Owning a home is a big responsibility. Yet, even the most savvy homeowners will forget to keep an eye on the condition of their roof until it’s too late… Don’t be one of those people! Instead of waiting until water rushes through your ceiling, get out and perform a roof inspection a couple times a year. It’s doesn’t have to be difficult, and what you find may determine whether or not you need a new roof.
How Old is Your Roof?
If you have them handy, skim through your home improvement records and find out when your roof was last replaced. This is perhaps one of the simplest ways of gauging how close you are to needing a new one. Knowing when a roof was installed (and what it’s made of) offers you instant insight into how much life it has left.
Get in the Attic
If you’re questioning whether or not you need a new roof, the first place to check isn’t your home exterior – it’s your attic! So, grab a flashlight and climb up under the eaves. Look for any shafts of light, stains or streaks. These are all tell tale signs of a leaky roof!
Check Your Shingles
Shingles should lie flat against the roof; if you find patches that are cracked, damaged, or buckling, then repairs are in order. Keep an eye on your rooftop to make sure its in ship-shape, especially after heavy storms. While you’re at it, check the gutters and downspouts for shingle granules – a roof that’s losing a lot of granules may be nearing the end of its life.
Watch for Rot
If your roof is beginning to sag, then it unquestionably needs replacing before further damage occurs to the rest of your home. Check the surface for signs of any unwanted moisture, rotting boards, or drooping spots – especially at the lowest points in the roof.
Uninvited Houseplants
Last but not least, be on the lookout for moss. While it can look great in a shady corner of your yard, leaving it on your roof is a recipe for disaster. Moss (along with mold and fungi) indicate there may be trapped moisture, which can ruin a roof. To get rid of moss in shaded corners of your roof, use a stiff brush – and be careful to address any underlying problems!
Rather have the peace of mind that comes with a professional inspection? Get in touch with Walker Brother’s Roofing!
