Replacing the roof on your home isn't a cheap process. The average cost in the US stretches into the five-figure range, which can be a tall order for nearly any household. While every roof will eventually reach its expiration date and require replacement, you can often extend the lifespan of your by addressing problems as soon as possible.
Of course, you can't address issues with your roof unless you know they exist! If you don't know what to look for, you may allow some major red flags to go unnoticed, potentially shortening your roof's lifespan or causing damage to other parts of your home. Although leaks are an unmistakeable sign of trouble, these other three warnings are serious enough to require immediate attention
1. Mold Near Exterior Walls
Roofing material can often develop mold and algae. This problem is unsightly, but it doesn't necessarily mean your roof requires replacement. In some cases, these blemishes develop due to a combination of shade, humid climates, and collected dirt and debris. While you should consider addressing these issues, they often don't require emergency attention.
On the other hand, mold forming in areas where your roof meets a wall can be a much more serious problem. This issue often occurs because water is seeping into the wall due to a drainage problem or damaged flashing on the roof edge. Whatever the underlying cause, you'll need to take action immediately to avoid costly damage to your home's walls or interior.
2. Sagging or Damaged Gutters
While not all homes use gutters, those that do often require them for proper drainage. Without gutters, water from your roof may fall too close to your foundation. Even worse, damaged or sagging gutters can create problems for your home's roofing system. Sagging gutters can allow water to collect and block drainage, allowing rainwater to collect along the edge of your roof.
This excess moisture can eventually seep under your shingles, leading to rotted-out roof decking or interior leaks. The good news is that these problems are easily avoidable if you don't ignore the warning signs. Once you notice rusting, sagging, or other clear signs of damage on your gutter, contact a roofing contractor for an evaluation and repair as soon as possible.
3. Moldy Smells
Moldy smells inside your home can have numerous sources, but most are problems you won't want to ignore. Plumbing leaks are one common source, but hidden roof leaks are another potential issue. Leaks near the edge of your roof can often drip down along exterior walls, allowing mold to form in areas that are completely out of sight.
You may have an ongoing and otherwise unnoticed leak if you notice a persistent moldy smell near exterior walls, especially after rain. While you should check for potential plumbing issues that may be causing an interior look, don't hesitate to contact a roofing professional if you can't find any other obvious source for the moisture.
For more information on residential roofing, contact a professional near you.
After struggling with the appearance and structural integrity of my home, I realized that I had to do something to make a difference. I realized that part of the issue had to be the roof, since the home had been in my family for years and nobody had ever addressed the roof before. I met with a roofing team to talk about the problem, and they were instrumental in helping me to get things sorted out. After a few renovations, things had really improved, and I felt like things were on the up and up. I wanted to start a blog that focused on finding roofing for your home, so check out this blog.