Did you know that your location can affect the performance of your roof? The climate and environment where you live can do a number on your roof. From humidity to algae growth, your roof needs a lot of care.
For these reasons, it’s important to find a local San Antonio roofer that’s familiar with common roof problems in your area. But how do you know when it’s time to call in the professionals? Fortunately, you’ll just need to learn a few key things to check for, and you’ll be well on your way.
In this guide, you’ll learn the top ten signs you need to contact a San Antonio roofer today!
1. You See Loose or Missing Shingles
Loose or missing shingles are some of the most common signs that your roof needs repair work.
Heavy rain and winds can dislodge and crack your shingles. Damaged shingles are relatively inexpensive to repair if you address them immediately. If you notice numerous damaged shingles, it might signal you need a roof replacement.
You’ll need to hire a roofing contractor to schedule an inspection. This way, you’ll understand the overall condition of your roof and what steps you need to take.
2. You Notice Your Roof Is Sagging
Sagging spots on your roof are a red flag that you may have serious roof problems. If you have a new roof that’s sagging, it could indicate problems with the installation. Typically, a sagging roof means it has moisture trapped inside.
If you have an older roof, harsh winter with heavy snow can cause it to reach its end sooner rather than later.
Moisture in your roof leads to rotting. Over time, the sagging can cause more water damage, holes in the roof, and structural damage.
A sagging roof may also mean you have a failing roof and may need a roof replacement. If you notice any parts of your roof sagging, you’ll need to call a certified roofing contractor as soon as possible.
3. You Have Water Damage
If water leaks from your roof, you’ll see specific signs in your ceilings and attic. Be sure you visit your attic regularly and check it often before spring and winter.
You’ll need to examine the rafters carefully. If you see water stains, it’s a good indicator that you have a leaky roof. Also, if you notice beams of sunlight in your attic, you likely have rotting plywood that’s caused a hole in your roof.
Roof leaks can also cause water to accumulate on the ceilings and walls of your home. This water will eventually cause stains. Remember, you should never see water stains inside your home. If it’s not a result of a leaky pipe or another problem, it may be a sign that you have issues with the structure of your roof.
You’ll need to look for professional roofing contractors in your area immediately.
It’s essential not to leave this problem to linger. Water damage can cause your roof structure and home structure to rot and grow mold. Not only will it be expensive to fix, but mold can cause serious health problems.
4. There Are Shingle Granules in Your Gutters
Asphalt shingles are common because they’re easy to install and low maintenance. However, they’re also less resistant to heavy rain and winds.
Most asphalt shingles are made out of a woven fiberglass mat. An asphalt coating covers the mat, which is encased with ceramic granules. Once your roof gets older, the granules start to disintegrate.
Eventually, they’ll begin to accumulate in your gutters. A small amount of granules is normal, but large amounts indicate you have a problem with your roof.
These granules usually result from storm damage or are a sign that your roof is getting too old and needs a significant repair or replacement.
Be sure to check your gutters after a rainstorm. Granules typically look like larger chunks of black sand.
5. You See Green Spots on Your Roof
When you have water sitting on your roof, it can often cause moss to grow. It’s also more likely to grow in shaded areas since they tend to stay cooler and moister.
With roof moss, it usually begins with a dusting of green that you’ll notice on the lower angles of your roof. Initially, the moss is only a thin layer on top of your shingles but left unchecked; it will expand and become like a thick mat on your roof.
You’ll also notice the seams between your shingles will develop moss. As the moss gets thicker, it will grow under the shingles and lift them up. If you have wood shingles, this process can happen quickly.
The moss soaks up water, and this water will work its way into the structure of your roof.
While you can remove moss from your roof in its early stages by using moss-killing liquids or dry powders, not everybody is comfortable climbing on a roof to do their own roofing maintenance.
In this case, you’ll need to reach out to the professionals. A professional roofing company can let you know what type of roof repair you need. They’ll also give you valuable roof care tips and tell you how often you need roofing inspections.
6. You Have Animals in Your Attic
Having animals in your attic is another sign you might need a San Antonio roofer. Animals like squirrels, chipmunks, and mice can get inside your attic through holes in your roof.
Once these animals take up residence in your attic, they’ll start building nests and use materials from inside your attic, such as insulation. They’ll also bring in food which attracts other animals. All of these things have the potential to cause further damage to the structure of your house.
Your first step is to call a pest control company to remove the animals from your attic. You’ll also need to find a roofing company to assess your roof issues and repair any holes or other damage.
7. You Suspect You Have Storm Damage
If you’ve recently been through a storm and suspect your roof might be damaged, it’s best to take action and call a roofing company immediately.
Often you’ll notice missing shingles, water leaking, or granules in your gutters. Even if the damage appears minor at first glance, there may be water leaking that you’re unaware of. Sometimes this type of damage can appear weeks or months later when water starts to seep into your home.
To save money long-term, be sure to repair any minor damage from a storm before it gets worse.
8. You Have Problems With Your Chimney
Roof flashing is thin, flat pieces of metal that are used to help waterproof the perimeter of your roof. Flashing directs water away from the joints and seams so it doesn’t enter areas like your chimney or vents.
You need to pay attention if you notice rain dripping into your fireplace from the chimney.
Sometimes this can be due to structural problems in your chimney, but it’s also caused by damaged flashing or roof leaks near your chimney. Once your flashing is damaged, it can lead to other moisture problems on your roof.
You’ll need to call a roofer for an inspection to diagnose the problem.
9. You Notice Roof Discoloration
Roof discoloration usually appears as dark streaks along the roof shingles. If you notice this, you likely have a problem with algae growth. It can also indicate the shingles are damp or damaged in some way.
Algae growth is common in humid areas and can quickly spread to other areas of your roof except for the metal flashing.
If you have a metal roof, it can rust over time. Brown or red stains can indicate rust, which means your roof could also have holes or leaks.
If you have an older asphalt roof, you may also notice asphalt bleed-through, which appears as black streaks on your shingles. This occurs when the asphalt shingles begin to break down, causing the black pigment in the asphalt to appear on the surface.
A roofing inspection will help you get to the root of the problem.
10. Your Energy Bills Suddenly Increase
If you’ve been in your house for a few years, then you know your average heating and cooling bills for the summer and winter seasons.
If you notice these bills suddenly increase, and it’s not due to siding or insulation problems, then your roof may be the culprit. Air can escape through a hole in your roof, making the temperatures in your home fluctuate. Your HVAC system will then need to work much harder, thus increasing your utility bills.
It’s a good idea to check your roof carefully for any signs of obvious damage, like missing shingles or holes. Additionally, poor ventilation, a dark shingle color, and insufficient attic insulation can also drive up your energy costs.
Be sure to cover all your bases and contact a local roofing contractor for help.
Call a San Antonio Roofer Today
Now that you know the signs you need a San Antonio roofer, you’ll be better able to catch roof damage before it becomes a bigger problem.
It’s time to call Redemption Roofing for all your roofing needs. We’ve been helping families in south Texas for over 35 years and offer roof repair, replacement, storm damage repairs, and roof inspection services.
We also have experience in all types of roofing, such as slate, metal, and shingles. We take pride in offering excellent customer service and look forward to helping you. Make sure you contact us today for a free roof inspection and estimate!