Ignoring roof damage can lead to costly, extensive repairs. That’s why you should always watch out for pretty obvious signs of roof damage, identifying factors that contribute to wear and tear on your roof. That’s especially true if you live in Pittsburgh, a city sitting on the edge of the Ophelia storm, leading to severe weather conditions. Constantly rainfall is also a threat to your roof’s health and stability.
Many a time, unattended decay accumulates so much damage that replacing the whole thing remains your only solution. So, address these issues to prevent further complications and save you money in the long run. Without further ado, let’s look at the signs indicating your roof might be in need of quick repairs.
Your Roof Is Getting Older
Everything has an age, and so does your roof; generally, a roof will last about two decades before the signs of structural damage begin to appear. Asphalt shingle roofs last for 30 years, manufacturers will promise you. However, you should consider replacing it when the roof reaches 80% of its lifespan.
An older roof will bring your house’s overall worth down significantly, affecting its resale value a lot.
Jumpstart on budgeting for a new roof if you live in Pittsburgh, where house prices are up only by 1% compared to last year and have been going downhill since June. So, call a roofing expert to check the roof and estimate its age. They look at the signs of wear and tear to determine how old your roof is.
That’s why you have to find a credible, well-reviewed Pittsburgh roofing company. Get quotes from multiple local roofers and then hire the one equipped with the best products and team.
Observing Sagging Spots
If you notice some parts of your roof sagging, then it’s a sign of water damage. Water damage causes these soft spots to appear, penetrating your roof and rotting the wooden boards underneath it. This trapped moisture is poison to your roof’s durability and requires calling a roofing company ASAP.
So, start looking for these sagging spots from the lowest point on your roof because that’s where all the moisture will naturally accumulate.
Discoloration On Walls Or Ceilings
Sometimes, a leaking roof stains your walls and ceilings, not only making the insides of the house look horrible but also gradually rotting away the whole building’s structural integrity. A roofer can explain how damaged roof underlayment can cause discoloration.
A Sudden Spike In HVAC Costs
Don’t forget that energy-efficient homes are well sought-after by average Pittsburgh homebuyers. A well-kept roof keeps your heating and cooling costs in check. Therefore, a spike in your HVAC costs is a sign of roof damage. It means that warm air is leaking out of your house in the winter.
Fixing this problem can lower your utility bills by as much as 25%, adding $300 to $500 to your utility bills. Installing cool roofs will further decrease your heating costs, making your house more energy-efficient.
Noticing Leaks In The House
Have you noticed recurring leaks in the house? Well, that’s a pretty obvious sign of roof damage and needs to be addressed promptly. Not fixing this issue in time will just damage your roof more, mainly when it rains a lot.
For instance, hidden water leakage ruins electrical outlets and may lead to major structural damage to the house. These leaks also provide a hospitable environment for the growth of mold and mildew.
Some Green Spots On Your Roof
As Pittsburgh gets 145 days of light rainfall, water can remain sitting on top of your roof, providing a place for green spots to grow. That’s especially true if some regions over your roof are shaded. Shade coupled with extra humidity is the perfect place for moss to appear and take over the roof slowly.
Thick patches of moss mean there’s a breach in your roof’s structural integrity. Remove these mossy patches carefully and inspect for signs of decomposing underneath them.
Missing Or Damaged Shingles
Inspect the shingles to determine whether it’s time to replace or repair your roof. Shingles can tell you a lot about the condition of your roof. For instance, consider these scenarios:
- Shingles that trap moisture aren’t doing their job
- Curled, cracked, or damaged shingles need to be replaced
- Shingles are shedding granules excessively into your gutters
Replacing your roof may cost between $7,500 to $24,000, depending on what kind of shingles you’re using. Composite and asphalt roofs cost a lot less than metal and slate ones. But cheaper singles give a lifespan of one or two decades, while slate shingles last for one or two centuries in some cases!
Sign Of Moisture In Your Attic
Attic insulation is pretty strong and can last up to a hundred years. However, these signs may indicate your roof needs to be checked out:
- You notice moisture in your roof
- You find wild animals living in your attic
- Streams of light pour into your attic during the daytime
- Rain is getting into your attic despite undamaged flashing
Beware Of Falling Mortar
Some houses use roof tile mortars (a sand and cement mixture) to secure ridges and verges. You need to inspect these mortars frequently because they have a limited lifespan and can degrade a lot easily in Pennsylvania’s severe weather conditions. Ridges and verges get cracked, dislodged, and eventually fall off the roof, especially when a huge gust of wind happens to pass.
So, when mortar starts falling too often, it may indicate your roof has reached its lifespan and has to be replaced.
Conclusion
Do not underestimate the essential role of a well-maintained roof in preserving your home’s structural integrity. Always address roof damage when its first signs become visible, e.g., leaks, greens, or sagging spots. Just like that, missing or damaged shingles require quick fixing, and so does moisture in your attic.
Therefore, call reliable roofing contractors to repair your roof or even replace it if necessary.
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