If you love completing DIY home improvement jobs, you might have the urge to bring out your tools as soon as your roof starts to show signs of damage.
But let us tell you, it’s better to let professionals handle something as serious as roofing repairs, especially if it involves getting on top of the house.
Something like that should only be done by someone with the proper equipment and training.
Plus, roofing work is complex, and if anything goes wrong, you might have to end up spending even more to fix the damage.
It’s also important to remember not to delay calling in the professionals like roofing contractors Frisco, TX . the longer you leave a problem, the bigger it will get.
So how do you know when to get the roofing experts in?
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Signs to Call Experts
If you see any of these signs, know that it’s time to bring in the professionals:
Missing/damaged shingles
Blistering, curling, buckling, and missing shingles are the most significant signs you need to call in the experts.
A quick inspection is enough to know if there are missing or damaged shingles.
Water absorption or hot air coming from the attic can make the shingles curl.
A curling shingle usually means that it’s no longer effective in preventing leakages, making the roof susceptible to leaks.
Your roof can also leak because of missing shingles that leave the interior of the roof exposed.
In times like these, you need to make sure that you get in touch with experts to get your roof repaired quickly and prevent further damage to the roof.
Patchy Roof
Shingle granules are essential for the roof since they protect the shingles from ultraviolet rays and provide extra weight.
When you lose too many granules, your roof becomes susceptible to different weather elements, making it imperative to get your roof fixed.
The easiest way of spotting granule loss is by looking in your gutter.
If you find too many shingles there (and your roof looks patchy), you know it’s time to contact experts.
Mold and Algae
Algae and mold are harmful to your health since they cause airborne diseases and lower indoor air quality. But more importantly, they can really damage your roof.
Mold and algae are usually carried by the wind and thrive in humid and warm environments.
They not only cause stains, but they can also grow into tiny cracks and crevices where there’s already a leak.
And if you don’t take immediate action, mold and algae become harder to remove and ultimately cause extensive damage.
But because mold and algae can be harmful to your health, especially if you don’t have the right equipment, it’s better to let the experts handle this roof repair.
Moss
Moss is perhaps the easiest way to recognize a deteriorating roof since its roots can break the material down.
It can also spread between shingles and loosen them, which can be pretty dangerous, especially if it’s windy.
While it’s possible to deal with a mild outbreak on your own by using chemicals, we recommend turning to experts if the problem gets out of hand.
In most cases, if the moss is overgrown, it will cause damage to the roof.
Damaged Flashing
Your flashing can be damaged because of two reasons: either you have an old roof that’s starting to crack, or your new roof isn’t correctly installed.
If you have a damaged flashing, you will find water leaking into your house, so it’s better to call in experts as early as possible.
Ceiling Spots
Any sign of water leakage is a sign for you to call the experts. In most cases, water leakage takes the shape of dark and very noticeable spots or specks that are hard to ignore.
And if they’re not taken care of, these water spots will only continue to grow.
These are mainly present around the vents and chimneys near the flashing, and it’s better to call in experts as soon as you see a spot.
These leaks can damage not just the ceilings but the walls and other parts of the building structure as well.
Aging Roof
The life expectancy of a roof mainly depends on the material used for it and how well it is maintained, but generally, you need to get your roof assessed for repair as it gets around 20 years old.
Factors like rain, exposure to the sun, and the expanding and contracting of the roof in winters can cause premature failures, especially if it’s not maintained correctly.
Other Signs
Other visible signs that indicate it’s time to call experts include holes and punctures on the roof’s surface, leaks because of failed masonry or metal, deteriorated sealant, cracks, rust, and damaged expansion joints.
Best Time to Call Experts
You now know the signs that indicate you need to turn to the experts. But there are other occasions where it’s better to call in professionals, such as:
After a Storm
Severe weather like hail, high winds, and storms can damage your roof. Usually, trees and debris can result in holes that can cause water leaks.
So if you’ve just experienced a storm, it’s best to call in experts and have them inspect your roof.
When Turning Your House Into a Commercial Property
If you plan on changing your building’s use, like transitioning from residential to commercial use, you might need to get some changes done.
Without changes like re-roofing, the roof might not be able to handle the weight on the surface, like the weight of added equipment.
Before Putting Your House on the Market
Simple changes like changes in the roofing design and material can really increase your property’s value.
It’s one of the most significant investments you can make.
So before you list your property up for sale, call in the professionals, and let them repair and enhance your roof!