If you notice soft spots on your roof, you have to fix them immediately. Soft spots are a sign of a weak roof. If you choose to ignore them, your roof might collapse down the line.  

You might even have to completely replace your roof. This depends on the severity and the damage of the soft spot.  

Keep in mind that roofs are not cheap. It is a major investment for your home. You can protect it by hiring a professional roofer to inspect and clean your roof every year.  

So, what happens if your New Jersey roofing contractor discovers soft spots on your roof? Here are some things you should know: 

How to Fix Soft Spots on Your Roof 

As soon as you notice a soft spot on your roof, the best thing you can do is to hire a professional roofer. The roofer should investigate the soft spot thoroughly. Then, he should make necessary emergency roof repairs. If needed, the roofer might recommend you replace your roof.  

The roofer will get rid of damaged shingles and underlying plywood in the affected area and replace them with new materials.  

This new material will help prevent water from seeping in. It also allows moisture and heat to escape to prevent accumulation in your rafters. The reason for this is that accumulation of heat and moisture will promote mold growth and can be a contributing cause of soft spots on the roof.  

Furthermore, the roofer will ensure your gutter system works properly to direct water off your roof efficiently.  

Are Soft Spots a Serious Issue? 

Soft spots on your roof are always a major issue. However, they do not always mean you will have to completely replace your roof.  

Keep in mind that roof replacements are extremely expensive. Almost every roofing contractor will charge thousands of dollars to finish the job.  

Fixing soft spots is typically more affordable. On average, they will cost around $300 to $1,000.  

However, if you want to avoid a complete roof replacement, you need to fix soft spots as soon as you notice them. Because of this, it’s important to conduct routine roof inspections.  

Always hire a professional roofer to evaluate and clean your roof every year so you can detect any soft spots and address them immediately.  

Why Do Soft Spots Exist? 

Soft spots form when your roof’s underlayer gets soaked. Oftentimes, this occurs due to gaps in the shingles of your roof.  

If you installed shingles for your roof, there is probably plywood sheeting under its shingles or tiles.  

Though shingles have a pretty long lifespan, plywood does not have that. The exposure of plywood to the elements over time can weaken it and causes it to dip and soften in spots.  

Soft spots can exist anywhere on your roof. Oftentimes, you will find multiple soft spots at the same time. You can easily notice them during the spring season when warm temperatures cause shingles to expand. During this period, the buckles and dips on your roof are visible.