Having a roof over your head is something that you probably take for granted. Experienced roofers employ building methods that are meant to last, but even the best constructed roof is susceptible to damage from the elements over time. The best way to avoid costly replacement or extensive Roof Repair is to make sure that your roof is well maintained, and you catch any problems early before the damage begins to compound. Here are a few warning signs to keep an eye out for around the house.
Leaky roofs can go unnoticed for quite some time if you’re not paying enough attention. They start small, and often manifest on the inside of your home quite far away from where the outside damage has been done. But what starts out as a minor issue can turn into extensive water damage more quickly than you’d think. Prevent this by checking some common external problem spots for rotting and damage. Look for rotting around the gutters. Check any seals around chimneys, vents, and skylights for signs of wear.
Take a look periodically to ensure that your roof doesn’t have missing shingles, and that the ones that are there aren’t showing signs of wear. If you have a shingle roof, environmental damage is bound to eventually take its toll. Periodic inspection focusing on identifying any damage can mean the difference between replacing a few shingles and replacing an entire roof. Make sure that no individual shingles are coming loose or curling at the edges. Splits in the shingle are another less obvious warning sign to look out for. If there is a split in your shingle, it will allow water to seep in and eventually cause heavier damage.
Internally, check your attic for signs of water infiltration after rain. These can be as obvious as puddles of standing water, or as insidious as mildew and wet insulation. If you’re up in your attic and notice a strange or musty smell, there’s a good chance you’ve got a leaky roof. Water stains on exterior walls or near chimneys and other potential points of entry indicate you probably need quite a bit of repair work done.
If you’ve seen any of these tell-tale warning signs, visit us to hire a skilled roofing contractor to help with your Roof Repair needs.
