| Your roof may be telling you something. Here are 10 warning signs that can be present at different stages in the life of your roof that cause leaks. Each of these are a reason for concern. And the only way to be certain that your roof is in tip-top shape is to have it regularly inspected by a trained roofing professional. |
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Warning Sign #1: AlgaeAlgae is the dark streaks currently clinging to your roof. Algae can often grow on roofs for long periods of time. In addition to being unsightly and aggravating to remove, it could mean that your roof may have other troubles. While not directly tied to leaks, they may be present. Roofs with algae is a warning sign that should be inspected by a professional. |
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Warning Sign #2: Buckling ShinglesBuckled shingles occur when hot air from an attic forces the shingles to buckle away from the home. Buckled shingles cannot adequately protect a home from the weather, and they also are a sign of inadequate roof ventilation. Inadequate roof ventilation can cause a roof to wear out years prematurely, drive up cooling bills, and shorten an air conditioners lifespan. Homes with buckled shingles is a warning sign that should be inspected immediately. |
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Warning Sign #3: Curling ShinglesCurled shingles occur when hot air from an attic forces the shingles to curl away from the home. Curled shingles cannot adequately protect a home from the weather, and they also are a sign of inadequate roof ventilation. Inadequate roof ventilation can cause a roof to wear out years prematurely, drive up cooling bills, and shorten an air conditioners lifespan. Homes with curled shingles is a warning sign that should be inspected immediately. |
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Warning Sign #4: Damaged FlashingDamaged flashing is a significant problem for a roof. When flashing isn’t properly sealed against a roof, it instead creates a highway for water to seep into a home. If leaks haven’t been discovered yet, they are in the process of developing. Damaged flashing is a warning sign that should be inspected by a professional roofer immediately. |
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Warning Sign #5: Granule LossGranule loss often occurs to shingles as they age or when they’ve been exposed to extreme amounts of weather. When shingles begin to lose their granules, the roof becomes weaker and less capable of protecting a home from future storms. Leaks often can result. Roofs with granule loss is a warning sign that should be inspected to check for additional damage. |
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Warning Sign #6: Lack Of Attic VentilationA lack of attic ventilation can lead to a number of troubles for a roof. Vents allow air into a home’s attic; as a result, it keeps it cool in the hot sun. Without vents to create circulation, the air inside the attic gets extremely hot and will bake the roof’s shingles causing them to deteriorate at a rapid pace. Also, the hot air in the attic forces its way into the living space of a home. Consequently, air conditioners must work harder. That added stress can result in an air conditioner breaking down much sooner than anticipated. Roofs without proper ventilation is a warning sign that should be inspected immediately, so that the problem can be rectified. |
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Warning Sign #7: Missing ShinglesMissing shingles expose your roof and home directly to inclement weather. In addition to being unsightly and unpleasant to look at, missing shingles is one of the leading reasons for water damage to homes. A home with missing shingles is a warning sign that should be inspected at once. |
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Warning Sign #8: MoldMold is extremely difficult to detect. It can only be seen by looking into the attic of a home. It can often occur due to water leaking through a roof. Should mold be discovered, it should be removed immediately—-it’s a very serious health risk. In addition, a roofing professional should inspect the home for leaks and additional damage. |
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Warning Sign #9: Roof RotRoof rot is a true sign that a roof (or portions of a roof) are in serious decay. A rotted roof truly cannot protect a home from the elements. If water damage hasn’t been discovered in the home yet, it will soon. Rot is a warning sign that should be addressed immediately by a professional. |
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Warning Sign #10: Ceiling or Roof SpotsNasty, ugly roof spots are the dark patches latched onto roofs. More than a cosmetic problem, patches can indicate a weakness in the roof. Specifically, spots can mean water damage. Roof spots are a warning sign that should be evaluated to ensure water has not seeped into the underbelly of the roof, or parts of the home. |
