While it’s true that a beautiful roof can enhance the house’s curbside appeal, it also protects your family from the elements. That is why it is vital to make sure that your roof stays in a reasonably strong, functional condition. This would require that you periodically check for weaknesses in your roof and make repairs.
Inspecting your roof needs to be done on the inside and outside of the home. Catching potential weak spots in your roof early enough can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.
Neglecting to do periodic checks can eventually lead to major defects in the roof, which would require an entire roof replacement. But what specifically should you check for when inspecting your roof?
Potential Warning Signs of a Failing Roof
In inspecting your roof for these signs of potential failure, you may be able to do some of the tasks yourself. Other more complicated tasks may require the assistance of a professional roofer.
Several visible signs would clearly indicate that your roof needs attention. Other signs may be more subtle.
Some of the signs to look for that would indicate a failing roof include the following:
- Leaks: It goes without saying, but the most obvious sign of a potential roofing problem is water leaking in the home from the ceiling. Check for brown water stains on the walls and ceiling, primarily in the attic. The smell or presence of mold or mildew could also indicate a leak in the roof.
- Missing or loose shingles: Single shingles are the home’s barrier between the roof and the elements. Any damaged, loose, or missing shingles could be a clear sign of a failing roof. When shingles loosen or fall off after years of use, the integrity of the roof weakens, leaving the home vulnerable to leaks.
- Sagging roof: If your roof is sagging, this would indicate that it has been exposed to moisture over a prolonged period of time. The roof would begin to sag because it has reached the point where it cannot support its own weight. A sagging roof looks bad but is also very serious and would require immediate attention and repair since there is an imminent threat of collapse.
- Granules in the gutter or yard: A clear sign that your roof needs attention is the presence of many granules in the gutters or washed into the yard by rainwater. Granules come from deteriorating shingles. While a few granules would not be a cause for concern, many would mean there are multiple shingles that would need to be replaced, especially if your roof is over 15 years old.
- Dark areas or algae on the roof: Something else to look for that could indicate a roofing problem is dark patches or algae growing on the roof. The presence of growing algae or moss could indicate that water is being retained on the roof. This could cause decay that could eventually lead to major repairs being needed.
- Peeling paint: Most homeowners would not normally connect peeling paint with a roofing problem. However, if you notice peeling paint on the outside of the home or in the attic, this may be due to a problem from an accumulation of moisture or poor ventilation due to a failing roof.
- Exposed or loose nails: Shingles are attached to the roof by nails, with a top layer of shingles covering those nails to prevent leakage. If you notice exposed nails, this would mean shingle loss, leaving the roof vulnerable to failure. Water can enter the spaces around the remaining nail heads.
- Damaged flashing: In areas that have crevices where water can seep in, such as chimneys and vents, flashing is placed to divert the water away. If any of the flashing is broken, bent, or missing, it would need to be replaced immediately. Also, the presence of even small holes in the flashing could indicate that water is leaking into the home.
- Higher energy bills: If you suddenly notice that your energy bills have gotten higher, this could indicate damage to the roof. A strong roof insulates the home, keeping everything tight and secure. If your HVAC system has to work harder to regulate the temperature inside the home, this may indicate that some damage to the roof has occurred.
- Age: Typically, the roof of a home lasts between 20 to 25 years. Two decades of being exposed to the elements, such as rain, snow, UV radiation, extreme heat, and high winds, would logically lead to extreme decay. So, even if you do not see considerable damage to your roof, it may still need to be totally replaced if it is approaching its 20th year.
Of course, this list is not comprehensive, but it does highlight some basic steps that can be done to inspect your roof. You may be able to do some of these steps yourself, but you may need to call the professionals for help with the other steps.
Protect Your Roof by Calling the Professionals
Far too often, a homeowner will wait until something major occurs, such as a leak in the home, before deciding to do a full roof inspection. Do not make that mistake!
Regularly checking and maintaining the condition of your roof can not only save you money but also prolong its lifespan. Ignoring any potentially concerning areas can lead to total roof failure.
When checking your roof for weaknesses, remember to perform a thorough inspection since overlooking any small areas could eventually lead to needing major repairs. One way to ensure a thorough inspection of even its hidden areas is by hiring an experienced roofing company like JP Carroll Roofing to do it.
New England’s trusted roofer since 1987, JP Carroll Roofing has over 30 years of experience in protecting the homes of families in Connecticut and Massachusetts from the elements. Call us today at (860) 215-2644 to discuss an inspection and free estimate on any repairs that may potentially be needed.
