Just like everything else that is in your home, your roof needs to have the occasional checkup, and required maintenance. There is some good news – you can check on the current status of your roof yourself, or you can hire a professional roofer to do this for you. Regardless of what you choose, it’s a good idea to get to know the signs of damage. Keep reading to find out what they are.
1. Missing Shingles
Have you noticed that there are several shingles missing from the surface of your roof? This could have happened due to a strong gust of wind, or another cause. Regardless of the reason, this is an issue that should be addressed right away. When shingles are missing, various parts of your roof are exposed to the elements. This can cause serious water damage to the wood decking that has become exposed.
Another sign of a problem is if your asphalt shingles have begun to curl at the edges. This may mean that they have already been affected by water. In both situations, it is time to have the affected shingles replaced.
2. Issues with the Flashing
Have you noticed that the flashing around your vent pipe, rooftop or chimney aren’t in good condition any longer? If so, your roof may also have hidden water damage due to water seeping into these areas. This can be extremely expensive damage to have repaired. For flat roofs, flashing is the most common reason roof leaks occur, which is something you need to be mindful of.
3. Signs of Age
Just like anything else in or on your home, your roof has a shelf life – this is just how it is. If you think that it has been quite a while since your roof was replaced, then it may be time to consider replacing it. It should not be too hard to notice an old roof.
4. Leaking Roof Beams
Take some time to go up into your attic with a flashlight to see if you notice any sunlight coming through your roof beams. If you see some, then it means that water may already be coming in. Make sure you have this problem fixed right away. If your insulation also shows signs of moisture or mold, then it means that you should check for signs of damage in these areas, too.
5. Gutters Full of Roofing Granules
While it’s normal to find leaves in your gutters, what isn’t normal is finding roofing granules. While it is natural for your roof to lose a few granules from time to time, if the gutter has become clogged with these, then it is time to call for a checkup. Much like missing shingles, areas of significant granule loss can expose your home to all types of water-related issues.
Be sure to keep the information and issues highlighted here in mind. Doing so will help ensure you know when damage has occurred and can take action.
