7 Ways To Tell If It’s Time To Repair Your Roof

Most people don’t really think about the roof over their heads… Until it springs a leak! Don’t wait until the water is pouring through the ceiling and you have to break out the buckets to pay attention to your roof. Keep a close eye on your roof and learn how to spot problems before it severely impacts your wallet with these 7 warning signals.

If your roof is displaying even 1 of these 7 warning signals, please allow Wando Roofing Company Charleston to provide you with a free roof inspection. Now that you know what the 7 warning signals that you need a new roof are, learn why so many Charleston homeowners trust Wando Roofing with their roof repair.

1. A Leak in the Attic

After a strong storm or wind-driven rain, take a look in the attic for signs of leaking. Ice damming can also cause water to enter the house if you don’t have an adequate shingle underlayment or if the flashing (the aluminum or steel used over roof joints, like chimneys and pipes) has deteriorated.

2. Blistering or Peeling Interior or Exterior Paint

When paint starts to peel off, the cause is likely trapped moisture in the house due to excessive temperature or high humidity from poor attic ventilation. The air in the attic needs to flow freely from the soffit to the ridge to reduce humidity. Make sure there is a vent in areas such as the kitchen or bathroom. Dryers should vent outside.

3. Stains on Interior Ceilings and Walls; Mold or Mildew Growth

If you see stains or, even worse, mold growth inside your home, it may be caused by inadequate or faulty shingle underlayment that is allowing water to seep into the house. Inadequate ventilation could also be the culprit, which causes excessive moisture conditions in which mold and mildew thrive.

4. Exterior Decay, Sheathing, And/or Siding

Poor attic ventilation is again a possible cause, but any condition that results in excess moisture can contribute to decay. One way to combat the problem is to put a vapor barrier between the insulation and the inside of the house, which can reduce the amount of moisture that goes into a wall and help the moisture escape from the wall.

5. Missing, Cracked, or Curled Shingles

If you see that your shingles are dry or practically break when touched, that means they have reached the end of their useful life and it’s time to invest in a new roof.

6. Dark, Dirty-Looking Areas on Your Roof

This could mean your roof has vegetation, fungus, mold, or algae growth, or that the shingles’ protective granules have been lost. This doesn’t mean you need to replace your roof, but these stains can reduce curb appeal. Cleaning the shingles is an option, but that could shorten their life. Fortunately, StainGuard protection is available on many GAF Shingles, including Timberline Cool Series Shingles, Timberline Natural Shadow Shingles, and Timberline ArmorShield II Shingles. (StainGuard protection is available only on shingles with StainGuard-labeled packaging. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Ltd. Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.)

7. Excessive Energy Costs

A possible cause of higher cooling costs could be insufficient attic ventilation, requiring the cooling system to run excessively. In warm weather, inadequate ventilation will trap hot air in the attic, causing air-conditioning systems to work harder, or leaving your home’s interior hotter and less comfortable. In both hot and cold weather, moisture in the attic can become trapped and condense on the rafters if it’s not insulated properly. This moisture can drip down onto the insulation and reduce its effectiveness, potentially increasing energy costs.

Does Your Roof Need to Be Repaired?

If you are concerned about your roof and are unsure that you need a repair, give us a call today at (843) 896-3996 to request an inspection.

Not sure if your roof is still repairable? You’re not the first person who wants to figure out if they need a replacement or a repair before calling in a roofing professional. You’ll also find information on insurance claims, below:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have more questions about your roof? You can find answers to common roofing questions below.

Q: Can I just replace the damaged shingles?

A: A roof consists of more than just shingles. In some cases, you can just replace the shingles if the area of damage is small. However, that’s not possible if most of your roof is damaged. It’s best to replace the structure entirely to save money in the long run.

Q: Can a new roof lower my energy bills?

A: A new roof can certainly lower your energy bills. An old or damaged roof won’t ventilate your home properly and cause your monthly energy costs to spike. A new roof will eliminate that problem for you.

Q: Is a roofing replacement a good investment?

A: A new roof can improve the curb value of your home, lower energy costs, and save you money. It’s often the best course of action for homeowners.