Fall is the perfect time to inspect your roof for damage. Not only do you want to identify damage before the wet winter season rolls in, but you also need to ensure your roof is safe enough for Santa to land on Christmas eve. If your roof is damaged or cannot withstand the weight of Santa's sleigh, fall is also a suitable time for a home roof replacement. Here are a few signs you need to call home roof contractors before you put Santa at risk.
1. Shedding Granules
Mineral granules cover asphalt shingles. As a homeowner, you may think these are just for aesthetics, but they do so much more.
Adding granules to your shingles provides an additional element protecting your roofing materials from damage caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays. Granules also protect your shingles from other exposure to harsh weather conditions throughout the years.
Shedding granules is one of the first signs you may observe from the ground when you have roof damage. Your roof will naturally lose a few as your shingles age. But when you begin seeing excessive granules on the ground or at the base of your downspouts, it may be time to call a home roofing contractor for a replacement.
2. Damaged Shingles
Broken, cracked, curling or missing shingles signify that your roof is in ill repair. If you only notice a few, your roof may be able to be salvaged through an immediate repair. But if the damage appears to be excessive, you are probably going to need a replacement.
Failure to repair or replace your roof as soon as you notice damaged shingles can lead to serious structural issues throughout your home. Not only will your home be at risk of leaks, but water damage from your damaged roof can also lead to rotting wood, mold, mildew, and other damage.
3. Moss, Mold, and Fungi
Moss, mold, and fungi grow in places where there is moisture. Signs of either of these on your roof are indicators that you have water trapped in your roofing materials.
Moss on your roof retains water and moisture, leading to rot and shortening your roofing materials' life. Moss can also grow underneath the edges of your roofing materials, dislodging them from your roof. The damaged materials can lead to holes, leaking, and other damage.
Moss on your roof is sometimes present when you live in wet areas of the country. But you must remove excessive moss from your roof. You can do this yourself in many ways, but it is best to let a professional home roof contractor handle it.
Very few roofers would say their job is easy. In fact, many describe the work as downright tough! But that does not mean that roofers do not enjoy or value the work that they do. Many workers get satisfaction from working with their hands, and they really enjoy creating a roof from simple materials. They also like the logistical challenges, such as figuring out how to get shingles up on a tall roof, or how to most safely repair a damage gutter. If you'd like to learn more about roofing as a profession, then you've arrived at the right blog.