Waiting too long to get your roof repaired or replaced can lead to a whole host of other
problems that can be both time consuming and expensive to deal with. While no homeowner wants to hear the news that their roof needs work, watching for the signs that your roof is developing some problems, and taking care of them in a timely way, can help ensure that you save money in the long run.

Exterior Inspection

While you may not pay too much attention to what your roof looks like on a daily basis, taking the time to do a visual inspection a couple of times a year, or when you suspect problems, can help you catch issues before they become pressing.

Damaged Shingles

One thing to take a look at is the shingles themselves. If any are missing, cracked, have curling corners or edges, or appear to be dented or have missing granules, these are signs of impending roof repairs or replacement. If you just spot a few small issues, you can probably have those shingles replaced fairly cheaply. A widespread problem, however, may indicate it’s time for a new roof.

Sagging Roof Deck

While your roof may have many different degrees of pitch, it should appear fairly straight along its lines. If you notice areas that appear to be sagging or warped, this is an indicator of a bigger problem, and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Clogged Gutters

If you happen to notice what appears to be granules, sludge, and pieces of shingles inside your rain gutters when you’re cleaning them, this could be a sign that your roof is deteriorating. Some asphalt roofs will break down as they age; when it rains the detritus gets carried to the gutters where it collects.

Algae Growth and Wet Spots

Take a look at the color of your roof. If you notice dark spots and streaks, or signs of algae growth, these could be signs of moisture and an indication of necessary roof repairs or replacement.

Interior Inspection

It’s not enough to just check on your roof from the outside. Sometimes hidden problems are actually more visible from within.

Signs of Moisture

You may have water leaking into your home, and not even realize it. Depending on how much insulation is in your attic and ceilings, you may not notice a leak until it’s done some serious damage. Take a look in your attic and along crawl spaces regularly to look for signs of moisture such as water staining, mold, mildew, or pooling water.

Exterior Light Showing Through

The last thing you want to see through your roof is the sunlight, and unfortunately it can be a sign that your roof is in trouble even on dry days. Take a look in your attic on a bright day with the lights out. If you see sunlight, it’s a sign that your roof needs some work.

Sagging

Even if you didn’t notice any sagging from the outside, there may be some signs of rot and water damage that translate into a sagging roof on the inside. If you can’t inspect all areas of the roof’s exterior, take a look in the attic, and look for areas where the roof deck may be settling or sagging.

Take Care of Your Roof

Spotting and taking care of problems as soon as possible can help cut down on the amount of time and expense it will take to fix your roof. Often small roof repairs or partial replacements can be carried out if you catch the issue in time, saving you money. And even if the entire roof needs to be replaced, keep in mind that waiting too long could cause moisture, mold, and mildew issues that are even more costly to fix. Look for the signs of necessary roof repairs on a regular basis to help keep your roof in good condition.