Michigan summers can be tough on your home, especially your roof. Here are five signs your roof might not withstand another summer in Michigan. Between scorching sun, unexpected deluges and Wind-damaged thunderstorms, your roof endures an annual beating. The reality is, most homeowners don’t even consider their roof unless there’s an obvious leak — and by that time, the harm has likely already set in.
If you own a home in Southeast Michigan, here are five obvious signs that your roof might not live to see another season. Nailing these down early can spare you from more costly fixes later.
The Shingles Are Curled, Cracked, or Missing
The shingles are the first layer of weather protection. If they’re curling at the edges, cracking, or entirely absent, that’s a red flag. These imperfections allow entry of moisture, and, in time, even the smallest portion of damage can cause extensive problems with water infiltration inside.
Your Gutters Contain Granules
Granule loss Asphalt shingles will lose their granules as they wear. You might not realize it until the next time you clean out the gutters, but if you have a buildup of granules, it’s a sure symptom that your roof is in decay. Those granules are essential for your roof’s UV protection and losing them indicates that your roof is not as capable of withstanding summer’s intense sunlight.
Ceiling Stains or Water Spots
This one can fly under the radar — particularly in parts of the house you don’t use frequently — but brown- or yellow-stained patches on the ceiling may suggest a leak. Summer rainstorms are more than just a test of how waterproof your roof is — they’re a test of every single point of weakness. Don’t sit and wait for the next big storm to illuminate a much larger problem.
Your Roof Is More Than 15 Years Old
A roof may still look good from the ground but age counts. Typical asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of 15–20 years. From there on, the rate of losing them is very high. If your roof is in the region of 15 years (or more), it’s ‘common-sense’ to request an inspection prior to summer pulling up its sleeves and turning a little warmer.
Saggy Ceilings or Roof Lines/Bowing or Dipping visible
A roof should slope even and uniform throughout the field. If you see a dip or sag in any area of your roofline, it might indicate rotting boards, or moisture damage in the decking. And it’s serious, and can escalate quickly, especially if summer storms are in the mix.
Don’t Wait for a Leak To Take Action
We are Michigan’s home protection specialists here at IL Constructions. Our roof inspections are meticulous, honest, and complimentary. We’ll take you through the state of your roof, and tell you what we recommend — whether it’s a little repair job or a brand new one.
Ready to do something about it? Give us a call today for your free roof inspection, before the summer kicks in completely.