Is It Raining Inside? 7 Ways to Know You Need a Roof Inspection

Is It Raining Inside? 7 Ways to Know You Need a Roof Inspection
If you have a gaping hole in your roof, the problem is pretty obvious. Check out these other signs you need a roof inspection for a possible repair or new roof.

Picture it: You're sitting on the couch on a Saturday night, binge-watching Netflix. Suddenly, there's a torrential downpour in your living room.

It's a pretty clear indicator something's wrong with your roof, right?

But, did you know you could have hidden issues that could potentially cost you thousands of dollars? And you don't even know it.

The key is getting a roof inspection. The other important factor is knowing when to get one done.
We've got you covered. In this article, we go over seven signs that let you know it's time for a roof inspection.

1. It's Old
Roofs only last so long. That much you knew. The average roof costs between $7,500-$30,000 depending on the type of room and square footage.
None of that sounds promising, we know.

But, there is some good news. For starters, you only need to get a new asphalt shingle/composite roof every 20 years or so.

Even better news? Slate, tile, or copper roofs can last more than 50 years. If you need a new roof, talk to your roofer about upgrading the materials to make it last longer.

If you're not sure how old your roof is, dig up that home inspection report from when you bought it. The age of the roof should be listed there.

2. You Can See Shingles Are Missing or Curling
There are actually a lot of indicators with shingles that can tell you it's time for a roof inspection.
The obvious being if there are missing shingles. But, if you can see buckled, warped, or damaged shingles, it's time to call a roofer.

Likewise, if the shingles are curling or losing granules, it's time to get it inspected.

Sometimes, shingles rot, which is harder to detect. If you look up at your roof and see a gap or foliage growing, this could be signs your have rotting shingles.

3. There's Sunlight Coming Through
If you're in your attic, looking for holiday decorations and you notice sunlight coming through the boards? You guess it. You need a roof inspection.

This could be from missing shingles and a simple repair will do the trick or it could be a much larger issue. Getting it inspected by a licensed roofer is the only way you'll find out.

4. You Notice Leaks or Water Damage
If your roof is leaking, you may not notice it at first. Over time, the water will start to stain. Sometimes, it discolors your ceiling.

These are obvious signs that you need to call a roofer ASAP.

If you catch a roof leak early enough, the roofing professional might be able to repair it. Believe it or not, the cost of a roof leak repair is actually pretty manageable.

5. Your Ceilings Sag
Sometimes you don't notice a water-stained ceiling. This is especially true if it happens in a room you don't frequent often.

One day, you walk into the guest room and it looks like there's a balloon in the corner. Except, it's not a balloon. It's your ceiling holding water.

This is definitely a reason to make an emergency call to a roofer. Just as water causes cardboard or paper to weaken, it does the same to the drywall in your ceiling.

But, having a sagging ceiling isn't always that obvious. If you suspect a part of your ceiling looks lower than the rest of it, don't poke it with a broom handle. Just call a reputable roofer out to come take a look.

6. The Chimney Flashing Looks Beat Up
If you can see your chimney flashing is damaged from ground level, you don't need to take a closer look.
But, the location of your chimney may not be in a place that's easy to observe from your yard. Use caution if you need to go higher to inspect the flashing.

If the flashing is tar or roof cement, it's vulnerable to water damage. As you know, water damage causes serious problems.

Make sure you don't see the flashing "peeling up" or coming apart altogether. You may be able to get the flashing replaced before any major damage gets done.

Materials like metal flashing are stronger and more durable, thus, they'll last longer. Make sure you inquire about replacing your current chimney flashing with a newer material.

7. You Have Clogged Gutters
Without pulling your entire gutter system down, look inside for any roof granules or pieces of shingles. If your gutters aren't allowing water to drain, they could be clogged with these as well.

If they are, you may have caught the issue before entire shingles start coming apart from your roof.
Even if your gutters aren't clogged with pieces of shingles, debris from trees or animals can also cause clogs. If you don't maintain your gutters on a regular basis, it can lead to major roof damage.

Most roofing professionals also maintain gutter systems and they'll discuss the state of your gutter during the roof inspection.

Use Safety While Looking for the Signs
Some of these signs require you to go outside and take a look. Unless you have an excellent sense of balance and someone to hold the ladder, don't try and climb around on your roof.

Trained roofing professionals understand the safety risks involved. They're also used to being on top of houses. They'll recognize where the problem areas are and avoid putting weight on them.

In other words, use caution. Don't hang on your chimney or gutters for stability. Don't walk directly over where you detected sunlight coming through.

If you think your family will be in for a shock when it starts raining inside your house, imagine how they'll react you come tumbling through the ceiling.

Do You Need a Roof Inspection?
If you're experiencing any of these seven signs, it's time to get your roof inspected.

But, who can you trust?

At Grand Prairie Roofing, we handle roof inspections and repairs on both residential and commercial roofs. We bring our "A" game to every job and stand behind our work 100%.
Contact us today and schedule your roof inspection before your Saturday night gets ruined.