Everyone knows roof leaks are BAD - they’re costly to repair, hard to spot in time, and can lead to every homeowner’s nightmare - mold. What isn’t as commonly known is that not all “roof leaks” are actually leaks. During the winter season, you might be seeing attic condensation instead.

What is a roof leak?
​A roof leak is usually caused by an old or damaged roof letting water into the home. The water comes from rain or snow and enters the house through a seemingly undetectable opening. It then makes its way into your insulation and starts affecting wood.

• Water from a roof leak can travel 8-10 feet from the source (depending on the pitch of the roof), which is why it’s often difficult to find and fix the leak.

 
Roof leaks can be caused by old, cracked, or missing shingles, faulty chimneys or flashing, backed-up gutters, and ice dams.

What Is Attic Condensation?
Attic condensation works the other way around - instead of water coming in from outside, warm air and moisture within your home rise and condense in your attic. Picture it like this: On a hot summer day, a cool glass of water has condensation running down the outside of the glass. Your house is the warm outside weather, the water inside the glass is the cool Nebraska winter, and the surface of the glass is what your attic may look like with inadequate insulation or ventilation.

Water damage caused by attic condensation can be just as harmful to your home as ice dam leaks are – sometimes even worse.

Signs of Attic CondensationIf you see any of these signs, it’s time to contact a professional.

• sagging ridgeline
• drooping ceilings
• water leaks on interior walls and ceilings
• jammed doors
• cracked interior walls near the center of your home
• creaking sounds

Preventing Attic CondensationAttic condensation occurs if you have uneven or inadequate insulation in your attic. Warm air from your cozy home in the winter should not be traveling up to your attic - it should be stopped by insulation.

• Your attic should be receiving adequate ventilation, keeping it cool in the winter months. Insulation should keep the warm air from your house from getting into the attic. Make sure your home has both!
• Check the humidity in your home and minimize the chances of condensation with a dehumidifier.
• Ensure your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are NOT directing humid air into your attic. These should always discharge outside of your home.

 
Repairing water/moisture damage can be over five times more expensive than insulating your attic. If you don’t remember when you last had your roof inspected - it’s been too long. Call 402-620-4714 or email info@frcconstruct.com to request a free inspection from us and make sure your attic and roof are protecting your home (and your wallet) from a wintry disaster!
 
*Do not attempt to chip away at ice dams and icicles. It can lead to shingle damage and personal injury. Always contact a professional!

Have you ever heard the saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? This is true for many things that require maintenance to perform best like your health, your car and your home. But this is especially true when it comes to your roof! If you’re like most homeowners you’re probably thinking, “there’s not a hole in mine so what’s the big deal?”

You may be surprised to learn that your roof could have problems, even if it’s not leaking right now.
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Several things cause roof problems. Hail and strong winds usually cause noticeable signs of a problem like missing roof shingles. But other types of damage, like installation errors, manufacture defects and worn out roof flashing can cause problems that lead to leaks.
If you don’t fix problems right away, the damage can spread to other areas of your home. Scary right? Read on to learn how getting a professional inspection can avoid these costly problems. #3 on the list is super important!

Your roof is the single most important way to keep water out of your home. That’s why most problems lead to roof leaks. Once water makes its way past a roof’s protective barrier all bets are off. Water can soak into the insulation, wooden support beams, plywood and more. The heat in your attic and water-soaked materials create an environment ripe for mold growth.  
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This four-letter word is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. Mold is something that even experienced homeowners fear, and rightfully so. It can cause all sorts of health problems AND expensive repairs. Getting routine roof inspections is an easy way to prevent this situation from happening.

Typical asphalt roofs can last anywhere from 15-25 years… if they are maintained! Hail and other storm damage can weaken parts of your roofing system reducing its overall lifespan. Costly repairs happen when damage is not fixed right away.

Your home’s roof makes up about 40% of your home’s curb appeal. If it's in bad shape can easily distract from the beauty of your home and lower its value.
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This is especially true if you are looking to sell your home soon. Most home buyers will avoid properties with roof issues due to the high cost of repairs. What’s worse is problems are often noted in inspection reports. Roofing issues are among the top reasons real estate deals don’t make it to closing.

