The weather takes a toll on your roof throughout the year, and roof damage can happen without warning. During heavy rains and windstorms, debris can end up on your roof. Most roof debris gets blown onto your roof by high winds, but it can also get there from overhanging trees or small animals. Roof debris that gets caught in your shingles or gutters can impede the flow of water off your roof, sending water under shingles or into your home’s foundation, basement, and attic.

Roof debris can also create a fire hazard. A small ember from your fireplace or your neighbor’s fire pit can quickly ignite dry leaves, twigs and pine needles on your roof, even with fire-retardant shingles. If your roof develops leaks due to damaged shingles, they will only get worse with time.

Tree limbs and branches, leaves, twigs, pine cones, tree needles, and trash can cause roof damage if left on your roof too long. Wet leaves and debris create the perfect conditions for algae, mold, moss, and mildew growth, especially in shaded areas. They trap moisture and water that weakens roof materials and leads to roof rot.

Use a cleaner and a gentle brush to remove moss and algae growing on your roof and in your gutters. Moss and algae can create mold and mildew under and around shingles. It harbors excessive moisture and bacteria that can cause your gutters to rust and cause your attic to develop mold, mildew, and musty odors.

If you have overgrown tree branches that are hanging over the roof, trim them to prevent damage and keep small critters away. Small animals like squirrels, chipmunks, rodents, and even raccoons often get to the roof by traveling along overhanging tree limbs and branches. They can damage your shingles and build a nice, cozy home in your attic.

Inspect your roof for damaged shingles. Look for shingles that are cracked, broken, buckling, curling, blistering or missing. If you find curling, peeling or shingles that are lifting in more than one area of the roof, this can indicate that the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan and may need to be replaced. Contact an experienced roofing contractor about materials and costs of roof replacement.

Examine the flashing and make sure it’s solid. If you see signs of damage, remove all of the old caulk, clean the area thoroughly, then apply new caulk to the flashing. If you see any cracks in mortar around chimneys and joints, seal them with new caulk to prevent further damage.

If your roof has damage, you need to assess the repair costs as well as what items you can repair yourself or call in a professional.

If you’re missing a couple of shingles, you may be able to replace them yourself if you’re comfortable working on your roof. It can be a simple task to replace a few shingles and caulk flashing (and may take a few hours) but the costs will be minimal.

Vinyl or metal flashing that has separated around attic vents, skylights and chimneys will need to be resealed with caulk.

There are a few DIY roof repair tasks that the common homeowner may be able to complete, but don’t forget: working on your own roof can be very dangerous. When in doubt, or if the repair job is just too daunting, it’s best to call in the professionals like DFW Improved.

If you’re missing numerous shingles, or your roof is leaking, you may need professional help with repairs. If a leak is caused by small hole in your flashing or a damaged shingle, you may be able to repair it yourself, but if there are multiple leaks, or the areas surrounding the leaks have sustained heavy damage, you may need to call a professional roofing contractor for repairs. To check for leaks, look for telltale signs:

• Peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs
• Dark areas or stains on interior ceilings and walls
• Damp areas alongside fireplaces
• Water stains on the pipes that vent the furnace or water heater

If you decide to call a professional roofing contractor for repairs, talk to your insurance provider first. Many homeowner insurance policies cover roofing repairs when they’re caused by “acts of God”, including floods, storms, winds, and other inclement weather conditions. This can help you minimize your out-of-pocket repair costs.

If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, you may want to consider replacing your roof instead of doing costly repairs. Asphalt shingles typically lasts about 25 years, so if your roof is close to or over that age, roof replacement may be a wiser option. Although it will probably cost you more than repairs, you can easily recoup your costs if you sell the house. There are also many energy-efficient roofing materials on today’s market that help to conserve energy, make your home more comfortable, and reduce yearly energy costs.