Warning Signs You Need a New Roof in Grand Rapids Michigan

HomePros July 14, 2018

Does the roof on your home leak? When water starts entering the home through a roof leak it can create all sorts of problems in the home. A roof leak is not just damage to the roof but as water comes into the home it can damage almost everything in it’s path. The attic insulation is one of the first things that gets damaged by the water entering the home. From there the water starts to damage areas where you may actually see it from inside the home. This is when most people notice the problem even though the problem has already been present for a while. Being able to see the warning signs is important and can help you determine if you need a new roof in Grand Rapids Michigan or not.

Warning Signs You Need a New Roof in Grand Rapids Michigan

Your roof is an integral part of your home and if it’s neglected, your home can also suffer serious structural damage. Not only will your roof suffer, but you’ll also suffer with the musty smells of a moldy roof and the health issues it causes. If you’ve noticed any of the below warning signs, it’s critical that you have a professional roofing contractor in Grand Rapids Michigan inspect your roof and determine if it needs to be replaced. Grand Rapids Home Pros offers roofing inspections in the Grand Rapids Michigan area.

Broken or Loose Shingles on the Roofing

Loose, damaged, and missing shingles are an obvious warning sign that you need a new roof in Grand Rapids Michigan. It’s important that you consider the age of your roofing when you start to notice shingle damage. If your roofing was replaced relatively recently (within the last 5 to 10 years), you may just be able to replace the shingles. Widespread shingle damage including curling and lost granules means it’s probably time for your roof to be replaced.

Leaks Coming From the Roof on Your Home

Water appearing on your ceiling or running down the sides of your wall is a good indicator that your roof is leaking. If you don’t fix the leak, your interior ceiling and lighting fixtures will get damaged. Not only will unattractive patches show up on your ceiling, but mold and mildew will build up, which can lead to a pungent smell and nasal issues. Unfixed leaks can lead to structural damage – rotting wood, damaged rafters, and deterioration.

Consider the Age of the Roof on Your Home

Even if your roof doesn’t show obvious signs of damage, its age may be a sign that it needs to be replaced. The age at which you need to a replace your roof depends on the material it’s made of, but for a cedar roof, the average lifespan is roughly 20 years. Roofs at this age are more prone to structural damage, splitting, and mold. Homes built with sturdier material, such as tile or concrete, may never require replacement. If you have a tiled roof, chances are you’ll just have to replace tiles when they become loose or damaged. Concrete roofs may never need to be replaced.

Mold on the Roofing Surface and in the Attic

Anyone who has had mold in their house knows it is accompanied by a very unpleasant smell and is hard to get rid of. Mold is caused by moisture build up in the attack, usually from a leak. If you live in a humid and wet climate, you should regularly spot-check your roof and ceiling for dark streaks. Along with the musty smell, mold causes health issues such as asthma attacks, breathing issues, and even hives. Although mold can be removed by a professional in Grand Rapids Michigan, widespread mold resulting from leaks and structural damage can require the entire roof to be replaced.

Outside Light Showing Through Roof

Visible light that’s coming through the roof into the attack is a major red flag that the roof needs to be replaced. Light tunnels mean that there’s a leak somewhere in your roof. Once you spot the light, try to locate where it’s coming from and then inspect it for moisture build up and mold. To be extra certain there’s a leak, you can use a hose to run water through the roof to determine where it is.