If this question has you screaming “YES!” then you need to schedule a free inspection today! An expert member of our team will meet with you, fully inspect your home and give you a comprehensive evaluation of your roof’s condition. Call 402-620-4714 or click here to get started.
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Follow us on Facebook for more tips and information on taking care of your home.

Selling a home is stressful even when everything goes right. There is A LOT of time, energy, paperwork and emotions that go into it and even small complications can feel like massive burdens.
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So, when homeowners ask us if they should get a roof inspection before they list their home, our answer is always yes! 

Not only does it pay to be safe then sorry, it can also help prevent issues during the process. Knowledge is power and this is especially true when selling a home, so getting a roof inspection early is just plain smart! Read on to learn the three main ways getting a roof inspection can help you on your home selling journey (#3 may surprise you!).

​You may already know that an official home inspection will have to be done before you close. Home inspectors are usually third-party companies that are unbiased in the final report. They are also expertly trained to spot problems that could devalue your home or kill the deal entirely – like a bad roof, mold, etc.
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Since you are familiar with your home, there could be issues that you’re not even aware of. That’s why a roof inspection can save you a ton of stress in the long run and help spot any problems before they make it on the final report. 

​Your roof makes up about 40% of the overall curb appeal of your home. Missing shingles, existing damage and debris buildup can send a huge red flag to potential homebuyers. Even worse, a roof in bad shape can lower your home’s overall value. Knowing how much life your roof system has left can help you through the negotiations process should you decide not to replace it. 

If your home has been impacted by hail or severe weather and still has damage, it can throw a wrench into your plans to sell.
If hail damage makes its way onto the home inspection report you have a few options:

You Ignore It. Many buyers will back out of the sale if you don’t plan to fix the issue. In addition, the majority of insurance companies won’t insure the property for another buyer due to known damage. This is a no-win situation for anyone.

File A Claim. In most cases, storm damage is covered by homeowner’s insurance. This is good news because you won’t be out of pocket for a full roof or repairs, but the home sale process will have to be extended.

Designate Claim to Buyer. Similar to scenario #2, you file a claim but instead of waiting to get repairs done, you assign the claim benefits to the home buyer. As the seller, you will still be responsible for the deductible, but this puts the responsibility of the work on the new owner. Insurance companies and lenders will not usually allow this.

The best-case scenario, especially if you have hail damage, is to get a roof inspection now and before you list your home. This way, while you are hunting for new homes, filing paperwork and getting a loan the work on your roof will be done when you are ready to list. Plus, a new roof adds home value, which could mean a higher listing price. Now that’s a win-win!
 
Have questions or need more information? We’re happy to help! Contact us at 402-620-4714 or use our online contact form to schedule a roof inspection today.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more ways to take care of your home! 

​If your home is 15 years or older, features that were once “standard” are now turn-offs for potential buyers. If you’re thinking about listing your home, that’s probably not the best news. 

After all, no homeowner wants to hear their home is “outdated” or the sale price should be lowered.
The good news is making small improvements to your home will not only entice new home buyers, but some projects can increase your home’s value!

So, if you are worried about curb appeal, thinking about selling your home or are interested in maximizing home value this post is for you! Here's what you'll learn:
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• What home features are considered outdated (#2 may surprise you!)
• Common home features that turn off new homebuyers
• What you can update to maximize your home’s value

We had to start here. Popcorn, cottage cheese, or textured ceilings were standard 30 years ago, but today they scream HUGE PROJECT to potential home buyers. Textured ceilings add shadows giving the illusion of dark and low ceilings which you don’t want. Not to mention the risk of asbestos. If your home was built before 1979 get the ceiling material tested for asbestos before you do anything.

First impressions are everything, especially when it comes to selling your home. While most people will focus on improving their landscaping, there’s a bigger area you should be concerned about: your roof.

Your roof makes up about 40% of the overall curb appeal of your home. Missing shingles, existing damage and debris buildup can send a huge red flag to potential homebuyers.

​While it may seem like a big expense to get a new roof or fix repairs, doing so before you list your home can get you more money at closing. One study showed that a new roof can increase a home’s overall value by at least $12k.

Bathroom carpets - one of the many great ideas of the '90s. But carpet is hard to keep clean which makes it a bacterial breeding ground. It can also put your home at risk for mold! Rip up that carpet and lay down easy to clean tile.

