Signature Exteriors

Roof repair in charlotte nc

How to Tell When Your Roof Needs Repair

Roof replacements aren’t cheap, so maintaining your roof through regular repairs is the best way to ensure you don’t find yourself with a considerable roof replacement cost down the road. Below, we’ll highlight the signs to look for and when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Signs You Need A Roof Repair

Roof Leaks During Rainfall

This leak should be relatively easy to catch, but even the smallest of leaks must be repaired ASAP. When there’s a small leak, and it rains, the moisture causes expansion and contraction of the materials, which widens the leak. The longer you wait on this one, the more expensive it’ll be to fix it. The best place to spot a leak is in the attic, so make sure that you’re checking that regularly.

To get a visual understanding of the issues listed below, check out our video on identifying roof leaks:

Stained or Discolored Walls

Leaks lead to stains and discoloration on the walls from the dirty water soaking through the surface of the ceiling and walls. These stains are a sign of advanced water damage rather than just a tiny leak, so you’ll want to tend to this right away. Consider using a service such as Angie’s List to help find a roofing contractor near you. Be sure to check customer reviews before you pick a roofing company to repair a roof leak.

A Visibly Sagging Ceiling

Another sign of a roof leak is a sagging ceiling, and it means that the water is pooling in the same spot repeatedly, leading your ceiling to cave due to the weight of the water in that area.

An Increased Energy Bill

Air and heat can also seep through gaps or cracks in roofing shingles and damage polyisofiberglass, or cellulose insulation leading to an increase in energy bills. If you’re noticing your bill creep up without any seasonal explanation, air leakage could be to blame.

Damaged Shingles

If any shingles or tiles are cracked or peeling, tend to that right away, or hire a local roofing company to repair your roof. Shingles should lie flat across the roof, so if you see any buckling, it’s time to replace them. The gutters are also an excellent place to look – if you notice excessive shingle granules in them, the roof is nearing the end of its life. If you see any rot or decay of the shingles, you’ll also want to get that checked out, as that will damage the roof layer that protects the materials underneath from the elements.

A Damaged Chimney

A damaged chimney with cracked or broken bricks can physically collapse inward into your roof, causing immediate damage. A collapse is a danger for anyone in the home, so it’s best to inspect your chimney for any signs of potential failure regularly.

It’s at the end of its lifespan

Even with proper roof maintenance, 3-tab roofs last about 20 years and architectural about 30 years. If yours is older than this, getting it replaced rather than dealing with interior damage and a replacement down the line is likely the right move.

Repairing your roof promptly as you notice minor damages is the best way to ensure that you avoid a costly replacement for as long as possible. As a final note, as you’re inspecting for roof damage, prioritize safety above all, and never navigate the roof on your own. It’s best to call in a professional who knows what they’re doing since thousands of people are injured on their roofs every year.

Do you need a roof repair?

Signature Exteriors is a locally-owned roofing company in Charlotte that boasts over 200+ 5-star reviews on Google and Angie’s List! We specialize in residential roof repairs and roof replacements, and our team offers free roof inspections and estimates. Call us at (704) 729-4898 or reach us online to book your free roof inspection!

Like what you read? Check out our guest writer: 

Matt Lee is the Innovative Building Materials blog owner and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.