How to Deal with Common Roofing Problems

brick home with shingle roof

Dealing With Issues

No matter how well it was installed or maintained, every roof in the Midwest Area will experience some problems. We live in an area of the country that has extreme weather throughout the year, and the exposure to wind, rain, snow, ice and excessive heat takes its toll on your roof. Spotting these problems early is the key to getting them fixed before they compromise the comfort or safety of your family or lead to the need for a new roof. Keep an eye out for the following red flags and always keep in mind that an inspection from the professionals at Hometown Roofing is the best way to determine if your roof needs repairs.

Granules in Your Downspout

If your roof has just been installed, you can expect to find granules in your gutter as many loose granules will gather there during installation. However, if your roof is older and you discover excessive granules in your downspout or while cleaning your gutters, it could be a sign that your shingles are deteriorating. Because granules protect your shingles from the elements — especially UV rays from the sun — the loss of them could cause shingles to become brittle and crack. If your gutter seems clogged, you should take a look and see if granules are part of the problem. You can also look for them coming out of your downspout during or after heavy rain.

Missing Shingles

If you have dark patches on your roof, it’s a sign that some of your shingles are missing. Though this can happen due to an isolated incident, such as an animal being on your roof or particularly high wind, it could also indicate that the sealant holding down your shingles is deteriorating. Either way, you should have a professional get up on your roof to determine if enough shingles are missing to cause a problem or if there is a bigger problem with your roof as a whole.

Interior Water Spots

Leaks in your roof can be tricky. They don’t usually cause visual damage until it’s too late and by then the damage could be extensive and a new roof is usually in order. Another complication with roof leaks is the visual damage is usually in a different part of the home from where the leak is actually located on the roof. Why? Because water usually travels along the roof panels, then drips down into your attic insulation before leaving water spots on your ceiling. If you do see these spots, it’s time to call a professional. However, having regular roof inspections even when you don’t see leaks is a good way to discover them before they cause any major damage.

These are just a few red flags that could indicate your roof is failing or needs repairing. Though you can keep an eye out for large problems, it’s always best to have a professional take a look on an annual basis or after a big storm to make sure everything is intact. Schedule your free roofing inspection today in the Omaha area with a professional at Hometown Roofing. Our experienced inspectors can give you peace of mind and take care of any issues before they turn into crises.