It’s not enough to simply have a roof over your head. You need a good roof, or it won’t provide adequate protection when you most need it. Keeping your roof in good shape is crucial for your safety and health. If you don’t know how to tell whether your roof is bad or not, though, this can make keeping it in good shape harder.
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Here are a few signs that your roof is in poor condition that should not go ignored.
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Loose Shingles
With every passing storm and strong wind, your shingles get battered and are put to the test. Over time, they’ll become loose and slide easily. If you notice your shingles look or feel loose, this is a sign that it’s time to replace them. Likewise, shingles or tiles that are curled, cracked, or blistered are also an early warning sign of a damaged roof.
If you’re missing shingles, even if it’s just one or two, then it’s well past time to take care of your roof, and you should be quick tp get the area repaired.
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Sunken Areas
Even if you aren’t a professional roofer, it’s clear that your roof needs help if there are parts that are sunken or beginning to sink. A sunken roof is a sign of rot and needs to be taken care of immediately. Sunken areas in your roof point towards a problem in the structure. If you ignore problems with the support of the roof, it can lead to significant damage after the next storm.
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Moss and Algae
It’s not uncommon for a little bit of moss or algae to grow on your roof, especially if you have an older home. When the moss and algae seems to be taking over more and more of your roof, though, you have a problem.
Moss and algae growth is a sign of water damage. If there is a lot of moss around your roof, there’s a risk that it’s grown under your roof and damaging the structure. If caught early enough, you can get away with installing a better drainage system. Otherwise, though, you’ll end up needing to replace your whole roof.
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Exposed or Loose Nailheads
Even if you don’t have shingles missing, you may have noticed exposed or loose nails. While you may think it isn’t a problem as long as the shingles stay in place, this isn’t necessarily true. When nails are pulled out of place, the holes they were in are exposed to water damage and could cause problems. Water that creeps in can quickly damage the inside of your roof and lead to moss and algae growth or a weakened structure.
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Missing or Damaged Flashing
Around your chimney and other intersecting structures, flashing is used to seal off your roof. Flashing prevents water from creeping into your home where intersections are located, but just like shingles, flashing can be damaged or broken.
If you notice flashing is damaged or even missing, it’s time to get your roof repaired. Without proper flashing around intersections in your roof, water will leak into your home and cause damage not only to your roof but to other areas in your home as well.
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Water Damage
If you spot water damage inside your home, it can often be a sign that there is a problem with your roof. Perhaps it is just a window or door that wasn’t installed correctly, but more often than not, the problem lies in your roof.
Conclusion
Your roof is your biggest defense against storms and debris. If it isn’t well taken care of, it won’t be able to protect you against the weather or flying debris that’s often picked up and carried by storms. Because your roof plays such a vital role in keeping you safe, it’s essential to keep an eye out for signs that it needs repairs so that when the next storm comes, you’re well protected.