Tile countertops are inconvenient, hard to clean, and hard to fix. Laminate countertops can’t handle the heat a kitchen counter should, and it screams the 90’s. Either option signals a remodel for potential buyers - the more work they think they have to do, the more scared they get.
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Avoid spooking potential buyers by replacing those outdated countertops with marble, granite, quartz, wood, stainless steel, concrete, or soapstone, depending on your home and the neighborhood.

Shiny brass or gold hardware will instantly take your buyers back to the 80s. Switching them for more contemporary materials like brushed nickel is a relatively inexpensive way to make your kitchen and bathrooms instantly look more modern. If you decide to make the switch, make sure you cover all your bases, so your house matches throughout. Make sure to check your cabinet hinges and pulls, your door handles, and your lighting fixtures.

So, this one isn’t exactly a flashback home feature, but it is something all sellers should be aware of - exterior storm damage. Why is it such a big deal? In one recent survey, 44% of people said storm damage and costly repairs were their #1 fear in owning a home.
One way to put potential buyer’s minds at ease is to get a professional roof inspection BEFORE you list your home. This way you can have proof that your roof and home are safe!

New siding ranks as HGTV’s number-one upgrade to add value to a home. Old and faded or cracked siding severely damages curb appeal and lumps a home into the “fixer upper” category. If potential buyers see a damaged and unappealing exterior, they won’t expect much more from the inside. Replacing siding instantly boosts curb appeal. Refreshing the yard with new shrubs and flowers also adds curb appeal and makes the home more marketable.

The ’90s called, and they want their wallpaper back. What was once a very popular design is now officially outdated and for good reason! Eyes are drawn to the difference between the border and wall paint and it makes a room feel smaller. If you have this your home, the good news is it’s not that hard to take down.

A fresh coat of paint can go a long way when selling your home! Not only is it easy to do in a weekend, but it’s also budget-friendly. New paint will add to your home’s value by giving rooms an updated, clean look. Just make sure to choose neutral colors!

If your is at least 20 years old, it may have some energy deficiencies including a lack of insulation, faulty windows, etc. This can scare off younger homebuyers who are most interested in green home improvements and energy costs.
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One improvement you can make before you list your home is adding attic insulation. It won’t do anything for a house’s visual appeal, but it does much to improve a home’s energy-efficiency which will please homebuyers. Plus, most projects have a 250% ROI!

No two hailstorms are alike and not every storm causes damage. How do you know when to call a professional? Here’s what to look for.

Hail is one of the most common types of severe weather that homeowners will face. In fact, our area gets 1-2 major storm events each year. As you probably know, each storm can vary in terms of size and duration – both of which can impact how much damage is done to your home.

No two storms are alike and not every storm causes damage. How do you know when to call a professional?
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We recommend homeowners to get a roof inspection after every major hailstorm to prevent costly future repairs. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry! But we also know that not all hailstorms are alike and not every storm will cause damage.
Start with a ground-level inspection after the storm. Check your gutters, downspouts, siding, window screens, outdoor equipment, and vehicles for fresh dents or impact marks. Photograph anything unusual, note the date of the storm, and contact a professional if you see damage or are unsure what you’re looking at.

​Most homeowners don’t know how much damage can be caused by even a “small” storm. Damage will get worse over time and lead to costly (but preventable!) repairs. A careful ground-level inspection can help you recognize when it is time to call a professional and protect your home and your wallet! 

​Whether the signs are obvious or subtle, acting quickly can prevent further damage. If you suspect hail damage, give our expert team a call at 402-620-4714 or request an inspection online today! Emergency services are available, and we are happy to help!

​Hail damage leaves dings in your roof, siding and gutters – and dents in your wallet if you don’t get it fixed ASAP! Learn what all homeowners should do. 

Hail causes about $1 billion in damage to crops and property each year. Yet few homeowners know what steps to take after the storm to prevent further damage and escalating repair costs. So that’s exactly what we’re covering below.

The first thing you need to know? Time is not on your side.

