Don’t Guess. Inspect.
Here in Stephenville, we know that storm season isn’t a matter of if, but when. The combination of high winds, heavy rain, and the ever-present threat of hail can turn a small, unnoticed roofing issue into a catastrophic failure. The smartest move any homeowner can make is a proactive one. An annual professional inspection is your first line of defense, but you can also be vigilant. Here are five subtle signs that your roof is calling for an expert’s attention.
1. Curling, Cracking, or Missing Shingles
Take a look at your roof from the ground. Do you see shingles that are starting to curl at the edges or look buckled? Years of relentless Texas sun can bake the life out of asphalt shingles, making them brittle and weak.
Curling Edges: A sign of weathering and potential water uplift.
Cracked Shingles: Indicates brittleness from age or physical impact (like hail).
Missing Shingles: These are open invitations for water to penetrate the underlayment.
Even a few compromised shingles can be a weak point that high winds will exploit during a storm.
2. An Excess of Granules in Your Gutters
When you clean your gutters, do you notice a significant accumulation of dark, sandy material? Those are the protective granules from your asphalt shingles. While some loss is normal, a large amount indicates that your shingles are aging and their primary layer of UV protection is washing away, accelerating their decline.
3. Any Sign of Water Stains or Discoloration
This is the most obvious, but often overlooked, sign. Check the ceilings in your upstairs rooms and attic space. Look for:
Yellow or brown circular stains.
Streaks of discoloration along walls that meet the ceiling.
A musty odor in your attic.
By the time you see a stain, the water has already passed through your roof, insulation, and drywall. Finding it early can be the difference between a simple repair and a major interior renovation.
4. A Sagging Roof Deck
This is a serious structural red flag. From the ground, look at the lines of your roof. Do they appear straight and clean, or can you see a dip, sway, or curve in the ridgeline? A sagging roof deck can indicate trapped moisture that has rotted the underlying wood or, in worst-case scenarios, a foundational issue. This requires immediate professional attention.
5. Your Roof’s Age
Even if it looks okay from the ground, age is a critical factor. A typical architectural shingle roof has a lifespan of about 20-25 years. If your roof is approaching that milestone, it is living on borrowed time. The materials naturally degrade, and waiting for it to fail is a costly gamble.
Build with Confidence, Before the Storm
Your roof is the single most important protector of your home. Being proactive is not an expense; it’s the most effective investment you can make in your property’s longevity and your family’s peace of mind.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, or simply want the confidence of knowing your home is secure, contact the experts at Thurman Roofing today. We offer a complimentary, no-obligation roof inspection to ensure you’re ready for whatever the season brings.