A damaged roof is an issue that you should never ignore, even if it seems to be a minor problem as it can grow to become a problem that can easily destroy your home. Unchecked roof damage can lead to water getting into your walls and foundation, destroying your attic, and costing you money in more ways than you might think. That is why you should always keep an eye out for signs your roof is in need of repair, especially if you’ve just weathered any incredibly aggressive storms or come out of a natural disaster. Below are a few signs to keep an eye out for when it comes to the question of if you need your roof repaired.

1. Water Damage Upstairs or In the Attic

The weather can be your roof’s single greatest enemy. High winds can rip shingles off, constant battering from the weather can wear your roof down, or your gutters can become clogged with debris or ice as it gets colder. All of these things can lead to either major or minor roof damage, meaning it could either be very obvious your roof is no longer serviceable or you could go for months without ever knowing. A single roof leak could cause thousands of dollars worth of water damage during a rainstorm, and you might not even realize that there is water in your attic for quite some time. At least once every few months, you should take a peek into your attic and look for matted insulation, mildew, mold, and any other signs that there is standing water or excess moisture. After you have any roof leaks repaired, you will then need to contact a water damage remediation company to have the attic treated.

2. Curling or Damaged Shingles

Even though modern shingles often last for decades after being installed, even they will have to be replaced at some point. After enduring years of moisture, harsh UV rays, and highspeed winds, your shingles might begin to curl and buckle. The edges of the shingles will have upturned edges, have pieces missing, or they could be missing entirely. All of these are clear signs that it is time to contact a roofing contractor to discuss what to do about getting repairs. Failing to do so can easily lead to a leaky roof, as the shingles are what are keeping things like moisture and debris out of your home. As long as the shingles are the only part of the roof that is damaged, replacing them should be a relatively easy project that takes no more than a few days, especially if you’re willing to allow professionals to handle the repair process to make sure it gets done right.

3. Unusually High Energy Bills

As a homeowner, you should always be on the lookout for any sudden and dramatic changes to your monthly bills. Something like a skyrocketing energy bill is a clear sign that you have some type of issue in your home that needs to be taken care of, and quickly. If the air either your heater or ac work to treat is escaping through your roof, that means your house can’t achieve the temperature you set it to be. This means your utilities will have to work even harder to get the house the correct temperature, and this can actually damage your air system. In some cases, a damaged roof will result in quite a bit of heat transfer, and that is going to have a big impact on your monthly energy bills. You should be sure to check your roof for damaged or missing shingles, and your attic to see the state of your insulation.

4. Granules Around Your Home

A few roofing granules will most likely fall off whenever there are high winds or heavy rains. That being said, you will need to contact a contractor if you ever notice large piles of granules around the exterior of your home. When a roof sheds a large number of granules, it could be a sign that the shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced.

Even though roof issues will sometimes spiral out of control, minor damage can often be repaired in a matter of hours. As long as you catch and address the damage right away, you might be able to avoid serious problems down the road.