Most of us don’t really give much thought to our roofs until something goes wrong. An unexpected leak during a heavy rainstorm can ruin your day, and missing shingles are unsightly, but a damaged roof is a serious problem that needs to be addressed by a certified roofing professional.
As is the case with most home repairs, the best way to save money on roofing is to address a potential issue as soon as possible. Fixing a few shingles is less costly than installing a new roof. There are a number of telltale signs that can help you identify a potential problem. If you have shingles that are warped, loose, missing, or torn, now is the time to call a roofer. Similarly, loose material around chimneys can be a sign of damage below. Rot can seriously damage any part of a home. Debris can cause rot, and debris covered in moss or algae may be a sign of rot underneath. Of course, foreign objects can also cause serious damage. Watch for overhanging branches or dying trees that could come down during a storm.
Many signs of damage are visible from the interior of a house. A damaged roof lets extra moisture into a home, which can further damage the structure of the house. You may have a problem if you see water spots or obvious leaks in the ceiling. Other things to watch out for include cracked walls and paint, peeling wallpaper, mold, discolored plasterboard, or obvious signs of moisture in an attic.
If you notice any of these problems in your home, contact a certified professional roofer. Only a fully licensed professional can properly repair and protect your home. Skimping on roofing repairs to save money can be just as damaging and as expensive as ignoring a problem altogether. Any roofer should be insured and able to readily offer proof of insurance. If a roofer is uninsured, you may be liable for any injuries that occur while workers are on your property. Each state has specific license requirements. Ensure that your contractor is in compliance with such requirements. Similarly, check to see if your contractor is a member of any professional associations, such as the National Roofing Contractors Association or National Association of Home Builders. Membership in these organizations demonstrates expertise and experience. Never hire a contractor without checking their background first. Ask for a list of past clients and check to see whether they were satisfied with the work. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau, or rely on recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors.
When it comes to ensuring the longevity and value of your home, few things are more important than roofing. Perform regular visual surveys to make sure everything looks normal. After a major storm, be it a tornado, hurricane, or snowstorm, make sure everything looks normal and contact a roofer if you suspect that there may be issues. There’s no reason to allow issues in your home to go unaddressed.