the shingles or panels above, indicate water is seeping in. Look for musty smells, too, as they can signal moisture buildup. If you see these, it’s best to call a roofer to inspect and determine the source of the leak.
Outside, inspect the surface of the roof for curling, cupping, or missing shingles or panels. Shingles that are buckling, warped, or no longer lying flat mean water can easily get underneath. Check that all vents, skylights, and the area around the chimneys are properly flashed and sealed.
Once your roof is a few years old, it’s a good idea to start inspecting it regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Exposed roof fasteners, like nails and screws, are particularly vulnerable areas where water can seep in, so pay close attention to them.
Walk around the perimeter of your roof, especially areas where the roof line meets vertical surfaces like walls or chimneys, and look for any exposed or loose nails, screws, or other fasteners. If you spot any that are sticking up, damaged, or rusty, hammer them back down or replace them. Water can easily get under loose or damaged fasteners, speeding up deterioration.
Inspect metal flashings, the L-shaped strips that join the edges of a roof to walls, chimneys, or other surfaces. Look for any tears, holes, or areas where the flashing has come loose or separated from the roof or wall.
Paying close attention to your roof and spotting damage early can help avoid costly repairs down the line. One of the first signs of roof damage to watch out for is the loss of granules from asphalt shingle roofs.
Asphalt shingles protect your roof using small granules that are embedded in the shingle. Over time, exposure to the elements causes these granules to loosen and fall off. At first, you may notice a few granules in your gutters or on the ground around your home. This is normal shedding and typically not an immediate concern.
However, if you start to see bare spots or thinning areas forming on your shingles where granules have fallen away, it’s time to take action. The exposed areas allow water, sun, and weather to penetrate the shingles, speeding up deterioration.
When it comes to your roof, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Preventative maintenance and regular inspections are the keys to spotting damage before it worsens into expensive repairs or replacement.
If any issues are detected during your roof inspection, it’s critical to address them promptly to avoid further damage or costlier repairs down the road. It may be tempting to put off recommended maintenance or minor fixes to save money in the short term, but neglecting your roof almost always leads to bigger, more expensive problems over time.
Call the experts at Lanier Roofing and Restoration today at (864) 990-4836. We have over 20 years of experience spotting trouble and making your roof worries disappear. We are a top-rated roofing company with offices in Greenville and Ridgeland, South Carolina.
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