Perform a Complete inspection of your roof twice a year.
Most homeowners don’t look at their roof except for when they are backing out of or pulling in the driveway. However, it’s important to actually perform a thorough inspection of your roof twice a year – in spring and again in fall – to keep your roof in tip-top shape. By doing this, you can make minor repairs throughout the year preventing costly repairs that could have crept up down the road had those minor repairs not been made, or possibly needing a new roof altogether.
It’s spring and if you haven’t examined your roof, then here’s what you need to do and look for. First, get a flashlight and head on up to your attic. There are four things to primarily look for in your attic:
- Locate areas where you notice sagging of the roof deck.
- Locate signs of leaking or any form of water damage.
- Locate areas with trails and dark spots.
- Locate areas where you can see outside light shining in through the roof.
Once you’ve examined your roof from the inside (your attic), it’s time to head outside. You’ll want to examine the roof for several things from missing shingles to algae growth. Here’s what you need to do when you perform the exterior roof check:
Scan your roof to determine if there are any singles that are missing, torn, cracked or bald.
Inspect the roof for any wear or loose material around pipes, vents, chimneys and any other penetrations.
Examine the shingles for granules, which is the shingles protection layer against the sun. Shingle granules in your gutters may be a sign of advanced wear.
Look for any signs of rot, moisture or mold. Wet spots do not necessarily mean that the problem is in that immediate location, as water will travel prior to dripping. Bacteria, fungi and mold can begin growing within just 24 to 48 hours of a problem related to water.
Survey all gutters and downspouts to ensure they are secure, stable and free from any form of debris. Make certain that drains are open so that water can exit.
Ensure that all dryer, kitchen and bath vents do not only go into the attic space, but also the outside of the home.
Sure, all this roof inspection and examination doesn’t sound fun, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you detect problems early, then you are less likely going to find yourself needing a premature roof replacement. If your roof is in too bad of shape for repair and a new roof is necessary, it’s best to have a professional conduct the work as it is a tough and dangerous project to do on your own.
With your roof being an essential in life, it’s important to maintain its appearance and stability so that you and your family stay safe. By doing so, you can rest assured that your family will stay safe and sound for many years to come.
