Most Portland homeowners don't give a second thought to the condition of their roofs unless there is extremely obvious damage. 

But if you don't know the signs of roof deterioration, you may not know when it's time for a repair or a roof replacement. And if you wait too long before you hire a roofer, the damage may have multiplied, and the repair costs could be exponential.

To help you avoid a potential roofing catastrophe, here are some simple signs of roof damage that Portland roofers recommend you look out for so you know when to hire a roofer for assistance.

Exterior Symptoms

First, inspect the exterior of your roof as best you can. We don’t recommend climbing on top of your roof without proper training, fall equipment, and other protective measures.

Assess the quality of your asphalt shingles from the ground. If there are missing shingles, this is a sign that your roof is in need of repair. 

You may also find shingles that have fallen off in your yard. Check whether shingles are curling, blistering, flaking, or losing granules, as this also indicates that they should be replaced.

Algae and mold growing on top of shingle roofs are a huge problem for those living in wet climates and must be addressed promptly before they continue to spread. 

Interior Symptoms

To inspect the interior of your roof for signs of damage, you'll need to take a trip up into your attic. The main thing to be on the lookout for is water damage, as this is the best indication of a leaky roof.

Any dark spots that appear under the roof should be inspected closely. Feel them with your finger to see if they are wet. The source of the leak should produce a large wet spot. 

If there are long, thin trails of water damage, these will likely lead to the source of the leak.

Additionally, check out the condition of the rafters. Broken or sagging rafters can indicate a serious problem with your roof's structural integrity.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you've noticed any of the above signs present on your roof or attic, don't hesitate to get in touch with your local Portland roofers for assistance. The biggest mistake homeowners make is waiting too long to get their roofs serviced. 

When you catch the problem quickly enough, you can usually have it repaired at a reasonable cost. But over time roof problems just get worse, and they can end up costing you more than you bargained for if not treated promptly.

Prioritize Quality, Avoid Repairs

To ensure that your roof is likely to remain in good condition for a long time, it's important to invest in quality service and materials from the very beginning. 

Choose Portland roofers with a track record of outstanding service and a long list of references you can follow up with.

Regular inspections and routine maintenance from a top roofing company can extend your roof’s lifespan and save you money on extensive repairs and replacements.