5 indicators it's time for a roof inspection

By Viotell Metal Concepts. 

Professional inspections help catch damage early in a climate that tests roofing systems year-round. 

Some roofs show early warning signs long before a leak or structural problem appears, while others fail after years of quiet deterioration. Knowing what to watch for can make the difference between a minor repair and a costly replacement. Here at Viotell Metal Concepts, inspecting roofs has revealed how quickly small issues can escalate when weather exposure goes unchecked. Based on what I’ve seen most often in the field, these are five clear indicators that it may be time to schedule a professional roof inspection. 

1 - You can see damage from the ground 

This one sounds obvious, but a lot of people just get used to what their roof looks like and don’t realize something’s off until it’s too late. If you’ve noticed missing shingles, curling edges or parts of your roofline that look like they’re sagging a little, don’t ignore it. 

Snow build-up and ice dams are no joke. Even a single cracked shingle can lead to roof leaks you won’t see until it hits your ceiling. A quick roof inspection could save you from having to replace the whole thing. 

2 - Water stains are showing up inside 

This is usually the one that gets people calling. You’ll be sitting in your living room and notice a brown water stain on the ceiling, or maybe you head into the attic and find mildew in the corners. That’s often a sign that water is getting in through the roof. 

Especially at home with complex rooflines or vaulted ceilings, water has a way of sneaking in and doing damage before anyone notices. If you’re seeing any kind of staining, or worse, dripping water during storms, get it checked before it spreads. 

3 - We just had a big storm 

Every time we get hit by a major snowstorm, wind event or sudden spring thaw, I check my own roof. I always tell people to do the same. Even if you don’t see damage right away, things like flashing, shingles or vent covers can take a beating and shift just enough to cause a roof leak later. 

After a storm, check your gutters for shingle granules, look for tree branches that might’ve hit the roof and see if anything looks out of place. If anything seems off, a quick roof inspection can give you peace of mind and catch storm damage before it becomes expensive. 

4 - Your roof is 15 years old or more 

Residential roofs don’t last forever, especially in areas that deal with all four seasons in full force. If your roof is over 15 years old, or if you honestly don’t know how old it is, it’s a good idea to get someone up there to take a look. 

Even if it looks fine from the street, problems can be hiding under the surface. Shingles start to dry out and crack, seals fail and flashing can shift over time. Plus, a lot of roof warranties and insurance policies expect you to get inspections after a certain age. It's a smart move to stay ahead of any issues. 

5 - Your energy bills are going up for no reason 

This one surprises people. A lot of times when heating or cooling bills suddenly spike, they blame the HVAC system. But poor roof ventilation or insulation problems can have a big impact. I’ve seen houses where the attic was basically cooking in summer because airflow was blocked by roofing issues. 

If you’re feeling drafts in the winter or your AC is running constantly in the summer, it might be worth getting the roof checked. Sometimes it’s just a small fix that makes your whole home more comfortable and efficient. 

If something feels off, trust your gut 

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s worth calling someone out to take a look. I’ve been in roofing for a while, and I can tell you: catching a problem early is always cheaper and easier than waiting for it to turn into an emergency. 

Original article source: Viotell Metal Concepts