The end of summer is the beginning of rougher climates. Especially in states like Michigan, fall storms and winter snowfall make it absolutely necessary for your roof to hold up before warmer temperatures start back up in Spring.
But how do you know whether your roof is in the best shape possible to withstand and protect against these natural phenomena? How can you make sure that your home makes it through the next winter safely and intact? Roof repair in Plymouth, Michiganbecomes simpler if you know to look for these 7 signs when deciding whether to engage a top roofing contractor in the area.
1) Missing Shingles
First, the obvious. If your roof no longer possesses all of its shingles, its integrity is threatened. Through winds or other wear and tear, some shingles may have blown off the roof.
In that case, you need to make sure that you restore the integrity by having a professional come in, evaluate the situation, and replace any shingles that have gone missing. Act fast – your home may be exposed to water damage.
2) Damaged or Affected Shingles
Of course, shingles don’t have to be missing in order to affect your roof. Even if they are still in place, they may show a number of other warning signs that they can no longer fulfill their core purpose. These signs include:
- Curled or cracked shingles, which indicates that they have reached the end of their lifespan and need replaced.
- Dirty or wet shingles, which begin to trap moisture under them and can lead to sometimes significant water damage.
In either case, if the integrity is not already compromised, the first sign of harsh weather will take care of that. Repair is essential to make sure your roof makes it through that weather.
3) Granules in Gutters
Anytime you have an asphalt roof, you will find a low number of shingle granules that look like coarse, black sand around your roof. As long as that number is moderate, it’s nothing to worry about. But when the number of granules begins to increase, you should take action.
That’s because these granules exist to protect individual shingles from harsh sun and other weather. The more you find, the less they are able to fulfill that job. Finding granules in gutters means your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan, and need replaced.
Anytime you have an asphalt roof, you will find a low number of shingle granules that look like coarse, black sand around your roof.
4) Damaged Flashings
Your flashings are the areas in which your roof shingles connect to anything that isn’t part of an even surface, such as chimneys, skylights, and more. Naturally, these connectors are vulnerable to letting in water if they no longer function adequately.
Look for signs of separation between the flashing and the area with which it connects. This is also an area in which you can spot water damage from your attic. When you see something concerning, call a contractor.
5) Leaks Below the Roof
Speaking of your attic: one of the simplest ways to figure out that something is wrong with your roof is to find a leak below it. Check your attic for any signs of moisture, which can be connected to any of the above potential reasons.
The best time to check for leaks is right after heavy rains. Give the water a few minutes to penetrate where it can, then check to see where these potential spots of penetration may be located. This is likely the area in which your roof needs repair.
6) Uneven or Sagging Roof
Your roof needs to be even. It’s designed specifically so that water can escape without entering your home or freezing on top during colder temperatures. If your roof starts to become uneven or even sag in certain spots, calling a professional for further evaluation is absolutely vital.
The best time to check for leaks is right after heavy rains. Give the water a few minutes to penetrate where it can, then check to see where these potential spots of penetration may be located.
In that case, repair actually becomes your best case scenario. If you’re unlucky, you might need a more complete replacement. Of course, you should leave it to your contractor to make that exact judgment.
7) Rising Energy Bills
Finally, you can get an idea of whether your roof may be due for some repairs with a simple evaluation of your energy bills. If your heating and AC costs suddenly rise, they point toward a compromised insulation in your home.
That problem can come from a variety of areas, such as your windows or doors. But your roof is a major potential culprit, so be sure to have it checked out if you notice any increase. The benefits will be both structural and financial.
What to do When You’re Unsure
Of course, most home owners are not professionals. Especially if you have not already owned your Michigan home for many years, you might not know exactly how to interpret the above and other warning signs. You may even miss some signs that indicate the need for repair.
In that case, you need to engage quality professionals who can evaluate the roof for you. The key is to find contractors who have a great reputation in the area, and who can offer an evaluation for free while giving you valuable advice before engaging with you on the actual repair..
For help in that area, contact us. We’d love to work with you and your Plymouth roof to make sure that any repairs are done on time, and reliably, before the stormier seasons hit. Home pros Plymouth has spent years developing its reputation as the top roofing contractor in the area, and we’d love to share our expertise with you.