The roof is an integral part of your house. It performs a vital function by keeping the elements out of the home’s interior and protecting everything inside. Being constantly exposed to harsh weather, your Orange County roofing will deteriorate in time and need repairs or replacement. Detecting early signs of roof going bad will enable you to fix it, prevent further damage and spending more money.

Here are the most common signs of a problematic Orange County roofing:

1. Uneven or Damaged Shingles

Conduct a visual inspection and look at the shingles on your roof. Do they look flat or uneven? If they look like the latter, it may indicate damaged shingles that need to be replaced. Inspecting your roof after a storm or severe weather condition is advisable. Shingles may be damaged from strong winds, snow or hail. Delaying the repair of your roof could lead to serious damage later and cost you more.

2. Higher Electric Bills

We use power to cool our homes during the hot summer months and to heat them during the cold winter months. A good roofing system helps insulate your home against drastic temperature fluctuations by maintaining relatively uniform temperatures inside. If you suddenly find your monthly electric bills going up without your having bought or use new appliances or equipment that could explain the increase in power consumption, you might be losing cold or heat through your roof.

3. Spots on Ceilings and Walls

Water leak on the roof is the usual culprit when you see spots on these areas. Molds grow on damp places and indicate the something is wrong with your roof. Mold may also be caused by poor ventilation or damaged shingles. A professional is the best person to determine the problem.

4. Cracked or Peeled Paint

Paint is a good indicator of the roof’s condition. A cracked or peeled paint on the exterior or underside may indicate rust or other issues with the roof. An inadequate or impaired attic ventilation is one of the common causes of peeling paint.

5. Old Roofs

Roofs are built to last for decades depending on the material type used for the roof. Metal roofs generally last longer but cost more. If your roof has been protecting your home for years and has reached its estimated service life, it may be time to consider making a replacement. A proactive approach to roof maintenance means checking your roof and replacing parts before a real problem arises. Proactive maintenance could save you money in the long run.

These early warning signs of a roof going bad should alert you to take remedial actions to prevent further roof deterioration.

Maintaining your Orange County roofing in good condition is not difficult. Since Orange County has more sunny days than other places and less than average rainfall compared to national figures, corrosion may not be as prevalent compared to wetter and colder places in the US. But when the time comes that you need to repaint your roof, we compiled these reference-type guides to safely help your painting job.

1. Put your ladder on solid footing. If it stands on the grass, dig holes at the bottom for more stability. If it stands on solid ground, place a board or other materials behind the legs to support them and prevent slippage.

2. Make sure the worksite is clean and free from clutters that could pose serious hazard. These include nails and other sharp objects lying on the floor, which could injure you if you happen to step on them.

3. If working on steeped portions of the roof, always wear a safety harness to prevent falling to the ground if you slip.

4. Carry one material at a time when climbing up the ladder. Hauling more than what is necessary is dangerous.

5. Equip yourself with the proper work clothes and accessories such as safety goggles and roofing shoes while working on the roof.

6. Do not work alone on the roof. Always have somebody with you at all times in case of accidents and during times when outside help is necessary.

7. Wooden or fiberglass ladders are preferred when working on the roof instead of metal ladders, which conduct electricity.

8. Use ladder stabilizer to attach the top of the ladder to the roof. This will prevent unfortunate accidents associated with the improper use of a ladder.

9. Never walk on the roof when it is slippery. Remember that falls due to accidental slipping is one of the most common causes of roof-related injuries.

10. Check the weather before working on the roof. If the probability of rain is high, call off your work to another day. The same goes for windy days. These are not the best times to do roofing work.

11. Concentrate on your job. Some people get distracted by the view while working on the roof. A momentary lapse of focus could lead to injuries.

12. Know your limitations. If you are not comfortable with working on high places, hiring a professional is the better alternative rather than risking your safety doing something you are not skilled with.

13. Do not work on the roof under extremely hot or cold weather. Shingles and other roofing materials could get damaged under extreme weather condition and prevent proper application of paint.

14. Be careful when working around power lines because they are extremely dangerous. Call the power utility company before working to ensure safety.

15. Do not forget to apply the right type of primer for your roof. Paints will not properly adhere to the surface if you used the wrong primer.