6 Telltale Signs Your Home Has Bad Roof Damage

Have you ever wondered why the plural form of “hoof” is “hooves,” but when we talk about more than one roof, we say “roofs” and not “rooves”?

No? Well, that’s understandable. After all, you have more important things to worry about besides the finer points of the English language. The possibility of substantial roof damage is just one issue that’s commanding your attention.

Not sure if you should have your roof repaired, or if it’s time to cry Uncle and sell your home? Read on for more information.

6 Telltale Signs That Your Home Has Roof Damage

Severe roof damage can generally be diagnosed from simply looking at it from the ground, or going up into the attic to check for signs there. So there’s no need to drag the ladder out of the garage and go exploring up on the housetop.

In fact, this can be dangerous! Call in a professional to check out the state of your roof if you’re uncertain about it.

Your Roof is Getting Old

A typical asphalt shingle roof has a fairly limited lifespan. Generally, it will last for about 20 to 25 years before needing to be replaced. That’s if there’s only one layer of shingles on the sheathing.

If the last time your home’s roof was replaced, the roofers installed new shingles directly over the old ones rather than doing a complete tear-off, it’s probably time to start from scratch.

Ventilation also matters. Without proper ventilation, moisture may have become trapped between the shingles and the sheathing, or between layers of shingles. As you can imagine, this can cause substantial damage over time.

Your Shingles Are Curling or Buckling

Go stand in your yard or driveway and take a long, hard look at your roof. If shingle damage is clearly visible, there’s another telltale sign that you may need a new roof.

Shingles may curl or buckle for several reasons. Having been exposed to years’ worth of direct sunlight can cause shingles to dry out and curl up. Conversely, buckling might occur as a result of excess moisture.

There’s also a third possibility: the shingles or their installation could be defective. If that’s the case, make sure to hire a qualified and experienced roofer for the replacement! Check Angie’s List as well as the Better Business Bureau to help you choose a reputable company.

There Are Shingles Missing

Of course, missing shingles are another pretty clear sign that your home’s roof may be starting to fail. Severe weather can lift shingles, especially when the roof is old or structurally unsound.

However, roof damage isn’t always that obvious. You should also check for shingle granules in the gutters, as well as spots on the roof that are darker or lighter than the others. As shingles begin to reach the end of their lifespan, they may shed granules, even while staying put on the roof itself.

Once you start to lose shingles — or the shingles begin to lose integrity — the current roof’s days are numbered.

Light or Leaks in the Attic

Now it’s time to go inside your home and check for damage from the attic or top floor. Look up. Can you see light shining through? If so, you guessed it — time to replace your roof.

Another sure sign that your roof is damaged? Leaks in the attic. You might not be able to see water leaking from the roof, but you may see the damage that water has caused. Any belongings that are stored up in your attic might be damp or water damaged.

Don’t have an attic? Check the ceiling of your uppermost rooms. The paint could be discolored, bubbling, peeling, or cracking. There might also be damage to the plaster. If you see these signs, don’t delay. Contact a roofing company before the damage becomes dire — and expensive.

Mold or a Musty Smell

Similarly, a leaky roof can lead to mold, mildew, or a musty smell. Water damage is insidious, and symptoms of mold should not be ignored. One type of mold, toxic black mold, can cause serious health issues. It is especially dangerous to anyone who has a compromised immune system, such as the very young or very old.

Even the non-toxic varieties of mold can be a real pain, however. Mold spores multiply and spread throughout the home, via the HVAC system and just plain old air circulation. It is very difficult to get rid of mold spores once they have taken hold of a house.

Decreased Energy Efficiency

Have you noticed that your energy bills have gradually increased, even though you have taken steps to improve your energy efficiency? New windows and doors are probably the first home improvement that people think of when considering ways to lower their cooling or heating bills. However, if you have already replaced those, installed a programmable thermostat, and taken other measures, the roof might be to blame.

Leaking air is yet another reason that roof replacement might be in your future.

How Much Will a New Roof Cost?

The nationwide average cost of a new roof is just over $7,000. Depending on the size of your home, the area of the country, and the materials you choose, a new roof could run you some $30K! That’s not chump change. While it’s important to make sure that your roof is in good condition, not everyone can afford a replacement.

Another Option To Roof Repair or Replacement

There comes a time when you have to weigh the value of your home against the cost of necessary repairs. If you simply can’t shell out for extensive, expensive repairs, maybe it’s time to sell.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not necessary to have your home in pristine condition to sell it. As a matter of fact, there are companies that will buy your home as-is. They will even pay cash!

Curious about the process of selling your home in a week or less, and for cash? Give us a call or fill out our contact form. We’ll walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Selling your home for cash also means that you’ll never have to worry about that roof damage again!