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Our roof is one of the most important parts of our home and people often overlook just how crucial it is. It helps to keep the weather out, it shields us from debris, and it gives our home the warmth we need to get through a long and harsh winter. However, since most people don’t really inspect their roof, it can suffer damage over time and you might not even realize it. This is why it’s incredibly important to check your roof for signs of damage, but also to develop some habits that will help you better maintain your roof.

So in this post, we’re going to take a look at some of the most common signs of roofing damage, but also give you some advice on how you can better take care of your roof.

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Signs that your roof could be damaged or failing

First, let’s take a look at some of the most common signs of roof damage and indications that your roof could be failing.

Clogged gutters

Gutters typically get clogged because of debris landing on your roof. However, debris can also come from the roof itself. For instance, old and warped tiles or shingles can end up falling off your roof and landing in your gutters. Together with branches, leaves, and other debris, it could eventually clog your gutters which leads to water overflowing whenever it’s raining. If this is the case for you, then it could be a sign that your roof is damaged.

Visible mold on your roof

Mold on your roof is usually an indication that there is moisture trapped underneath the shingles and tiles. Since mold needs moisture to grow and spread, this is a problem that can quickly get worse and will even lead to visible mold inside of your home if you’re not careful. This can cause numerous health problems, so it’s best to get this solved as soon as possible.

Stains on your ceiling

Staining on your ceilings usually means that there is some kind of leak in your roof. As water drips down the structure of your home, it can spread out and eventually cause stains on your ceiling. If this is the case, then it’s a serious issue that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.

Leaking in your attic

But if there’s already staining on your ceiling, then you could have a leak problem on the upper floors of your home, specifically your attic. Since this is the area that is closest to the roof itself, it’s where you’re most likely to find a leak. Check for damp spots and staining in the ceilings, and give it a quick inspection when it’s raining to see where the leaks are. You can then use this to determine what areas of the roof need to be repaired.

Damaged shingles and tiles

If you’re noticing missing shingles and tiles then it’s worth getting in touch with a roofer to help you deal with the problem. They’ll help you find a suitable replacement for the missing shingles and tiles, and they’ll also check just how damaged your roof is and suggest a complete replacement if needed. This usually isn’t the case, but it’s still worth considering if your roof is quite old.

An old roof

Lastly, if you haven’t replaced or fixed your roof for several years then it could be time to finally switch to something new. When a roof starts to fail, it can lead to several problems that all occur at once due to the weakened shingles and overall structure.

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Tips to help you maintain your roof

Now let’s take a look at some key tips to help you better maintain your roof.

• Trim trees and other foliage to keep your roof clear. This prevents debris from falling onto your roof, and it can also stop tree branches from rubbing up against your roof.

• Remove moisture buildup on your roof. Whenever there’s moisture build-up on your roof, such as from snow, you’ll want to try and remove it as soon as possible so that it doesn't melt and start seeping into your roof.

• Make sure you keep your gutters clean. It’s inevitable that you’ll get some debris in your gutters, so make an effort to actively clean them so it doesn't cause excess moisture buildup or overflowing gutters.

• Actively remove moss and mold. Mold and moss can be removed from your roof and this should be done on a regular basis to prevent them from spreading throughout the structure of your home.

• Deal with leaks as soon as possible. Noticed a leak in your home? Make sure you deal with it quickly by identifying where it’s coming from and fixing it. If it’s coming from your roof, then you may need to hire a roofer to help you.

• Visually inspect your roof now and then. Lastly, don’t forget to visually inspect your roof now and then. This will help you identify if there are glaring problems with your roof that should be fixed immediately.

Should you consider hiring a professional service to maintain your roof?

It’s entirely possible for you to keep your roof in good condition without the need for an expert to help you, but it’s much easier to just let a professional do the work so you don’t have to. If you’re not willing to climb up onto your roof or don’t really have the time and knowledge to repair your roof, then the next best option is to get in touch with a local contractor or roofing expert and ask for assistance. It’ll be an extra expense, but it’ll be worth it to keep your roof in good condition.

Taking good care of your roof isn’t difficult, but it does take a bit of time and effort. However, it’ll be a great investment because it ensures that your roof stays in good condition for years to come, thus saving you money and protecting you and your family.