There are many signs to watch out for in determining the health of a roof. Roofing contractors in Cincinnati are quick to notice these signs, and catching any of these issues before they get serious can save a lot of time, money, and headaches.
Roof Moisture or Bounce
If you walk on your roof and you feel a sort of bounce to it, like a gymnastics mat or a trampoline, then you may have a moisture issue. Your roof should not feel like a sponge as you walk across it, and if it does, then the decking underneath it may have taken on water. This could mean that you have water in your insulation, which can be a major problem. If you feel this on your roof, go into your attic and look up at the roof boards. Check for visual signs or smells of moisture, dampness, or mold in your attic, which can all be signs that your roof is leaking significantly. In very serious situations, you may even see daylight coming through, which is a clear warning that the decking has suffered some major damage. In this case, call in a roofing expert ASAP.
Shingles In the Gutters
If you notice little bits of shingles from your roof in the gutters when you clean them, there is no need to panic. This is a natural part of the shingles’ life cycle. It does, however, mean that your shingles are getting older. Singles normally start to shed granules as they reach the end of their effectiveness. Discoloration on the roof – dark spots or inconsistent shade across them – is another telltale sign that your shingles are shedding granules. This isn’t cause for alarm, but it does mean it’s time to get the health of your roof assessed, and it’s probably time to start planning for a repair or a replacement in the not-too-distant future.
Roof Valleys
Most roof structures have valleys. These are the places where one part of the roof structure, such as the edge of the garage, meets the rest of the house’s roof. These valleys are tremendously important, as this is where a lot of the crucial drainage from your roof happens. The valleys collect and direct the rainwater and snowmelt, which feeds the gutters, much as smaller tributaries feed a larger river. If you see damage to the shingles along the valleys, then it is possible that you are experiencing some roof leakage that you have not yet felt, or this might just be an early sign of your roof reaching the end of its intended lifespan.
Curling
Additionally, if you notice your shingles curling at the edges or buckling, then it is another sign that you may need to repair or replace your roof. This is another sign that water may have gotten underneath your shingles, or that your shingles have reached their maximum functional exposure to UV light and other natural elements.
Whether you see an issue in your roof valleys, at the edges of your shingles, in your gutters, or with the feel of your roof, it’s never a bad idea to have a pro come in and take a look at your roof if you’re uncertain about its state. It is far better, easier, and less expensive to catch a roof problem early than to “wait and see”. For these and any other concerns, give us a call at 513-444-6098, and we can give you a new roof or roof repair estimate! Head off any roof issues right away, and save yourself time and money.