Dallas storm season typically runs from March through June, with the most severe weather concentrated in April and May. If your roof is showing any of these warning signs, it is better to address them now than to discover a problem during a midnight thunderstorm.
1. Your Roof Is Over 20 Years Old
A standard architectural shingle roof in the DFW climate typically lasts 20 to 30 years with proper installation and ventilation. If your roof is approaching or past the 20 year mark, it is time for a professional inspection regardless of how it looks from the ground. Shingles lose granules and flexibility with age, making them increasingly vulnerable to hail and wind damage.
2. Missing or Damaged Shingles
Walk around your home and look up. If you can see bare spots, curling edges, cracked shingles, or areas where shingles are missing entirely, your roof is compromised. Even a few missing shingles create entry points for water during a storm.
3. Granules in Your Gutters
Check your gutters and downspouts after a rain. If you see significant amounts of granule material (it looks like coarse black or gray sand), your shingles are deteriorating. Some granule loss is normal on a new roof, but heavy granule loss on an older roof signals the shingles are reaching end of life.
4. Daylight Through the Roof Boards
Go into your attic on a sunny day with the lights off. If you can see pinpoints of daylight coming through the roof boards, you have gaps that water will exploit during a storm. This is an urgent issue that needs immediate attention.
5. Sagging Sections
A sagging roofline is a serious structural concern. It usually indicates moisture damage to the decking or framing underneath. If any section of your roof appears to dip or sag, call a roofing professional immediately. This is not a "wait and see" situation.
6. Interior Water Stains
Water stains on your ceilings or walls, especially after rain, indicate an active or intermittent roof leak. Trace the stain to its highest point. Water can travel along rafters before dripping, so the actual point of entry may be several feet away from where the stain appears.
7. Your Neighbors Are Getting New Roofs
If homes in your neighborhood that were built at the same time are getting roof replacements, your roof is likely in similar condition. Homes built in the same development typically used the same materials and were installed by the same crews under the same conditions. They tend to age at similar rates.
What to Do
Schedule a professional roof inspection before storm season arrives. Bert Roofing provides free inspections and honest assessments. If your roof is fine, we will tell you. If it needs work, we will explain exactly what, why, and how much.
Do not wait for the first spring hailstorm to find out your roof was not ready. Call Bert Roofing at 214-321-9341.