Damage from a hailstorm can leave dents in your roof, siding, and gutters which can turn into dents in your wallet if you don’t get it fixed soon after the storm has passed. If you’re like most homeowners, the thought of spending your hard-earned money on massive home repair bills doesn’t sound too exciting… right?! We didn’t think so.

So, what’s the best thing you can do for your home (and savings account!) after a hailstorm? These three things: 

1. check your home for signs of damage (start with the ground-level checks below)
2. get a professional inspection
3. review your homeowners insurance policy. 

Not doing these things after a hailstorm can and will cause expensive problems later, especially #2 on the list! Save yourself the hassle and read on to learn what you should do right after a hailstorm to keep your home safe. 
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​1. Inspect Your Home For Signs Of Hail Damage

Hail damage can be hard to spot, especially if you don’t know what to look for! One of the easiest ways to know if your roof has hail damage is to check your car for dents and dings. If your car has damage, your roof likely also has damage and you should get a professional inspection asap!

If you were lucky enough to have your car parked in your garage during the storm, you’ll need to check some additional areas around your home to spot damage – like your gutters and siding. From the ground, look for fresh dents, cracks, loose material, or displaced shingle granules, and photograph anything unusual before scheduling a professional inspection.

2. Get A Professional Hail Damage Inspection

If you are seeing signs of hail damage, you need to call for a professional roof inspection asap. Why? Hail damage gets worse over time and that means the longer you wait, the higher the repair bills will be.

Getting a professional roof inspection after a storm benefits a homeowner in two major ways: you’ll learn if you have damage or not and knowing that will prevent you from making an un-needed claim on your insurance policy.  If you’re in need of a professional hail damage inspection for your home, we can help! Call 402-620-4714 today or use our online contact form. 

3. Review Your Insurance Policy

If you do have hail damage, the good news is that most insurance policies cover the repairs needed. However, every insurance policy is different, so you’ll want to make sure you review yours and keep the information handy in case you must file a hail damage claim.

Pro Tip: One important thing to find out is if your insurance company has time limitations for filing a hail damage claim. 

Key Takeaways

Unpredictable storms create unpredictable problems but being proactive can prevent costly future home repairs!

If you’re in need of a professional hail damage inspection, our expert team is here to help. Call 402-620-4714 today or use our online contact form. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and get more tips on the best way to take care of your home after a hailstorm hits. 

Was your home hit by a hailstorm? If you’re like most homeowners you’re probably thinking, “there’s not a hole in my roof so what’s the big deal?” You may be surprised to learn that hail can cause significant damage to your home even if it didn’t create holes in your roof. 

When hail hits, it knocks the protective granules off roof shingles and creates a bruise. Over time, water pools in these areas and causes leaks and costly repairs.  Learn more about how hail damages a roof here.

If you don’t fix hail damage right away, the damage can spread to other areas of your home. Scary right? Read on to learn how getting a professional hail damage inspection can avoid these costly hail related problems. #3 on the list is super important!

1. Mold

Unrepaired hail damage often leads to roof leaks. Once water makes its way past a roof’s protective barrier all bets are off. Water can soak into the insulation, wooded support beams, plywood and more. The heat in your attic and water-soaked materials create an environment ripe for mold growth.  

This four-letter word is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. Mold is something that even experienced homeowners fear, and rightfully so. It can cause all sorts of health problems AND expensive repairs. Getting a hail damage roof inspection is an easy way to prevent this situation from happening.

2. Roof Repairs

Typical asphalt roofs can last anywhere from 15-25 years… if they are maintained! Hail and other storm damage can weaken parts of your roofing system reducing its overall lifespan. If hail damage isn’t fixed, it can lead to costly repairs later.

3. Reduced Home Value

​Your home’s roof makes up about 40% of your home’s curb appeal. A roof in bad shape can easily distract from the beauty of your home and lower its value.

This is especially true if you are looking to sell your home soon. Most home buyers will avoid properties with roof issues due to the high cost of repairs. What’s worse is roof problems are often noted in inspection reports and is a top reason most real estate deals don’t make it to closing. 

Want To Avoid Costly Roof Problems?

If this question has you screaming “YES!” then you need to schedule a free roof inspection today! An expert member of our team will meet with you, fully inspect your home and give you a comprehensive evaluation of your roof’s condition. Call 402-620-4714 or click here to get started.

