Table Of Content:
- A visual inspection should be done regularly. Make a note on the calendar and do it at least once a month and after each storm.
- Flashing (a piece of construction material that stops water from getting around things) at the roofline, vents, and valleys needs to be kept in good shape.
- Check the shingles on your roof for rot.
- The most common sign that something is wrong with your roof is when it sags or isn’t level.
A roof needs to protect a home from the weather, but roofs don’t last forever. Many roofs don’t last as long as they should because people ignore them. This leads to significant roof repairs in the end. It’s hard to tell when it’s time for a new roof.
A visual inspection should be done regularly. Make a note on the calendar and do it at least once a month and after each storm.
At least once a year, you should climb up there to get a better look. A pair of binoculars and a quick look over your shoulder from the top of a ladder is a good thing to do. You should look for signs that your roof needs a lot of money to fix. These signs include buckles, discoloration, rotting shingles, termites, the age of your roof, and other damage inside your home.
Flashing (a piece of construction material that stops water from getting around things) at the roofline, vents, and valleys needs to be kept in good shape.
Galvanized metal flashing should be put on top of the shingles. Often, galvanized flashing is found near the roof’s edge and around things that break through the shingles or go outside the roof (chimney, vents, skylights, etc.) Take a look at the flashing to see if the roof cement has dried, cracked, or corroded. People often don’t pay attention to flashing spots on a roof because they take a long time to show signs that something is wrong.
Check the shingles on your roof for rot.
When the surface of your roof starts to chip or get rusty, that means there is something wrong. Rotting shingles have holes in them or show signs of a lot of wear and tear. Roof shingles you can see are likely to start decaying. There is a good chance that rot is also taking place in places you can’t see, too. As soon as you see signs of decay, you should get your roof fixed right away. Cedar shake shingles, crack and bow when they’re nearing the end of their life. If you need to, you can replace these shingles. But it’s better to get rid of them and start over. Keep an eye out for shingles and other pieces of your roof that may have blown away. A new roof may be needed if a lot of shingles fall off.
Make sure to think about how old your roof is and how much it will cost to get it fixed. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it can quickly cost more to fix than buy a new one. People who want to save money, in the long run, could choose to get a new roof instead of selecting their old one. You might think about replacing an old roof even if it doesn’t show any signs of deterioration right now. If you want to sell your house, having a new roof makes it more appealing to buyers and raises the value of your home.
The most common sign that something is wrong with your roof is when it sags or isn’t level.
Your ridgeline should be level. Sheathing may be to blame if you see a swoop between the rafters of your home. People who have problems with their foundation might see their roof sag on the ridgeline. There may be cracked drywall and doors that don’t work right under the sag. You should look inside the house. The ceilings in your home may sag, so look for them. There is a good chance that water damage caused by roof leaks will cause the ceilings to fall. As well, look in your attic for signs of sags. Often, this is the first place where water damage can be seen in a home.
There are many things you can do to keep your roof in good shape, but not all of them are going to help. Having a professional come out and look at your roof is the only way to be sure that you need a new one. They can tell you if the damage they find can be fixed quickly or if you should get a new roof. It doesn’t take a lot of work to make a roof last longer if you keep an eye on it and make minor repairs. When your roof needs some attention, don’t spend money on things that aren’t necessary.
