Have you inspected your roof lately, or ever for that matter? Most of us don’t, which is also why the majority of phone calls to Chicago Illinois roofing company come when some terrible damage suddenly happens. The reality is, however, that nothing happened suddenly, unless there has been some sort of freak weather or other natural occurrence. Rather, people simply didn’t know what to look for.

Nobody wants to repair a roof, because it is often very expensive. That said, if you leave it and you do find yourself in this “sudden” emergency, the cost will be far greater. By regularly inspecting your roof, you will be able to keep the costs down tremendously overall. So what are some of the things you should look for in particular?

Signs Your Roof Needs Fixing NOW

1. There are dirty looking or dark stained areas on your roof. This is usually because algae or fungi has started to grow. Certain parts will start to look really dirty or black. It is common to see this in humid, warm climates. It is a problem because the algae and fungi will start to eat up the base of the shingle, leading them to decay. You have to address this before it spreads.
2. The sheathing and shingles start to deteriorate. This can be caused by fungi and algae, as previously mentioned, but also by other things. If the decay actually hits your sheathing, it is possible that you will have to have your entire roof replaced. This is particularly true if you also start to see sagging areas, in which case you have roof rot. This is a real danger, as your entire roof could collapse.
3. Curled, cracked, buckled, or missing shingles, which usually means that a replacement is imminent. This is caused by prolonged exposure to the elements. Unfortunately, nothing on this planet truly lasts forever. In fact, most fiberglass and asphalt shingles last for about 25 years tops, and then you will simply have to replace them. Curling usually happens after exposure to extensive UV rays, so that is something to look for if you live in sunny climates.
4. Peeling and/or blistering of exterior paint. This is a much ignored sign that most people attribute to very different things, such as regular wear and tear. In reality, it is likely caused by poor ventilation and humidity in the attic. This basically bakes the shingles off the roof.
5. Water marks and mildew on the inside of your property. Yes, to check your roof is ok, you also have to check the inside of your home. If you spot the above signs, there is either a serious ventilation problem (which can also affect your roof), or there is a leak somewhere in your roof, however minute.
6. Suddenly rising energy costs. If you find your energy costs suddenly rise, it is likely that there are openings in your roof through which the heat can escape.