Follow us on Facebook for more tips and information on taking care of your home after a hailstorm. 

​Not knowing about how hail damage can affect your roof and home could end up costing you in the long run!

Hailstorms may not seem like the worst type of natural disaster that can damage your home – but they are the most common. Hail can also cause a surprising amount of damage to your home including the roof, siding, windows and gutters.

But most homeowners don’t even know they have damage until it’s too late!

Preventing costly repairs starts with a professional hail damage inspection. Yet most homeowners won’t do this because they don’t see any damage and think their home is ok. The only problem? Hail damage starts small and gets worse over time. That means big repair bills later.
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How big are we talking about? Well, one homeowner we worked with let hail damage fester to the point where leaks had formed. The leaking water damaged the wood structure underneath, the attic insulation and ceiling drywall. The cost of repairs was over $20,000.
Quick Question: Does the thought of spending $20,000 to fix your roof excite you?

We didn’t think so.

Since life is too short to make all the mistakes yourself, we’ve put together this information to help homeowners avoid this situation. Read on to learn how hail can damage a roof and why you should address it ASAP!

How Hail Damages A Roof
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Did you know hail can fall at speeds upwards of 50mph? When hail stones impact your roof, it can do some serious damage. 

Hailstones vary in size, shape, and hardness and can create a random pattern of dents or depressions. 

Why Get A Hail Damage Roof Inspection ASAP
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Hail damage cannot be seen from the ground level of a home. Look at the image below to understand why.

The photo on the left was taken immediately after a hailstorm, and the camera was about 12-18 inches away from the hail impact. Unless you have magical superpowers, you can’t see that from the ground. 

The image on the right is what hail damage starts to look like years later. The protective granules have continued to wear off. Damage of this extent is much easier to see but usually means costly roof leaks are already happening.

Getting a roof inspection after a significant hailstorm may seem like a hassle, but it's the only way to catch damage early and prevent costly repairs.
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Who To Call For A Professional Hail Damage Inspection?

If your home has been hit with severe weather, our expert team is here to help! Request a free hail damage inspection today.

These inspections are quick, painless and free if you choose us. We will be able to spot any potential damage before it leads to costly repairs. If you don’t have any roof damage, we’ll be able to provide a report detailing your roof’s condition which is good to have on file for your insurance company.

Interested in learning more? Connect with us on Facebook for tips and see what real homeowners have to say about working with us!

It may not capture your attention, fear or fascination like a hurricane or tornado outbreak, but hail is consistently one of the most damaging weather phenomena every year. ​

According to Weather.com, hail damage costs homeowners and insurers BILLIONS of dollars each year. Homeowners knowing how to spot hail damage and getting a hail damage inspection has never been more critical.

What a Hailstorm Can Do To Your Home

As a general rule of thumb, damage to roof shingles can occur with hail as small as quarter-size (1-inch diameter). High winds only worsen the damage potential of hail damage, since it can cause it to fall faster and blow in different directions. The speed of falling hailstones depends on their size. Marble-size hail falls at around 20 mph. Hail the size of baseballs can drop at speeds 80 MPH and faster.

When To Get An Inspection

You cannot see hail damage to a roof from the ground of a home, and that’s a big reason why it hardly ever crosses anyone’s mind. However, just because you can’t see damage by standing on your lawn and looking at your roof doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
If you own a home, getting a hail damage inspection after a hail storm should be your number one priority. The longer you wait to fix hail damage, the worse it will get. Here’s why:

1. When hail hits an asphalt shingle, it often knocks off the protective granule coating. Once the granules are gone, the protective layer underneath is exposed to the elements.
2. The sun’s ultraviolet light will weaken the exposed spots and make them brittle. These exposed areas are very susceptible to leaks.
3. Once leaks occur, the damage can be extensive due to the potential damage from mold, electrical issues, ceiling, and wall damage from water. The damage can also come very quickly and often is not initially detected.

Insurance companies believe it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain their homes and take steps to prevent leaks. Therefore, if you wait until your roof is leaking to make a claim, you could be footing the bill for all the major repairs. Preventing additional damage to your home is one of the reasons why some (but not all) insurance companies have time limitations to file a claim. In fact, most policies state that homeowners should file claims “promptly” or “as soon as possible.”

