Winter is finally over in Southeastern Idaho! However, the worst isn’t over yet. Heavy snow, ice, and the constant freezing and thawing of water that occurred over the winter are brutal on the roof of your home. With the snow finally melting and hopefully being gone for the summer months, it’s time to check up on your roof. So if you’re unsure of what to look for and how to fix it, here are four signs that your roof is damaged and might need some help after a long winter.
1. Granule Loss in Gutters
Most homes have asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are a great option because of their durability and versatility. However, asphalt shingles tend to shed granules when damaged. Especially after a long winter, you’ll notice some warning signs of damage, and that they may need to be replaced.
If you’re up cleaning your gutters this spring and you notice some granules at the bottom of your gutter, don’t worry. That is sometimes just a sign of regular wear and tear. However, if the shingle granules are more than half an inch thick, that’s more than just regular wear and tear. This is a sign that your roof is damaged from the elements and may need to be replaced. Hire a professional to inspect your home and determine what needs to be fixed.
An excess of shingle granules in gutters can also cause them to overflow and be damaged. Make sure to clean the sediment out right away so you can prevent damage to other parts of your home’s exterior.
2. Interior Ceiling Stains
A majority of the signs of roof damage aren’t always easy to see. Many require you to get on a ladder to get a close look to assess the damage. However, there is one way you can tell if there is damage to your roof from the inside of your home.
As the snow begins to melt, take a look up at the ceiling of your home. If your roof is, in fact, damaged from the elements, water will begin to leak into your home. After some time, you’ll find gray, brown, or yellow water stains on your ceiling or even your walls. Bubbling, blistering, or peeling paint on your ceilings and walls is also an indication that your roof is damaged and needs an inspection.
3. Curled, Missing, or Cracked Shingles
Winter weather is ruthless to the health of your roof’s shingles. Throughout the winter, the shingles are contracting as they freeze in the cold and expanding as the snow and ice thaws when it gets warmer. The snow and ice also add weight and pressure to the shingles, causing them to curl, crack, and fall off. Though these damages tend to happen over time, they can go on to cause other problems to the exterior and even the interior of your home.
You can help yourself detect these problems earlier by checking to see if the edges of shingles are slightly lifting, shingles appear wavy or uneven, or there are visible cracks in the shingles. If you go outside this summer and see missing shingles or that the shingles are curled up, your roof needs an inspection and possible replacement.
4. Your Energy Bill Has Been Higher Than Usual
Shockingly, a higher-than-usual energy bill can be a sign that your rooftop is damaged. Roof damage allows air to escape from your roof. This causes your HVAC system to work harder to maintain temperatures in your home. Missing or cracked shingles, damaged seals, and saturated insulation allow hot air into your home in the summer and let the warm air escape in the winter.
All of these things will contribute to your energy bill being higher. Save yourself some money and get a professional to come inspect for damage. Getting your roof fixed will allow your home to heat and cool normally, lowering what you’re paying on your energy bill.
Why Choose Us?
After a long Idaho winter, you shouldn’t have to stress about who is going to fix the damage to your roof. Premier Roofing & Restorations is here to provide you with affordable, high-quality solutions to your roof damage. We will give you the best results every single time, which will limit the need for repairs in the future. Contact us today for a free estimate or to schedule your roof repair.