Most people don’t really think about the roof over their heads…until you start to see a leak or a storm damages it! Don’t wait until water is pouring through the ceiling and you have to break out the buckets to pay attention to your roof. We recommend that you schedule a professional roof inspection at least once a year. This year, a spring roof inspection is particularly critical, in the wake of the busy hurricane season. Regularly, you should remove debris from rooftops, drains, gutters and downspouts, and at the same time, check for signs of damage. Here are a few things to look for that might show you that it is time for a new roof.
Look for Leaky Roof If you think you might need a new roof, the first place to check isn’t your home’s exterior, it’s the inside. First, walk through your home and look for discoloration on your ceiling. These water stains are the most obvious signs of a leaky roof. Next, head up into your attic, and don’t forget your flashlight. Look for beams of light coming through the top of the house or stains and streaks, which signal a leaky roof.
Check Your Roof Warranty Review your home improvement records to see how long ago the roof was replaced or reshingled. Knowing when a roof was installed (and what it’s made of) offers insight into how much life it has left. For instance, a typical asphalt shingle roof lasts 12 to 15 years in the South. If you have a warranty on your roof or the materials, check when it expires and see what options you have.
Check Your Shingles Keep an eye on your rooftop to make sure it’s in ship-shape, especially after heavy storms. Shingles should lie flat against the roof, and if you see patches that are cracked, damaged, or buckling, then you should get it repaired before it causes any major damage. While you’re at it, check the gutters and downspouts for shingle granules. If you notice that there are a lot of granules, your shingles may be at the end of their life.
Check Roof Flashings The flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys seals the seams of the roof from rain and weather. Using binoculars or safely getting on your roof, check these sensitive points to make sure there are no cracks or breaks, which lead to leaks. In older homes, flashing is often made of roof cement or tar, but it’s a good idea to upgrade to a metal flashing system for added durability when you are looking to get your roof replaced.
Sagging Roof from Rot If you see that your roof has a droopy area, the integrity of your roof is rotting away! A sagging roof is one that surely needs replacing as soon as possible before further damage occurs to your home. Check the surface for signs of trapped moisture, rotting boards, or sagging spots, especially at the lowest points in the roof.
Moss on Your Roof Moss can look great in a shady corner of your yard but on a roof, it spells trouble. Moss (or mold and fungi) indicate there may be trapped moisture, which can ruin a roof. To do away with moss that collects in shaded corners of your roof, use a stiff brush but be careful to address any underlying problems.
Do You Repair or Replace Your Roof Just because you have a few damaged shingles or a small leak, don’t assume that you need an entire roof replacement. If your roof has been properly installed and is younger than 12 years old, you may want to get the repairs your roof needs rather than a full replacement. When in doubt, contact us and our representatives to get our professional opinion.