4 Reasons Why You Should Inspect Your Shingled Roof Annually
The typical homeowner only examines the roof of their home after a storm has come through the area. A wiser choice is to get in the habit of inspecting your roof annually for any signs of trouble before an unexpected leak leaves you with a large repair bill. Damage that is caught early or prevented in the first place will save you money. Discuss your findings with a roofing Littleton CO professional to determine if a simple repair job is required on the problem spots or if the entire roof needs replacing. Here are the troubling signs to look for as you check over your roof.
Inspect the Shingles
Look at the shingles to ensure each one is lying flat on the rooftop. Take note of any that are buckling, especially in just one area, or any damaged or cracked spots. Peer into the gutters to see if shingle granules are collecting there, which signifies the shingles are starting to deteriorate and may need replacing soon. In the shady parts of your roof, check for any moss growth, which could be caused by trapped moisture. Otherwise, a good cleaning with a stiff brush will do away with the growth.
Examine the Seals
Examine all of the seals around the chimneys, vents and skylights to ensure they are still secured to the roof with no breaks or cracks. If you live in an older home, switch out any tar or cement seals to the newer metal versions that provide better protection against leaks.
Check the Appearance
From the ground, step back and look at the roof as a whole for any evidence of sagging or dropping in the roofline. This typically shows up on the roof’s lowest points and is caused by rotting boards or trapped moisture. If you notice this in a large portion of the roof, you are looking at the need for a total replacement job beyond just the shingles.
Scrutinize the Attic
Grab a flashlight and go into the attic to scrutinize your roof from another angle. Check for any signs of staining or streaks that could be caused by water coming through the roof. Turn the flashlight off and see if you notice any beams of light shining down from the attic ceiling and illuminating an area that needs further inspection.
An annual check of your roof will reveal any trouble spots that may require repair. Taking care of small problems quickly will prevent further damage to your roof and save you money in the long run.
