Warning Signs Your Roof Has Not Long to Go
The last storm left shingles in your yard? You see unaccountable stains on the ceiling and can’t put a finger on why? It is natural to ask yourself if your roof has some years in it yet or if its days are numbered.
For over 15 years we at RoofVantage have been putting those questions to rest for homeowners and property owners in North Carolina. We are licensed and insured and do everything from a minor repair to an outright replacement. Our territory covers the Raleigh, Durham and Research Triangle as well as the Greater Wilmington and Cape Fear; get in touch with us at 743-330-5225.
A roof puts in a hard day’s work, and here in coastal and inland North Carolina it has to contend with wind and rain, the sun and now and then a hurricane. To stave off the expense of water damage and the hassle of emergency repairs, one should be attuned to when a roof is coming to the end of its useful life. What follows are the signs to look out for.
An Old Roof
Then there is the matter of age. A good asphalt shingle roof will give you 20 to 30 years or so, provided the materials and installation were of a certain quality. If yours is getting up there, an inspection is prudent even if it appears fine from vantage point of the ground. Metal and tile may have a longer run but they too show their wear. An inspection is the only way to tell where you are if you have no idea when the roof was done on a home you have purchased.
Curling, Cracking or Missing Shingles
You can read a roof’s condition in its shingles. As they deteriorate water will make its way in. Look for any of these:
- Edges or the center of the shingle curling or buckling
- Surface cracks
- Where the granules have worn down leaving a bald spot
- Any that are torn, broken or gone altogether
- Granules in the gutters and by the downspouts
When more than one area is failing, patching is hardly a solution, it is a temporary measure at best.
Sagging on the Roofline
There should be straight lines to a sound roof. Dipping or sagging is cause for concern, as it generally means there is moisture trapped or some structural issue with the decking below. Do not put it off, nor should you be the one to go up and have a look at it. Let a professional make the assessment.
Interior Water Stains and Leaks
Often the most telling evidence is inside the house. Brown or yellowing on walls and ceilings is an indication of water intrusion. In the attic one might find dampness or a musty smell. Other things to be on the lookout for are:
- Patches of discoloration on the ceiling
- Paint or wallpaper peeling about the roofline
- Daylight visible through the boards
- Mold or mildew in the upper corners
- Leaks, which have a way of making quick work of themselves in a North Carolina storm
Higher Energy Bills
If the roof is old or not up to snuff it will allow outside air in and let conditioned air out. Unexplained increases in heating and cooling costs could be traced to the roof and how the attic is ventilated.
Storm and Hail
In the Triangle and Cape Fear you are subject to the elements. Hail and hurricanes can take the life out of a roof in short order, sometimes in a night. Make sure to have it examined for dents or lifted shingles after a big weather event.
We are a FORTIFIED Roofing partner with RoofVantage and install to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety standard for a reason. Being CertainTeed Shingle Master certified is another assurance of the caliber of our work.
Time to Act
Should you spot any of the above, an inspection by a pro is in order. We are at your disposal 24/7 for a free estimate and to answer any questions. Financing is available to keep the project within reach with a 90 per cent approval rate if a replacement is called for.
From the individual homeowner to those with an HOA or rental portfolio to manage, we are prepared to be of service in our two North Carolina areas. Give us a ring at 743-330-5225 to set up an inspection and see what kind of life is left in your roof.
