Do drips drop of rain you hear on your roof have you wondering if it is time for a new roof or a repair? Your roof protects you from the elements. It is your first line of defense, so you want it to stay in good condition. Your roof can naturally reach its lifespan without the need for repairs or replacements. If you have a few damaged or loose shingles, replacing them is a good idea. But for more extensive damage, you may need a new roof. In this article, we will learn how to inspect your home, what to look for, and what areas we should keep our eyes on. These are the keys to determine if you need to repair or replace your roof.
Roof Maintenance: What To Look For
Roof Sagging
If your roof is droopy or sagging, it should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent more damage to your house. Look for signs of trapped moisture, rotting boards, or sagging spots on the roof’s surface, particularly at the lowest points.
A sagging roof is definitely a problem. The potential for it collapsing down your house, especially during periods of heavy rain, is high. And when it does happen severe injuries could befall your family members. Instead of entirely replacing the roof, specialists may suggest reinforcing them which could save you a lot of money. But you need an expert on this matter like Trades by Jack.
Leaking Attic
Check for leaks in your attic, particularly after severe weather. A leak could mean the following:
- Shingles on the roof have been damaged underlayment, which acts as a protective layer, is cracked
- The flashing, which is a fastener of the roof joints, has deteriorated
- Light streaming through holes in your attic
Peeling or Blistering Paint
Moisture or elevated humidity can build up near the roofline if your attic is poorly ventilated, causing the paint to peel or blister. This is also a sign your gutters are failing.
This is not a pretty sight and will make your house look old and unkempt. Before planning on repainting the walls, you need to address the source of the problem. Because if you don’t, it will keep on recurring and will just pile up your expenses.
Stains on the Ceiling and Walls
Stains, mold, or mildew may be caused by leaks from the outside or moisture trapped inside the home. This should be addressed right away since mold and mildew can impose health risks on anyone who will be exposed to it. Mold and mildew will affect the quality of life of people living in the home. Many illnesses related to the respiratory tract and skin can be contracted because of them. You wouldn’t want your family to get sick, right?
Sheathing Decomposition
Rotting of sheathing is another problem caused by inadequate ventilation and moisture in the roofing layers. This sheathing is also known as decking, which is the plywood layer that forms the roof’s base. Your sheathing may be damaged if you find a sagging roof, broken gutters, leaks, or missing patches of shingles.
Damages to the Shingles
Shingles are laid flat on the root, and they should remain flat; if you find broken, bent, or buckling patches, you’ll need to make repairs. When shingles hit the end of their lifespan, they can fall off or become broken, brittle, or curled. Once shingle loses their usefulness, they can be recycled. If you see a ton of these shingles, you should consider replacing your roof.
Dark Streaks
If your shingles appear to be dirty, dark, or wet, it could be lichen or blue-green algae growing on your roof. If moisture accumulates in your shingles, they can not protect your roof as intended. Remember also that moisture might not be beneath the damaged shingle since water runs downhill.
Lots of Granules in Gutters
As composite or asphalt shingles begin to wear out, the granules fall out. These granules always end up in your gutters. The granules have the appearance of coarse black powder. Check for granules in the gutters and downspouts–a roof that is losing a lot of granules might be nearing its lifespan.
Moss Development
Moss can grow on roofs that receive little sunlight, particularly in cold, humid climates. This is particularly important for roofing in Florence Ky, especially in the winter. Moss growth is not always just a cosmetic problem. It retains moisture against the roof surface, which can weaken the granules on the top of the shingles over time in freezing climates. Brushing off moss will not keep it from growing back; be careful not to harm the shingle surface. It is possible that you’ll need to hire a roofing contractor.
Protruding Objects
Chimneys, vents, pipes, and other items that are a part of your roof are potential sources of degradation. Roof cement and tar flashes around chimneys and other protruding objects can be prone to leaks.
Roof Maintenance: Step-by-Step Inspection
Routine roof inspections are a must for areas like Kentucky, which tend to have hot, dry, and wet weather. Inspections can help prevent external damages from creating internal damages. roofing in Florence Ky is exposed to increased rainfall and a rising percentage of rain due to climate change. Start your inspection from the inside.
Inside
Look for leaks, dark spots, gaps, or sagging sheathing in your attic. Look for stains, mold, or mildew on your ceilings.
Outside
Inspecting your roof is done better on the top of the roof, but if you are uncomfortable climbing a ladder or standing on a roof, you can check the roof from the ground by using binoculars.
- Remove leaves or any debris from downspouts and gutters, and inspect for sagging or leaks.
- Look for decay or signs of animal infestation on the underside of eaves and fascia which is the board that links the roof to the outer walls of your house.
Street-Level
From the ground floor Look for dark spots, broken shingles, or sagging from this distance. Check for blistering or peeling on the exterior paint.
On the Roof
Look for shingles that are broken, ripped, bent, or missing, as well as popped or rusted nails. Check for any open seams or joints, and make sure roof vents aren’t blocked.
- Take note of any areas that sag or appear to be weak.
- Make sure that any pipes or roof penetrations, such as your chimney or skylights, are properly sealed and that there are no exposed nails.
- Check to see if the blinking, which is used to seal joints and keep water out, is damaged or provides insufficient coverage.
If you live in a city where the winters are frozen or snowy, keep an eye out for ice dams, which are ridges of ice that grow at the edge of your roof. If water can not drain off the roof, it can leak into your house.
Roof Inspection: Keep Your Eye On It
Unexpected high energy bills
If you see an increase in your air conditioning or heating bills, it’s possible that cold or warm air is escaping out of your roof. Check your ventilation in your attic.
Know the roof age
If you do not know, check your inspection report or ask the roofing company. Many hazards can accelerate the aging of shingles. If your roof is not adequately ventilated, it can affect the lifespan of your shingles.
Spot-check the attic
Your roof should be checked twice a year, once in fall, once in spring. Look for signs of holes, leaks, sagging sheathing, or dark spots. Check the ceilings for mold, mildew, or stains. Reach out to a professional roofing contractor if you are not feeling up to it.
Neighborhood maintenance
Check if other homes in your neighborhood are getting a new roof. The houses are more than likely built around the same time as yours.
After extreme weather
Inspect the interior and exterior of your home for damages after a storm as soon as it is safe to do so.
In Conclusion
The roof is a very important component of your home and your very first protection and shield from external elements. Keeping it in top shape is imperative to the safety of your family. Investing time to carefully check its condition is crucial, especially as the hot summer months and the severe winter season draw near.
Repairing and inspecting your roof can be complicated, dangerous if not done properly, and not worth the risk and hassle. If you are not sure, contact trained professionals in the Florence Ky metro area who are experienced and specialize in roof repair, leak detection, and roof replacement.
