4 Signs Your Shingled Roof Needs Intervention

As a homeowner with a shingled roof, you need to be able to tell when your roof is at the end of its life. Knowing when your roof is near the end of its life will allow you to take preventative action to extend the life of your roof and to budget and plan for a new roof.

1. Beams of Light Come Through Your Roof

If you have access to your attic or crawl space, head on up there. Your attic or crawl space can tell you a lot about the overall condition and health of your roof.

When in your attic, look for beams of light coming in around the eaves of your roof. If you spot beams of light coming in through your roof, you have holes. If those holes allow in light, they are big enough to let in water. Leaks are extremely damaging to your roof and your home.

2. Your Attic Has Water Streaks

While in your attic, keep an eye out for stains and streaks on the ceiling.

Water stains or streaks on the ceiling or walls of your attic means water is already leaking through your roof and causing damage.

Water leaks are dangerous, even if you find them when they are small. Water leaks can spread over time, causing rotting wood, mold, and mildew. Mold and mildew can quickly spread and damage your roof and your home.

3. Algae Grows on Your Roof

You don’t want algae or moss to start growing on your roof. This type of plant growth on your roof can trap moisture around your shingles.

Trapped moisture from plant growth on your roof can lead to the roof deck rotting out. The roof deck is the layer of the roof that rests on top of the trusses and joists in your attic, and it acts as the base for your entire roof.

A rotting roof deck compromises the strength of your entire roof. Untreated algae growth can lead to roof rot.

4. Flashing Is Damaged

Flashing is generally made out of metal, such as copper, aluminum, galvanized steel, or aluminum-zinc–coated steel. Flashing can also be made out of rubber or felt. Wherever your roof intersects with another object and wherever your roof stops, you’ll find flashing.

You may see flashing along the roof ridges at the top of your roof, and in the roof valleys, where one side of the roof connects with another side. You can also find flashing around the vent pipes, chimneys, and skylights.

When roof flashing becomes damaged, water can get under the flashing and harm your roof. Roof flashing is often the first roofing material to show signs of age.

There are numerous signs of age to watch out for with your roof flashing. Small cracks and dents in roof flashing can damage the structural integrity of your roof flashing, eventually leading to rust. You might find small holes courtesy of wildlife or corrosion.

Although roof flashing has a galvanized coating on it to protect it from rust and corrosion, that coating can break down over time. When the galvanized coating breaks down and rust develops, the flashing can no longer repel water.

Keep a close eye on your roof by paying attention to the condition of your attic and your roof. If you see sunlight streaming in through your attic or spot water streaks, your roof needs attention right away.

If you see mold or algae growing on your roof, treat and remove it immediately to prevent water damage. Replace compromised flashing right away.

If you spot one of the above signs of roof damage, give us a call at SUNVEK. We can help fix any existing damage to your roof, and we can help replace your roof when necessary.