As a homeowner, you can’t ignore signs that your roof needs help. It’s a vital part of your home’s structure and it protects you and your family from the elements such as wind, rain, and hail. It also aids in maintaining a comfortable temperature thanks to proper insulation. When your roof shows signs of problems, it’s important to have a local roofing service to turn to. Here are some signs that it’s time to call a roofer.

1. Water Leaks

While your roof protects you from the elements such as rain, snow, and hail, its strong and durable structure can fall prey to damage from these elements. Other factors that result in damage include the roof’s age as well as any pests that find their way in. If your roof develops a crack, it can expose your home to water leaks. You’ll know that you have a water leak when you start to see stains on your ceilings and walls. If the water begins to pool behind the drywall, you may notice that your paint or wallpaper has begun to peel or bubble.

2. Mold

Unfortunately, a leaky roof creates a haven for mold. In addition to dealing with water damage from a roof leak, that water damage can further develop into mold. According to Bob Villa, it only takes 24 to 72 hours for mold spores to sprout in a wet environment. If you don’t discover your roof leak right away, imagine how much mold your home can develop in the attic or behind drywall. When mold sets in, it can be expensive to successfully get rid of it and deal with any of the necessary repairs for the damage it causes. Prevent this unfortunate chain of events by hiring a regular roofing service to check things out.

3. Air Leaks

Do you sometimes feel a draft that feels like it’s coming from nowhere? While you may not be shocked to hear about a leaky roof, did you know your roof can also produce air leaks in the home? The same cracks that water can creep through also allow air from the outside to come in, as well as the heated or cooled air from inside to escape.

4. High Energy Bills

In a typical American household, the average energy bill can account for around 30% of your home expenses, according to the Energy Information Administration. But, what if your utility bills begin to rise even higher than that without extra usage? Fortunately, the culprit of these extra energy expenses may be your roof. As mentioned, if your roof creates air leaks, that means you may end up blasting your HVAC unit on full blast in winter or summer just so your home can comfortably cool down or heat up.

5. Pests in Attic

Do you hear scurrying noises in the attic but know your dog isn’t up there? Unfortunately, a vulnerable roof can make it easy for pests that can climb or fly to become squatters in the uppermost part of your house. According to pest control experts, critters such as snakes, birds, rats, and raccoons are some of the most common animals you may see in your attic.

6. Clogged Gutters

Your gutters are important to your roof health. Whenever rain, snow, or other wet weather hits, your gutters usher water away from the roof to ensure moisture doesn’t seep in. However, gutters may become clogged with debris from trees or roofing materials such as asphalt. Asphalt tiles often have granules that protect the tiling from UV rays and other elements. Over time, those granules will wear off and may fall into the gutter. However, when so many have fallen into the gutters that they’ve become clogged, your tiles have weakened and may need replacement.

7. Sagging

According to The Roofer’s Guild, the average residential roof in the United States is 1,600 square feet. Imagine if all of those square feet of roofing material came crashing in on you and your family. If you go outside and notice a sagging roof, you have proof that the underlying structure beneath has weakened to the point where you need a professional roofing service to do a replacement.

Don’t procrastinate roof repairs. Ignoring repairs in the early stages can result in bigger problems like a premature roof replacement or further damage to your home interior. If you see any of the above signs, don’t hesitate to call Billings Roofing for assistance. We’re your local roofing service and are proud to assist you.