There are many different reasons you might need to repair your roof, but how do you know it is time? Unless you have a major leak that is causing a puddle of water in your living room, it can be hard to notice the little signs. Here are some common symptoms of needing roof repairs.

There Is a Leak

The first sign that you need to repair your roof is if you have a leak. Smaller leaks can be more difficult to spot, so you will need to pay close attention to different parts of your home. The best way to find a minor leak is by looking for any signs of rotting wood. Go outside and take a look at the fascia board, which is the wood around the perimeter of your house that the gutters are attached to. If you notice that there are rotted sections, you probably have a small leak. Inside the house, go through each room and look at the ceiling. Check all the corners and edges as well. You may be able to see water spots on the ceiling where there is a leak.

Flashing Damage

The flashing includes metal components that are around your roofing vents, chimney, skylights, and other openings in the roof. The flashing might be causing a leak, or it could be coming loose. The sealant that holds the flashing in place may break down over time and need to be re-done. If the flashing becomes loose, it could get damaged or cause a leak inside your home. It will need to be sealed or possibly replaced.

You Have Ice Dams

While not all ice dams require roof repairs, many of them do. If you notice ice dams, look at the edges of your roof to see if they caused any damage. Ice dams, when not removed quickly, can damage the shingles of your roof, as well as the gutters. They can also melt and get beneath the shingles, which then causes them to leak into the exterior wall or inside the home. If you see any signs of damage from ice dams, call a roofing contractor right away.

Environmental Damage

You could also have damage to your shingles or roofing tiles that you didn't realize was there. Environmental conditions are often the cause of damaged shingles. If you haven't had your roof inspected and maintained in a while, now is the time to do so. Check the shingles for warping, fungus, algae, mold, and water damage. These are all signs that the environment has caused damage to them, and they now need to be repaired.

For more information, contact a local roofing contractor.