Not sure if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced? Our Calgary renovation company has put together this handy list to help you better determine if your roof is in need of some TLC.
There’s a reason why the saying ‘a roof over one’s head’ is synonymous with a place to live. Because without a proper roof to shelter you and your family from the harsh elements Calgary is known for, your abode would not be very inviting. While we all know how important the roofs of our homes are, it can be tough at times to know whether it needs to be repaired or replaced. Unless catastrophe strikes of course and you suddenly find yourself damp from a damaging leak that sends you running for all the buckets you can find. Notwithstanding that type of disaster, here are five other signs that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced.
1. Paint Damage
If you notice that any of your paint is blistering or peeling either inside or outside your house, that could be a sign that water is accumulating and pooling in a place that it shouldn’t be. While at first you may think of this as just a cosmetic issue, it’s actually extremely serious and an indication that water damage is somehow occurring, possibly due to a leaky roof.
2. Water Stains
Anytime there’s evidence of water seeping into your house or leaving a mark where it shouldn’t be is cause for concern. Water stains are characterized by their distinctive brown colour and need to be addressed as soon as they’re discovered. While a leaky roof could be the culprit, especially if the stain is located on the upper level of your home, quickly rectifying a leak that is leaving water stains is a must no matter the cause.
3. Mould
If you discover any mildew or mould growing in your home — especially near your ceilings — then this could be a sign that your roof is leaking and needs to be repaired or replaced. Once you notice the mould or mildew you should check your attic right away to see if your insulation is damp or a leak is present. If you don’t find anything in your attic that could be the cause, you may have a plumbing issue somewhere that needs to be fixed. But at least you don’t need a new roof.
4. Loss of Granules
Because you’re a dutiful homeowner and you clean out your eavestroughs every fall, the next time you’re up there doing so take a look in the gutters and see whether the granules of your roof shingles are accumulating in there in a large way. While seeing some granules is to be expected since most roof shingles come with excess ones, you don’t want to see tons of them piling up below the leaves. If you do see a lot of granules in your gutter, inspect your shingles more closely and see if your shingles still have some left. If they don’t, you likely need to replace your roof before things get any worse — and wet.
5. Your Shingles are Curled
Aside from your roof springing a leak that has to be caught with buckets during a rainstorm, seeing that your shingles are curled is likely the easiest way to know that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. Every few months you should get in the habit of inspecting your shingles with your eyes or binoculars if need be. If you begin to notice that some of them are curling, you need to call a roofing contractor in Calgary right away.
While it can be tough to know if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, one of the best things you can do is to call a roofing contractor like us to come and inspect it free of charge. We’ll give you the honest truth and will only ever recommend repairing or replacing your roof if it’s warranted. We’ll even let you know how many more years you may get out of it, and if some spot repairs can push that number even higher.