We know not everyone is a roofing professional and even the most attentive homeowners some times overlook problems with their roof. After a while the problems have been overlooked soon become problems you can’t see past. So how do you know when it’s time for a new roof? Great question! After doing this for almost 30 years we can drive past a neighborhood and without getting out of our truck we’ll pinpoint a handful of homes that need roofing attention. Instead of rambling on and on about the countless number of reasons why a new roof is advantageous to all, we’ve found an article from SheKnows, that sums it all up. Check it out, here; don’t have time to read the whole article, no problem, here’s the gist of it:
Take it from the top
So, what should you look for when inspecting your roof? The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends you do a roof inspection at least two times a year — spring and fall. The best place to begin is inside your house — grab a flashlight and make a trip to the attic.
Here are four things to look for on the inside:
- Places where the roof deck is sagging
- Signs of water damage or leaking
- Dark spots and trails
- Outside light showing through the roof.
Exterior check
When you take a look at the exterior of the roof, pay attention to such things as damaged flashing, missing shingles, curling, blistering, buckling, rotting and algae growth (which occurs most often in humid climates and appears as dark or greenish stains).
The HomeTeam Inspection Service offers these tips on what to check on the outside:
- Visually inspect your roof for cracked, torn, bald or missing shingles.
- Scan the roof for loose material or wear around chimneys, vents, pipes or other penetrations.
- Watch out for an excessive amount of shingle granules (they look like large grains of sand) in the gutters — this is a sign of advanced wear.
- Check for signs of moisture, rot or mold. Note that wet spots may not be directly under your faulty shingle; water can travel down to its lowest spot before it drips. Mold, fungi and bacteria can grow quickly — within 24 to 48 hours of a water-related problem.
- Examine the drainage, and make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached. Also ensure all drains are open and allow water to exit, and all gutters and downspouts are free of debris.
- Check that all bath, kitchen and dryer vents go entirely outside of your home, not just into the attic space.