If you’re from Minnesota, you’ve no doubt heard of roof collapses—they’re the stuff of homeowners’ nightmares. Caused by anything from excessive snow load to a faulty attic, these most certainly qualify as a roofing emergency. Even non-roofing contractors can attest to that!
But is every single thing that goes wrong with your roofing considered an emergency? Certainly, you must think that your roofing should not be a constant source of anxiety for anyone in your home. You’ve got enough on your plate as it is!
As a Sauk Rapids roof repair company and experts in asphalt roofs and metal roofing, we can agree to that! If you properly maintain your roof, which includes winterization and periodic roof repair, you nearly never need to worry about the state of that so-crucial structure that exists above your head. In fact, while it deserves a proper amount of consideration and attention, you shouldn’t even need to think about your roof constantly! But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for various roofing issues.
Here’s a guide to help you understand common roofing issues and when it’s an emergency!
The Severity of Roofing Issues
That being said, when roofing problems do occur, they run the gamut when it comes to severity. Some are downright hazardous to your family’s immediate health, while others, albeit still needing the attention of a professional roof repair company, pose significantly less of a risk. Knowing when it’s time to take drastic action when it comes to your roofing is just as important as knowing when to not.
Remember: You’re not supposed to constantly panic about your roofing—you’d run yourself ragged! All that taken into account, honest reports on the relative severity of different roofing problems are difficult to find, given that a variety of professionals are simply out to get your dollar. Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors is different. We’ve always put our customers’ needs first.
Serious Issues: Destructive Roofing Hazards
Let’s start out with the nasty problems—the ones that will cause anxiety, and rightfully so. While all roofing problems are destructive to your roof’s structural integrity, these are signs that the given issue has progressed enough that your family’s health is at risk, or that your roof itself might not last much longer.
Saggy roofing can be indicative of imminent collapse.
Never ignore a roof that’s looking deflated, as this could be a sign that a collapse—yes, a full-out collapse—could be in your future. While sagging’s severity (and thus the likelihood of the aforementioned collapse) can ultimately vary, sagging roofing is still roofing that can no longer properly support itself; it’s not doing the job it was designed to do. You’ll need prompt roof repair in this case to keep your family safe and if you want your roofing to last any significant length of time.
Soggy insulation is a downright roofing emergency.
This problem can come from many sources, ranging from improper roof ventilation to a leaky roof itself. However, regardless of the source: it’s time to get roof repair pros out there ASAP. Wet insulation isn’t good at insulating, of course, and this can lead to higher energy bills—but that’s not a health emergency. What is the potential for mold growth and moisture’s presence next to electrical wiring, as water and electricity don’t mix. If your insulation has seen drier days, you need a roofing repair pro now.
A rotting roof deck needs professional help.
Your roof deck is the sheath of material between your shingles and your rafters. It’s an integral part of your roof. If you take a trip up to the attic and notice mold or rot in this area, even if your shingles are apparently unaffected, it’s time to call for immediate professional help, as the problem will only worsen.
A leaky roof means it’s best to act now.
While a small leak doesn’t always mean it’s a roofing emergency, it’s hard to give an exact timeline from when a leak goes from minor to major. Noticing a leak could mean there’s just one small issue that needs repair, or it could mean there’s extensive damage that you just aren’t seeing. It’s best to avoid further water damage or other concerns by getting a roofing expert in to assess the problem.
Don’t leave mold on your ceiling alone.
Similar to water leaks, mold on your ceiling often comes from long-term water damage from the roof or attic. While some forms of mold are more dangerous than others, it’s not worth the risk. You should have an expert assess the issue to ensure it’s safe to remain in the house. Then, it’s best to have a roofing contractor fix the underlying cause of the mold problem.
Routine Roof Repair Needs
The above problems, while severe, are rare. You’re unlikely to encounter them unless something is seriously wrong with your maintenance routines or your roofing contractor was downright incompetent.
The problems below, however, are much more common. They are often dependent on fluke things such as the weather, though there is no excuse to neglect professional roof repair. No matter how severe the roofing problem, professional help is the best way to make sure that little problem doesn’t snowball into one of the scarier ones we listed above.
Minor hail damage is unlikely to rip your roof apart.
Unless you’re fully missing shingles, that is! A couple dents, while still needing prompt attention, are unlikely to immediately make your whole roofing system collapse or threaten your family’s health. So, even if a storm damages your roof, some minor damage doesn’t necessarily mean you have to freak out.
Got moss growing on your roof? It needs to be carefully removed.
Moss can hold moisture against your shingles, which is certainly a problem. But a bit of it won’t leave your roof in shambles.
Remove moss carefully, taking care to assess the health of your shingles underneath and assessing if you’ll need roof repair before doing so. Take preventative measures in the future.
Curling shingles: get them fixed soon, but don’t panic.
This can be a sign that your roof’s protective shield isn’t functioning like it used to. Invest in roof repair ASAP. On their own, though, curled shingles generally are not a sign that your family’s health is immediately at risk.
Trees against the roof: plan to remove them.
If trees or shrubs are pressing against your roof, you do want to have them trimmed or removed. While having plants near your rooftop might not be an emergency yet, it could lead to one. In the case of storms, a fallen branch can cause major damage to your roof, so it’s not worth the risk.
Contact Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors for All Your Roof Repair Needs
Whether you need minor roof repairs done in a timely manner or have a sudden roof damage emergency, Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors is ready to help. We offer a wide range of roofing repair options, and we can even install a new roof if your old one is too far gone to save.
From saggy shingles to hazardous hail damage, we can tackle it all. Give our Sauk Rapids office a call today at 320-252-9086.