5 Signs You Need a New Roof
If you own your own home, your most significant assets are probably your house and the possessions that you have inside your house. And we all recognize the unnerving feeling when you step outside after a storm and see some shingles on the ground or other roof damage and wonder what it will cost to be repaired.
So how can you tell beforehand if your roof may need some maintenance?
Because your roof is the first line of defense on your house, any warning signs that there are problems should be addressed quickly. In this post we will cover the 5 best signs that you may need to contact your local roofing contractor about getting a new roof.
1. Shingles are curling, tearing, or cracking
Shingles are made to withstand a barrage of weather patterns, but weather eventually leaves its mark. And if you live in the Northeast part of the US, your shingles will begin to see the effects of local weather patterns.
How does weather affect shingles?
First, the PA-MD-DE-NJ area has significant times of hot, direct sun. This can cause shingles to start curling or cracking.
Second, these states can receive significant snow, wind, or hail storms that can also cause visible damage.
And third, if you live near the coast of MD, DE, or NJ; watch for damage caused by coastal winds mixed with salt-water which may cause corrosion on the roof or other parts of your house.
2. The roof is leaking
If you see water damage inside your house, you should contact your roofing company right away. This may be a problem with the actual shingles, or it may be a workmanship issue as discussed in this blog post.
What should you do?
Have your local roofing contractor take a look. He will be able to tell you if it is a product or workmanship issue, as well as any costs that may be required to fix it. If it is a workmanship issue, your local contractor may repair it at no cost to you.
3. Fungus is growing
Fungus or algae on your roof does not always mean immediate roof damage, but it does indicate that there is potential for rot or water problems on your roof. Fungus tends to grow during warm, humid summers.
How do you get rid of it?
If you are into saving some money and enjoy DIY projects, check out this article. Just make sure you have all the correct tools and safety equipment!
The safest and easiest route is to call your roofing contractor and have him take care of the issue.
4. Shingle particles are in the gutters
When you are cleaning out your gutters in the spring and fall, look for shingle particles in your spouting, especially if your roof is getting older. If you begin seeing large portions of shingle particles, have your roofing contractor see if your shingles should be replaced.
5. The roof is over 20 years old
If your roof is over 20 years old, even if your shingles have 30-year warranties or more, you should begin doing regular visual check-ups of your roof to make sure the shingles are not showing signs of heavy wear.
The best places to perform a visual check-up?
If you can get in your attic or crawl space, look for wet spots where the shingles may be leaking due to their age. Also look for shingles that are beginning to become loose, especially during times of heavy wind.
If you notice any of the 5 signs mentioned above, you should contact your local roofing contractor right away. And as always, make sure you choose a roofing contractor that you can trust, such as JMK Roofing LLC. We would love to partner with you as you continue protecting your home and other assets. Simply leave us a message or give us a call today!
