But how can you tell if your roof really needs professional repairs? What are the most common signs of damage that you need to look out for? As your trusted roofing contractors in Mobile, AL, we’re here to offer some insights for you.
What You Need To Know About Roof Inspections
As stated earlier, every homeowner should check on the condition of their roof at least twice a year. This should consist of an interior and exterior review of your roofing system. If you feel comfortable getting on top of your roof, remember to prioritize your personal safety at all times. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure the weather conditions are safe (e.g., sunshine, clear skies, little-to-no wind, etc.)
- Wear hard-sole shoes with a good grip
- Have a spotter at the bottom of your ladder to ensure it doesn’t move while climbing up or down
- Avoid hazardous situations when possible
It’s important to note that reputable roofing contractors offer FREE roofing inspections. At Ethos, for instance, we will inspect any roof free of charge and provide you with an in-depth report of our findings.
If you don’t feel comfortable climbing onto your roof, just give us a call! We’d be more than happy to check your roof for the following signs of damage.
1. Missing or Loose Shingles
First and foremost, check your property for any missing or loose shingles. These are always tell-tale signs that your roofing system needs to be repaired. Scan the roof for any bald spots or loose shingles and survey your yard and landscape for missing shingles.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to look out for any shingles that may be missing their granules. Without the granules, your shingles won’t be nearly as effective. Check your gutter systems for any accumulations of granules as well.
It’s also worthwhile to check for any shingles that may be dented, cracked, torn, or warped. These could be signs of troubling storm damage, which may even be covered by your insurance policy.
More severe shingle problems may actually indicate that your roof has underlying damage. Unfortunately, you won't know the full extent of the damage until you get a roofing professional up on the roof.
2. Your Roof Was Last Repaired Decades Ago
When was the last time your roof was repaired, or replaced? Can you recall? If not, it might be time to seek out roofing repairs in Mobile, AL.
No roofing material will ever last forever. In fact, the most popular roofing shingle products (i.e., asphalt shingles) have an average lifespan of 15-20 years. Other roofing materials, like metal or tile, will last longer, but the climate of Alabama can expedite their longevity.
If your roof hasn’t been repaired or replaced in the last two decades, it’s time to call in a roofing contractor for an in-depth inspection. They’ll evaluate the structure and the condition of your aging roof and offer recommendations on how to best repair your property.
3. Storm Damage
It’s no secret that Alabama sees plenty of intense weather throughout a given year. Between the thunderstorms, tornadoes, and tropical storms, Mobile, AL can see hundreds of storms annually. And those events can inflict serious damage on your property.
After any serious storm rolls through the area, remember to pay a visit to your roofing system to check for any signs of storm damage. These may include things like:
- Dented, broken, or missing shingles
- Deterioration to your roof openings and protrusions (e.g., chimneys, vents, etc.)
- Interior water leaks
- Broken tree limbs on your roof
If you notice any signs of damage following a storm, schedule an in-depth roofing inspection ASAP. You only have a small window to file a claim with your insurance provider, so the sooner you can get your property inspected by a professional to verify the storm damage, the better.
4. High Energy Bills
As you calculate your monthly budget, remember to keep a watchful eye on your energy bills. Have you noticed any significant increases recently? Are your rates higher than the average energy costs of Alabama homes? If so, it’s possible your roofing system is not operating the way it should.
Your higher energy bills may be due to a problem with your roof’s insulation or ventilation. In your attic space, your insulation and ventilation systems are in place to help regulate the internal temperature of your home and the external temperature of your roofing system. Ideally, these two systems should be perfectly balanced all year round and maintain a comfortable temperature inside of your home.
If you suddenly notice that your energy bills have gone up without a clear explanation, there might be a problem with your roofing system.
5. Interior Water Damage
Watermarks and stains in your home are almost always a clear sign that your roof is damaged. These are easy to spot during any interior home inspection, so be sure to keep your eye out for any circular watermarks or stains on your ceilings or walls.
These troubling marks are usually due to moisture leaks in your roof. It can take weeks or even months for some of these marks to show up, so you’ll want to act fast if you notice those signs of interior water damage.
Book Your Roofing Repairs In Mobile, AL Today
Roof damage should never be taken lightly. If your roof is damaged and you delay your repairs, you risk further damaging your property, which only leads to higher repair and restoration costs down the line. If you notice any of these signs of damage, take the initiative to contact our reputable roofing company today.
Since 2006, the roofers at Ethos have been repairing, replacing, and restoring roofs of all shapes, sizes, and slopes. We train our roofers to always deliver exceptional craftsmanship with every single roofing project that we take on. With Ethos on your side, you can rest easy knowing that your roof is in the best of hands.
Schedule your FREE roof inspection with Ethos today and get started on your roofing repairs in Mobile, AL.
