YOUR ROOF'S HEALTH
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Assessing the state of your roof
From outside the house, you can assess your roof’s health by viewing the material and areas through binoculars, or if you can safely and securely go up directly on your roof and inspect the area.
Some examples that your roof needs some TLC are:
- The sealants around the flashing details are cracked or non-existent.
- shingles that are buckled, curling, or blistering.
- irregular de-granulation in specific areas that are not consistent with the entire roof.
- Piles of grit are found in your eaves or at the bottom of your downspouts for your eaves system.
- The appearance of moss and lichen ( which can cause premature aging )
The above are minor issues that can affect your roof and in the long run cause pain and unforeseen expenses. However, there are other types of signs that might indicate a more pressing need to get a professional on top of your roof.
5 things to look for
1. Flashing Details. Check all of your flashing details. Obvious signs such as roof sealant that usually will be black in color or metal flashings are common. For example, metal flashing will require a sealant to ensure the integrity of the installation.
2. Curling Shingles. These are common signs as the roof ages. The shingles commonly curl up toward the sun. If you walk on your roof, use caution around this area as you can break the curled shingles if you walk across them, which will lead to exposed areas that can allow water to penetrate the roof deck.
3. Condensation leaks and improper ventilation. These two go hand in hand and can occur when the warm moist air from the living space is finding a way up and into your attic and there is not enough ventilation to expel the moisture. Dryer vents, bathroom, and kitchen exhaust vents are the usual suspects but are not entirely to blame in all cases, the relative humidity in your home can be altered by things as simple as the household plants or furnace humidifier.
Telltale signs that your attic is not ventilating properly include wet spots on the sheathing visible from looking inside your attic ice damming can be a good indicator of issues in the attic and improper ventilation.
4. Windstorm Damage. Wind damage is fairly easy to locate as the exposed nails from underlying courses can be seen by the naked eye. Blown shingles and lifted-up roof structures are among the most common and obvious signs. It is recommended after each wind warning to check your roof.
5. Hail Damage. Soft metals will be a great indicator if a hail storm damages your roof. A good place to look is your A/C unit or your exhaust vents and chimney caps as well as valley metal. If you can see the damage chances are that your shingles will be pitted and the fiberglass mat could be penetrated and breached.
Our staff has been properly trained and holds HAAG Certified Inspectors ready and experienced to assess any type of roof damage or potential trouble your structure might be in. So if in doubt, we are always a phone call away!
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