From Shingles to Rubber

Roof damage doesn't always take the form of missing shingles or bent gutters. More subtle signs of roof damage can lead to plant growth, strange noises, and even changes to your energy bill. If you've noticed any of these signs, it's time to contact a professional for roofing services.

Increasing Energy Bills

The state of your roof can have a significant impact on your energy bills. If your roof is causing your energy bill to start rising, there are two main causes for this. The first is that your roofing material is either fading or losing its reflective coating if you had one applied, which lets more heat be absorbed into your home. The second is that ventilation in your attic is poor, causing hot air to be trapped inside. When this happens, your air conditioner will have to run longer to counter the heat trapped in the attic.

Depending on the issue, you may be able to fix this with a reapplication of a reflective coating or simple repairs, as well as improvements to your attic's ventilation. Ask your roofing professional what the best course of action for you should be.

Popping and Creaking Sounds

When your roof starts making popping and creaking sounds, this isn't always an indication of serious trouble, but it's still something that should be investigated. One common cause for these sounds is thermal contraction and expansion. It's normal for your roof to shift a little as the weather goes from hot to cold or vice versa, but if you've started hearing sounds, you may need some reinforcement or the installation of extra beams that can help keep the noises to a minimum.

If you notice these sounds most often when the weather starts to get very hot or cold, this is likely your issue. A professional can make sure your roof structure is in good shape and take measures to silence these alarming noises.

Moss Growth on Roof

Moss can seem harmless, but it has the potential to do a lot of damage to your roof. There are two main ways moss can harm your roof. The first is that it holds water rather than letting it fall off the roof. When water is held on your roof, there's a greater chance it can get under your shingles and into your home. The second problem is that the moss' rhizoids, their root-like systems, can get under your shingles and start to push them up as the moss continues to grow, which makes it even easier for water to get inside your house.

Moss growth doesn't necessarily mean your roof itself has a problem, but you should still take measures to keep moss growth from recurring. One way to do this is for a professional to install zinc strips at the top of your roof. When it rains, zinc cascades down your roof along with rainwater, and this helps kill off any moss that might be growing. Moss growth should be addressed as soon as it's spotted because of its potential to lead to leaks and shingle damage.