Most people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about their roofing materials. And in reality, you shouldn’t – you should be able to trust that your roof is doing its job protecting your home, your family and your belongings.
Outside getting a free annual roof inspection or a severe storm, you generally don’t need to give your roof much thought. However, there are some signs that you need to call The Colony, TX roofing contractor right away.
If your home or business has a roof, you’ll eventually need a roofing contractor in The Colony, TX. In addition to an annual roofing inspection, which you should get to ensure your roof is performing to its full potential, you may need to work with a contractor for a roof replacement.
Generally speaking, most asphalt roofs last 20 to 30 years. Other roof types, such as stone or metal, typically last much longer. The key to a long-lasting roof is nearly always regular maintenance; you should have your roof inspected each year, and if there’s ever any damage (particularly that involves water), you should replaced immediately. Roof problems never go away on their own; in fact, if the problems involve water, they can quickly spiral out of control. The sooner you fix roof problems, the better off you’ll be.
We get our fair share of inclement weather in The Colony – and the hot sun, hailstorms and rainstorms can really do a number on your roof. The most common roof problems we treat in The Colony include:
Your shingles should lie flat against your roof, and they should present a uniform appearance. If your shingles are curled, cracked, broken or even missing, you have some issues to handle sooner rather than later. Shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against the elements, and if they can’t do their job, there’s a good chance that water, pests or other undesirables could make their way into your roofing materials.
Remember, roof leaks – even minor ones – never get better with time. They only become worse, and if a leak becomes bad enough, you’ll eventually have to replace your entire roof.
Asphalt shingles are covered in small granules that help them shed water and reflect UV rays. Over time, though, these granules can come off; if that happens, your shingles will look like they have bald spots. This can happen after a particularly bad storm, or it can occur with hail damage, as well.
Even if you don’t notice bald spots on your shingles, you may have an issue with these protective coatings. Check your gutters for small, pellet-sized granules; they’ll most likely be the same color as your roof. You should also check near your downspouts. If you notice any granules, you should have your roof inspected by a professional. You may have a few shingles that are wearing down – or the problem could be more widespread.
If your fascia – the wooden boards facing outward beneath your roofline – appears to be rotting, or if you see mold or peeling paint in the area, it’s a sign that water is pooling in your gutters and sitting against your house. It’s okay for these areas to occasionally get wet, but it’s not okay for water to sit against the wood; eventually, the water will permeate the wood and can cause wood rot, mold and structural problems.
Nails shouldn’t be exposed on your roof; they’re supposed to be protected, where water can’t get to them. If you see exposed nail heads on your rooftop, you should call an The Colony roofing contractor as soon as possible. Likewise, your flashing (the sealing material around all the things that stick out from your roof, such as chimneys, vents and skylights) should be in good repair. If it’s cracked, peeled or missing, it could be creating a pathway for water to get into your roofing materials.
The most obvious sign that you have roofing problems is a leak. Some leaks are very minor – just a few drops here and there – while others pour buckets of water into your home. In either case, you need to get in contact with an The Colony roofing expert immediately. Leaks that appear insignificant can do a tremendous amount of damage to the wood that holds up your roof, your insulation, and all the items in your attic.
Roof leaks never get better or go away. In fact, they can become exponentially worse in a very short period of time. If you have a roof leak, it’s an emergency.
Some signs of a roof leak include:
Whether you’re experiencing problems with your roof or it’s simply been a while since your last professional roof inspection, we’ll be happy to talk to you. Call us today to schedule a time for your complimentary roof inspection – our team will be happy to come to your home or business at a time that’s convenient for you.
