We don't just need a roof over our heads, we need a good roof. Whether you have purchased a home with a brand-new roof or bought a house recently from someone who got a new roof only a few years ago, knowing how to spot the potential warnings signs that your roof may be failing is an important aspect of maintaining your home.
This is because a bad roof can put your home at risk of suffering potentially devastating water damage that can cost you thousands of dollars to repair. Here are five undeniable signs you have a bad roof that needs to be fixed.
HOMEOWNER ALERT: Certain Tamko brand roof singles are allegedly defective and you might recover compensation for the removal and replacement of the defective roof shingles by participating in a class action suit against Tamko. For more information, please contact us today.
1. Sunken Roof
If your roof begins to sink and buckle in, you should contact a roofer immediately, as this is a sure sign of rotting. The roof’s support beams and studs provide structural integrity to a roof, and if those are rotting, it weakens your roof’s ability to shield your home from the elements and further water damage.
2. Water Spots
Sometimes, you may notice water stains and sinking in your ceiling before you realize the culprit of the water damage: a rotting roof. If you notice any large water spots on your ceilings or walls, call a roofer right away to have them safely check if your roof has succumbed to rot.
3. Moss & Algae Growth
Another telltale sign of water damage is moss and algae growth. While some moss growth over the years is normal for any exposed surface like a roof, excessive moss or algae is a sign of moisture. That means moss and algae can grow beneath the roof and cause structural damage. This might just require improved drainage, but if the damage is extensive enough, an entire roof replacement may be due.
4. Missing & Cracked Shingles
Missing or cracked shingles are often a result of storms and other severe weather. It’s easy to replace just one or two shingles, but because shingles are your roof’s best defense against water damage, it’s essential to replace your roof if too many shingles are missing, or if shingles are consistently cracked through your roof.
5. Defective Construction Materials
When you buy a new home, you should expect that the newly or recently installed shingles will be sturdy and last for years as advertised. However, certain manufacturers have been caught selling defective roofing materials that do not function as promised, compromising the integrity of homes built with them.
One recent example is Tamko and their defective Laminated Asphalt Shingles. Consumers were clued into their defective nature when the shingles begin to curl and buckle years many years before their estimated life expectancy. If you are unsure whether you have Tamko shingles, call your developer or previous homeowner and ask for details about your shingling manufacturer.
Homeowners should replace their roof as soon as possible, if they discover their roof contains defective construction materials. If you have recently purchased a home with defective Tamko shingles, you may be able to seek compensation for roof replacement costs and damages. Contact Morgan & Morgan and read more to learn about an ongoing Tamko Laminated Asphalt Shingles class action lawsuit today.