When to Call A Roofing Contractor

7 Signs Your Roof Repair Might Be Too Much To Handle On Your Own

Your home is probably one of your greatest assets and biggest investment. A home’s roof is also one of the most important features in determining the value of your residential property. Yet the maintenance of a roof is often overlooked with other home improvement projects taking priority and constantly needing your attention. Regular roof maintenance checks are recommended twice a year and after severe storms; as the industry standard in spotting critical issues should be early on. The key is to notice leaks and other issues where damage is limited so that as a result the repairs will be less costly to fix.

However, in the real world time is a limited resource and calling a professional roof contractor can be the most efficient use of it. Here are 7 signs that it is time to call in a professional roofing contractor instead of attempting a do-it-yourself roof repair project that will be too much to handle on your own.

DAMAGED SHINGLES
When you notice damaged or missing shingles from your home’s roof, this can be a warning sign that a bigger issue may be present. Do not hesitate to call a roofing expert, especially when there are piles of black or gray particles that have accumulated in downspouts and gutters. Frigid winter and scorching summer weather can also cause cracks, tears, or strip off entire shingle pieces. Shingles are commonly made of the following materials; asphalt, wood, plastic, slate, fiber cement, and metal.

ROOF LEAKS
A leak can be detected early on from inside the home by paying close attention to walls and ceilings as well as checking the attic for water stains. Once detected, do not put off contacting a professional roofer to avoid structural damage to your home and protect your family from unhealthy exposure. Mold and mildew can grow if leaks go untreated and cause costly respiratory diseases. Houston residents and other Gulf coast inhabitants who experience frequent heavy rainstorms and the occasional hurricane should always be on the lookout for leaks and keep their families protected with early detection and responsiveness.

SAGGING ROOF
Notice an awkward sagging in your roof? From either the inside or the outside of the house, any sign of sagging should prompt you to get a FREE professional inspection from a certified roof contractor. Do not ignore this sign because it could be indicating a number of issues from weakened materials, faulty installation, to accumulated debris.

AGED ROOF
Homeowners and property managers should make a note of their roofs age and use the fact to strategically plan for repairs or roof replacements. The average roof is designed to last about 20 years, so knowing you have an older roof will give you time to get a plan in place to protect your family and your investment.

ROOF DISCOLORATION
Have you noticed black or discoloring streaks on your roof? The most common culprit is usually algae, fungus, or mold growth causing streaks on the roof. This growth is aided by poor air circulation, shaded areas on the roof, and high humidity that left alone will deteriorate roofing materials and cause leaks. A roofing contractor can examine the extent of damage and provide a reasonable estimate for clearing away the vegetation or installing zinc strips to prevent the growth all together.

ICE DAMS
One of the worst winter roof problems is ice dams. They form when large packs of snow accumulate on the rooftop and due to inconsistent melting, water collects along the eaves of the home. Shingles are often the first to be damaged, ceilings are ruined, and the added weight can weaken roofing material. Most importantly, resist the urge to remove the snow and ice yourself. Please be advised not to use a hammer or shovel to hack away at the ice because it can cause more damage than do good. You can wait patiently for warmer weather to melt the ice away or call your local professional roofing contractor to assess the damage.

WORN GASKETS
Roof systems have areas that can be identified by roofing professionals as common fault points. Gaskets around chimneys and vent stacks are considered fault points because they have raised areas with edges exposed compared to the rest of the roof’s flat surfaces. Worn out, cracked, or loose gaskets can also lead to major leaks and are best left to a professional.

Utilizing the services of a professional, certified, and insured roofing contractor can save you time, money, and many headaches in the long run. A handy man or do-it-yourself home owner can only do so much without the proper equipment and risk injuring themselves to slips and falls that can be debilitating or fatal. In addition, a full-service roofing company brings along years of experience that is irreplaceable to providing the right diagnosis and solutions to any roofing problem. Now you know when to call a roofing professional and trust they can handle the job!

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Source: Texas Certified