By Anita Ginsburg
No matter what steps you take to protect your roof, this part of your home will likely need to be repaired over the course of your living in your home.
Related: 3 Things You Didn't Know Could Cause Damage to Your Roof
Most roof repairs should be relatively easy to carry out as long as you catch the damage early and hire a professional. Here are some of the signs that could indicate damage to your roof:
Sagging
Whenever you're in your attic, take a close look at the rafters, joists and decking. If any of those areas are sagging, moisture could be getting into your home through the roof. To repair this type of damage, a roofing contractor needs to carefully inspect all of the decking, shingles and flashing to see where the moisture is getting in. Once the opening is located, they may be able to seal it up with silicone roof coating or a high-quality roof sealant.
Interior Damage
Over time, a damaged roof could allow quite a bit of water into a home, and that moisture can eventually cause a large amount of damage. Some of the most common signs of water damage include sagging ceilings, discolored walls and bubbling paint. Once the damage is that extensive, you'll most likely need to contact a company that offers roof replacement services.
Ponding
Flat roofs are very easy to install and much cheaper than standard roofs, so they're extremely popular in certain areas. Unfortunately, flat roofs can also be problematic during the wettest months of the year, because water can pool on them instead of draining off. This issue is known as ponding, and it's a clear sign that you need to have your roof repaired as soon as possible. Even a flat roof will usually have at least some slope to prevent water from collecting there. If water collects on your roof, it could damage the materials the roof is made of, leading to future damage.
Visible Sunlight in Your Attic
Many experts suggest that homeowners head into their attics a few times a year when the sun is directly overhead. While you're in the attic, look for any visible sunlight coming through the roof. Those pinholes and cracks usually develop when the sealant on the roof cracks or peels. Small holes can also be caused by cracked or curling shingles.
In addition to regularly checking your roof, you might also want to schedule a professional inspection at least once every two or three years. Repairing minor roof damage might seem like a hassle, but addressing some of those issues early on could help you avoid expensive problems down the road.
Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, Colo. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn't writing. If you're looking for roof repair services, Ginsburg recommends using a company like Lagunas Interstate Construction, LLC. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.
