A home's roof doesn't need to actually cave in for it to need repair or replacement, but unfortunately, many homeowners wait until the damage is just about that bad before they call a contractor. Some might not be able to afford the repairs or replacement, whereas others may not realize the subtle signs that a roof is in need of repair. If you're a homeowner, it's good to familiarize yourself with signs that your home's roof needs attention, so you can avoid even costlier repair jobs down the road.

1. Curling or buckling shingles

If you see that shingles on your roof are beginning to curl or buckle up in corners, this typically means that they're getting old and brittle. The ends then begin to curl up or the shingle will pull away from itself and buckle. Usually when this happens, shingles are ready to start crumbling or they may actually fall off the roof. Shingles sometimes also shrink up with age, so if they start to curl they may also have shrunk and in turn are not covering your roof as they should. When you notice curled shingles, have your roof inspected and note if a few shingles need replacing or if it's time to replace the entire roof.

2. Shingle granules

When shingles do begin to get old and brittle, they may start to crumble. In turn, you may find granules in the gutters or in the water that runs off from your downspouts. If you don't see these granules when cleaning your gutters or as the water drains from your downspouts, you might notice them having collected outside the bottom of your downspouts. No matter where they show up, if you see granules of shingles, it's time to have your roof inspected for needed repairs.

3. Exposed roofing materials

Roofing paper, tar or other material that is put under the shingles of a roof should not be exposed. The shingles should cover this material completely, so if you can easily see paper or tar that is visible between shingles, this often means that those shingles have gotten older and more brittle and are beginning to shrink. In some cases you might see some run-off of tar on the edges of your roof, but if you notice the roofing material exposed in the centre of the roof, it's time to have it inspected and repairs done.

Contact a business like Hi Tech Roofing if you have specific questions about the condition of your roof.

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