Your roof is one of the most important components of your home, and it’s critical that you keep up with routine maintenance. However, despite your best efforts, you can’t overcome the fact that a roof has a finite lifespan. Therefore, it’s important to notice signs that it needs to be replaced so that you can do so before the harsh Iowa winter weather sets in.
Curled or Missing Shingles
A shingle curls or flies off the roof because of exposure to water, old age or because it wasn’t installed properly. Regardless of the reason, it is a sign that the roof may either be too old to do its job or is defective. If a large swath of shingles are curling or missing, it’s definitely a clue that the roof needs work soon.
Water Stains Inside on Interior Walls
The presence of stains on an interior ceiling or wall typically means that water is leaking from the roof. In some cases, staining is the only clear sign that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. At a minimum, you should have the roof inspected to determine if there is a leak, where it is coming from and the extent of the damage it has caused.
Mold or Algae on the Roof
Mold, algae and similar materials need damp and dark conditions to grow. Therefore, you’ll most likely see them on portions of the roof that don’t receive direct sunlight. You might also see it growing on portions of the structure that aren’t properly insulated or where shingles are damaged or missing.
Mold can be especially problematic because it can spread quickly through the roof and inside of your home. While it may be possible to wash the spores off of shingles or other roofing materials, you’ll have to act in a proactive manner to avoid a full roof repair.
Stains or Rotting in the Attic
You may notice that the attic ceiling is moldy, has stains or is rotting away. This is caused by improper ventilation that fails to allow moist and humid air to exit the attic in a timely manner. Over time, moisture in the air will continue to accumulate and cause significant rot that can weaken the roof.
During the winter months, the temperature difference between the attic and the roof can be enough to create moisture damage. Essentially, the warmer air in the attic will cause snow or ice on the roof above to freeze and thaw at a faster rate.
Defective Gutters Can Cause Roof Damage
A clogged gutter can cause issues with your roof because it allows water to flow back under shingles. This can result in water damage to shingles, decking and other parts of the structure.
Leaves and branches from nearby trees are the typical culprits as they physically block water from flowing away from your property. It’s also important to understand that leaves, grass and other organic material can further clog gutters as they rot and turn into a gooey mess.
During the winter and early spring months, ice dams can cover gutters in a thick layer of ice. As snow melts off of the roof, it is forced to flow backward instead of away from the roof.
What Can Homeowners Do?
There are a number of steps that you can take to determine if your roof needs to be replaced. First, you should have an inspection done at least once a year to find signs of damage that may or may not be obvious at first glance.
In some cases, repairs may be a temporary solution to your problem. For instance, if only a few shingles or tiles are damaged, it may be possible to simply replace them and wait until next year to do a full replacement.
Gutters and downspouts should be inspected and cleaned annually to ensure that they can work properly. Depending on their condition, it may be a good idea to have them replaced along with the roof.
Schedule Your Consultation Now
If your Quad Cities, IA home has an old or defective roof, we can help rectify the problem. Our team can perform an inspection, routine maintenance or a full roof replacement in a timely and affordable manner. Give Evenhouse Roofing a call today to learn more about how we can meet your needs!
