The roof is a key part of every home. Therefore, taking good care of your roof is integral for the safety of your home. When the roof is damaged, you will suffer various setbacks that make your home uncomfortable. This is why you need to fix the damage on your roof whenever it occurs. Here are 5 ways to tell if your roof needs repairing or replacement.
Roof Leaks
One of the most obvious signs that your roof needs repair is roof leaks. You can check for roof leaks by regularly assessing your attic, especially after a heavy downfall. Look thoroughly for any signs of water leakage because the attic is the most likely place a serious leak will appear. Besides, you should check the outside of your room for any signs of ice dams. The melting snow forms ice dams on your roof; when snow runs down the tiny holes in your roof, it freezes up again, forming ice dams. As the rains continue, water will run down your roof and encounter the ice dams. As a result, it will start running under the shingles instead, forcing its way into your house. If only a small part of your roof has leaks, you may not need to replace it; small repairs will do. However, if the leaks are on most parts of your roof, a complete roof replacement is necessary.
Roof Cracks
Wind damage is the main cause of cracked shingles. If cracks are confined to just a few shingles, you should replace them. However, if the cracks are spread out to most parts of your roof, you should consider a complete roof replacement. While you might not have to replace the roof immediately, it is a good idea to replace it within three years of doing repairs. One way of checking for cracks on your roof is by looking up through your attic. When you see the light coming in from the roof, it is a sign of roof cracks. In that case, you need to fix them as soon as possible. If the cracks are wide and spread out throughout the roof, you will need a complete replacement. However, if they are tiny cracks confined in a small area, repairs will do.
Growth
Discovering the growth of mildew or mold on your ceiling or walls is a sign of a leaky roof. In that case, you need to repair your roof immediately. However, before proceeding with the repairs, ensure that your house is adequately ventilated, the insulation is dry, and your plumbing lines aren’t leaking. This is crucial because any of these could also cause mildew or mold growth. If they are all working correctly, the problem is with your roof, and you can proceed with the repairs. Some of the common growths that occur due to roof leaks are;
- Algae
- Mold
- Moss
- Mildew
All these four growths have one thing in common; they grow in damp environments. This is why roofs in such environments are likely to develop growths. Getting your roof fixed will help prevent this growth.
Poor Energy Efficiency
If your heating bills have been increasing rapidly in winter, it could be a sign of a poorly insulated roof. While most homeowners choose to insulate their doors to reduce energy bills, the roof suffers the most damage. When a roof is poorly insulated, it will allow air to come in and out easily. This will significantly increase the energy bills, especially in winter when the temperatures are low. Therefore, if you notice increased energy bills when the temperatures are low, it is time to check your roof. Depending on the level of damage, you can do a repair or complete roof replacement.
Roof Rot
When you have a rotten roof, the structural integrity of your home is in danger. The roof will rot when it is exposed to moisture for a long time. As a result, the fungus will start growing, weakening your structure. Identifying a rotting roof quickly is important because it helps limit the damage. It is important to note that when your roof is rotten, it can cause water damage to the ceiling. When the leakage increases, you will notice stains on your roof. This will affect not only your home’s appearance but also its structural integrity.
Regularly Assess Your Roof
The state of your roof is very important for your home. You need to keep it in good condition and ensure there is no damage. Therefore, having known the ways to tell if a roof needs repair or replacement, regularly assess your roof and take the necessary measures.