Who To Call
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Unpredictable storms create unpredictable problems. That’s why it’s important to choose the right professional to inspect the integrity of your home after a storm. It’s important to find someone who is local, adequately certified, efficient, courteous, and available to complete your warranty work – all of which you’ll see working with FRC Construction. Contact us today for a free inspection or give us a call at 402-620-4714 or by using our online contact form.

Neglecting your roof can cause significant problems for the rest of your house and lead to costly repairs. Here are warning signs to watch out for! 

Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their home’s roof. After all, it's out of sight, out of mind. Unfortunately, neglecting your roof can cause significant problems for the rest of your house and lead to costly repairs. So how do you know when it’s time for a new roof? Keep an eye out for these warning signs.
 
1. Your Roof Is Old

Most roofs only last between 20 and 25 years. When a roof gets close to the end of its life, you may start to see subtle issues like one or two missing shingles, curling or dark/dirty areas on your roof. If your roof is older or you are seeing subtle warning signs, it’s best to get an inspection ASAP to determine how much life it has left.  

2. You See Dark/Dirty Areas On Your Roof

Darker areas usually appear when granules begin to fall off shingles. This means your shingles have aged and should soon be replaced. Dark patches could also signal algae or moss growth on your roof, which should be removed as soon as possible.

3. You’re Seeing Missing Shingles

This could be due to storm damage, or it may be because your roof is past its prime. When shingles become loose or fall off, the area becomes exposed, and this often leads to roof leaks.

4. You’re Seeing Signs Of Water Damage Inside Your Home/Attic

If you have water leaking into any parts of your home or attic, there's a good chance that your shingle underlayment is inadequate or flashing on your roof has deteriorated. Mold and mildew can result from insufficient roof ventilation and can lead to health problems and costly repairs. If you are seeing water stains on your ceiling or attic, it’s best to call a professional ASAP to find the source of the problem and get it fixed!

5. You’re Seeing Granules or Sand In Your Driveway

If you have gutters on your home, they can help you spot roof problems early if you know where to look! When single roofs are damaged or are beyond their useful life, they will start to lose the granule covering that helps protect your home. These granules can and will wash into your home's gutters and into your yard or driveway.
If you’re seeing these granules, you should call a professional ASAP. When these granules are gone, your roof’s ability to protect your home is limited.

6. Shingles Popping Up / Exposed Nail Heads

If nails begin popping out of place, the holes and spaces around the nails that remain are susceptible to water penetration and can lead to leaks in the roof. The damage this moisture causes might force you to replace your roof sooner than expected.

7. Roof Shingles Look… Funny

Shingles that are damaged or have reached the end of their useful life will start to curl, crack or blister. But that’s often hard to determine from the ground level of your home! If your roof shingles are damaged, what you may start to notice that your roof just looks weird. Some areas may look highly textured compared to others. Your roof may even look “bumpy” from the ground. Either way, if you are seeing these warning signs, you need to call a professional ASAP!

8. Your Roof Is Sagging

A sagging roof could mean several things: your roof could be weak and deteriorating; it could have been installed improperly, or it might be supporting too much weight (snow, ice, added roof layers, etc.) Whatever the case, roof sagging is a clear sign that your roof needs to be replaced. If you don’t act soon, it could collapse. 

9. You Notice Missing Flashing

Flashing is placed around projections that intersect with your roof, such as your chimney. If the sealing around these structures is broken or damaged, water can easily leak into your home.

10. Increase In Heating/Cooling Bills

An increase in heating/cooling costs could mean several different roofing issues. For starters, moisture in your attic from a leak can quickly ruin your insulation. The destruction of insulation causes heat loss during the winter and cool air to escape during the summer. This disruption can skyrocket your energy bill if left unchecked. In addition, it could mean your home has attic ventilation or a damaged/leaky roof that lets bad air in and good air out.
 
Are You Seeing Any Signs?

If your roof is showing any of these signs and you think you may need your roof replaced soon, call FRC Construction to come out and do a thorough inspection for you! Contact us today at 402-620-4714 or schedule a roof inspection online! Make sure to visit us on Facebook for more news, tips, and information on the best ways to care for your home (and roof!).