The roof of your home is the first line of defense from the elements to which it is constantly exposed, yet it is expected to provide constant protection of the occupants, home structure and possessions.
If you haven’t had a roof inspection in recent years, or if you are concerned about possible roof damage or deterioration, read through these 11 signs that will help you decide if your roof needs replacement or repair.
Exterior visual inspection
For an exterior visual inspection of your roof, it may not be necessary to venture up a ladder. In fact, it is strongly advised not to climb up on to the roof, as thousands of serious injuries are attributed to roofing accidents each year. Visually inspect your roof from the safety of your yard, and look for these signs:
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Missing or damaged shingles, moss and algae growth and torn or bent flashing are common warning signs of a roof in disrepair. Damaged flashing around vents and chimneys may indicate water seepage, even if signs of water leaking into the living spaces hasn’t yet been detected.
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The ridge of your roof should follow a straight line. If the ridge line sags or has a saddle-back in the middle, there may be structural damage.
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Persistent debris accumulation on the roof can cause water damage. Flat roofs are particularly susceptible to debris accumulation and water collection. To avoid flat roof repair, or repairs to any roof types, include professional roof cleaning on your summer home improvement checklist.
Gutter inspection
A healthy gutter system is necessary for a healthy roof. A leaky gutter, or a gutter system with poor drainage promotes saturated landscaping, which may contribute to moisture accumulation in the interior spaces of a home, and may cause damage to the foundation. Look for these gutter issues:
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Pieces of shingle or granules wash out the downspouts, indicating aging or damage.
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Leaky or clogged gutters spill water onto the property which may cause moisture damage to the foundation and home structure.
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Areas with rust, dents or scratches indicate the need for gutter repair or replacement.
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When viewing the gutter, look for shingle damage, and mold or rot along the eaves and roof edge. Water can seep under shingles and quickly deteriorate roofing structure.
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Flat roofs use scuppers for drainage. If you have a leaky flat roof, scuppers are prime suspects which lead to flat roof repair.
Interior inspection
An inspection or your attic points out any areas of water damage. Portions of your home with a flat roof won’t have attic space, so water damage will occur directly to the living spaces or inside walls which necessitate flat roof repair. Look for these signs:
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Dark streaks in the timber signal water leakage. Common areas for water leakage are around the flashing along the roof’s edge and around vent pipes and chimneys.
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Look for pinholes (nail holes) of sunlight. This indicates missing shingles or sheathing which may not be visible from the exterior visual inspection.
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Stains and blistering paint on interior walls and ceilings are signs of water leakage. This is a serious issue which deserves immediate attention from your roofing contractor.
Professional inspection
Lastly, the age of your roof and the amount of preventive care it received through the years is a good indication if you need to replace the roof before it begins to deteriorate and fail. Different roofing materials and roof types have different life spans. Keep in mind that it takes a professional evaluation by a roofing contractor to determine the state of the roof, actual damage and the best course of action to take.
Image Credit: Mark Lincoln
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