Your roof is arguably one of the most important parts of your home. It protects your family, your belongings, and the structure of your house from external elements. Therefore, when Buffalo’s extreme weather starts to take its toll, it’s important to recognize the need for crucial repairs.
We understand that homeowners never look forward to the cost of roof repairs – but keep in mind that a full roof replacement is far more expensive. A new roof installation can easily cost $20,000 or more, so it’s better to watch for small problems and address them before your roof is beyond repair.
At William C. Rott and Son, we conduct free inspections to help homeowners understand when roof and ceiling repairs are needed. During our assessments, we look for many telltale signs of damage – and these are four red flags that indicate repairs are definitely needed.
If you see any of these symptoms, schedule a professional inspection ASAP.
1. Noticeably Damaged Shingles
What is one of the easiest things a homeowner can do to protect their roof? Look at it. We often forget to check on the state of what’s above our heads every night. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
There are many types of roof shingles (including asphalt, metal, clay, and slate), but the most common type here in Buffalo is asphalt. Over time, asphalt shingles will start to show signs of wear and tear.
Although some deterioration is expected, watch out for:
- Significant discoloration
- Curling
- Crumbling
- Mold/mildew growth
- Broken tiles
We also recommend looking for granules in your gutters. Shingles that are starting to wear out lose their granules, and rain washes them into the gutters. A gutter full of granules can indicate some seriously damaged roof shingles, so pay attention.
If you see any of these issues, contact a professional to replace damaged roof shingles before they worsen. It’s much better to repair or replace a few than to realize you need an entire roof replacement.
2. Higher Moisture Levels in Your Home
Another sign that you may need a roof leak repair is the level of moisture in your home after it rains. Higher moisture levels, especially after a storm, can indicate that your roof has cracks or holes.
How can you tell if your home’s moisture levels are high? The most noticeable signs tend to include:
- An increase in dust mites
- Mold or mildew growth
- Sudden allergy problems
- Humid air and sticky surfaces
- Condensation on windows, mirrors, or pipes
- Peeling paint or cracked stucco
- Musty, stale odors
Excessive moisture levels aren’t just detrimental to your house. They can also cause health problems and exacerbate respiratory conditions and allergies.
How can you prevent this from happening? Stay on top of your roof’s needs. The sooner you can identify potential leaks and deterioration, the quicker you can act.
Check your attic or crawl space for wet spots or damp areas. A simple patch can sometimes fix a leak, and that’s definitely preferable over needing a full replacement once the leak worsens.
3. Increase in Heating and Cooling Bills
Take a careful look at your heating and cooling bill each month. If you notice sudden increases, without clear explanations, there might be a leak in your roof.
We all learned in science class that heat rises. During a cold Buffalo winter, if all of your home’s hot air is escaping up through damaged roof shingles, your units will have to work double time to keep the building warm. As a result, you wind up with hefty utility bills.
Similarly, in the summer, you don’t want your pricey air conditioning escaping through damaged shingles. Keep a close eye on your energy use and look into the situation if there’s a serious spike.
Fortunately, the solution may be scheduling a quick flash repair or replacing the seals around your roof’s vents. Have a roof repair and cleaning team inspect the situation to determine what’s forcing your heating and air conditioning units to work overtime.
4. Sagging Areas
Buffalo’s severe weather is tough on roofs. Even our rainstorms can be severe and unforgiving. When water gets under your shingles, it can damage the structure of your home and lead to rotting wood. This can then cause your decking and rafters to sag.
In the winters, snow can also sit on your roof for days or even weeks. This allows moisture to seep in between your shingles over time. The weight of the snow alone can cause your roof to sag.
Keep in mind that sagging might be hard to see from the outside. You can use a ladder to look around, but you may also want to check from inside the attic or in your crawl space.
Visual inspections are vitally important to catch these issues before they worsen. In worst-case scenario situations, a full roof replacement might be needed – especially if the flashing and roof insulation are damaged, too.
When you see the first warning signs and think you might need roof repairs, call an experienced roof leak repair company. A trained professional will help you identify structural damage and act to remedy problems quickly.
Don’t Wait to Schedule Local Roof Repairs
We all want to protect our loved ones and our homes from the extreme Buffalo weather. Being proactive in taking care of your roof is the best way to do that.
Regular inspections and small roof shingle repairs minimize the need for big, expensive replacements. Visually inspect your roof often and contact a professional if you spot an issue. Problems with shingles, high moisture levels, energy use spikes, and sagging are all things to look for.
You are your roof’s first line of defense. Don’t wait to shield your home from damage.
About Our Roof Repair Company
With 113 years of experience right here in Buffalo, we know what it takes to help local roofs last for decades. Contact William C. Rott & Son for all your needs, including free inspections, budget-friendly roof repair services, and total roof replacements with 0% financing and 12 months of no payments for qualified customers.
